Laura is the Owner and Primary Practitioner for Elevate Holistics, a holistic spa in South Austin specializing in bodywork and skincare. Her intuitive healing and natural desire to care for others keeps her client-focused and striving to be a leader in women’s wellness. In addition to practicing massage since 2008, she graduated from the Aveda Institute and interned at a holistic spa to learn about a more natural approach to skincare.

Taking a “whole client” approach to bodywork, she addresses physical and emotional factors to facilitate the most positive results. She strives to make her studio a safe space for healing on all levels and especially loves caring for pregnant and postpartum women. A mother, musician, and a writer, she works to live her best life and help others do the same.

I sincerely enjoy helping people achieve balance, peace and relaxation in their bodies with Massage Therapy and when needed, the added extra of energy work with Reiki. I genuinely take pride in my work.

I have enjoyed being a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 23 years, a Reiki Practitioner for 20 years with Master Level training, and an Esthetician for 6 years. I began my career in New Hampshire where I attended the New Hampshire Institute of Therapeutic Arts, I studied Usui Ryoho Reiki in California working in California and Northern Nevada for many years. My life path brought me to Austin where I have studied Esthetics, Usui Reiki Holy Fire and Animal Reiki.

I am thrilled to live in Texas and look forward to working with you soon.

My name is Merritt Knize, and I have been a Licensed Esthetician in Texas since 2011. I supported two of Austin’s top spas before establishing Merritt Skincare in 2014.

My passion for skincare started in elementary school when my friend’s mother introduced me to my first mask and facial steaming. Before I knew it, I was steaming my face at home and making my own masks from edible ingredients in the kitchen. By the time I was in junior high school, sleepovers meant at-home facials for my friends.

My hunger for increasing knowledge of proper skincare, product ingredients, and treatments resulted in me gaining a formal education in esthetics and obtaining my license. I have continuously and eagerly expanded my knowledge and skills, which has been conveyed through my high quality treatments and has won me many glowing reviews.

I am a certified Nefeli Gua Sha Facial practitioner, and I am additionally certified in other advanced, traditional healing and rejuvenating methods, including:

• Gua Sha Facial Fusion (TCM),
• Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD),
• ASTECC Connective Tissue Manipulation (CTM),
• Dien Chan Zone® Facial Reflexology,
• Thai Herbal Poultice Facial Massage (TTM),
• and Ayurvedic Kansa massage.

I am also certified in the Sculptural Face Lifting Technique + intra-oral massage through Yakov Gershkovich. I received my Board Certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner from the AADP in April of 2020.