After two years of dedication, hard work, and planning, Holly Schwendemann has opened the doors to Holly’s Aesthetics & Spa in her hometown. Born from a lifelong passion for skincare and self-care, this new space is more than just a business; it’s the culmination of a dream built with love, persistence, and a whole lot of paint.
After co-owning and operating a successful hair salon with her mom for more than 26 years, Holly felt inspired to bring something new to the Montevideo community. She pursued an Advanced Practice Esthetician Initial Operator License and transformed her grandmother’s house into a tranquil spa retreat.
“At Holly’s Aesthetics and Spa, our goal is to help you feel refreshed, revitalized, and confident in your skin. Whether you’re here for a facial, skincare treatment, or a moment of relaxation, every service is designed to bring out your natural beauty while providing a serene escape from the everyday hustle,” Holly said.
Between keeping the salon running, being a mom, a wife, and building this dream from the ground up, it’s been a wild ride—full of hiccups, hustle, and heart. Help has been essential. Holly’s family has been by her side throughout the startup journey. But she also got support from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) loan programs.
“I am incredibly grateful to Southwest Initiative Foundation for helping me secure the loan that allowed me to update our salon and transform my grandmother’s house into Holly’s Aesthetics & Spa. Their support has made it possible for me to grow as a business owner, honor my family’s legacy, and bring new services to our community. This dream would not have been possible without them,” Holly said.
Creating economic mobility through lending
Loans have been a key function of SWIF since the beginning, supporting communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
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