V&M Aesthetics Named Winner of Inaugural Women’s Small Business Contest


The Women’s Business Center of Kentucky—in partnership with WLEX 18 and PNC Bank—has awarded first place in the inaugural Women’s Small Business Jump Starter Kit Contest to V&M Aesthetics, a brand-new business set to open in Morehead in March 2022. The prize, a ‘Small Business Starter Package’, is valued at $5,000 and is sponsored by PNC Bank. The contest was held in October 2021, in celebration of national ‘Women in Small Business Month.’

Funded by the Small Business Administration and hosted by Community Ventures, the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky is aimed at giving female entrepreneurs the tools and support they need to start and grow a business.

“This campaign with WLEX was designed to inspire women who are pondering the idea of business ownership and assist those women who are just starting their journey as entrepreneurs,” explained Phyllis Alcorn, Director of the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky. “On average, women start businesses later in life than men. It was our hope that a contest such as this would generate awareness of the services provided by the WBC of Kentucky, where we give women the tools they need to succeed in launching, maintaining and excelling in business.”

V&M Aesthetics is owned by Valerie Campbell, former Director of Marketing and PR for St. Claire Healthcare in Morehead and Michelle Emerick White who works for Morehead State University in graduate services. The spa will offer clients total pampering with a full range of beauty services and products.

”Michelle and I are really excited to be opening our business in Morehead,” said Campbell. ”We believe that the services we provide will be unique and not currently available in our area.”

Services that V&M Aesthetics will offer under the under the watchful eye of an ARNP nurse practitioner include injectables like collagen and the O-shot, oxygen infused vitamin C, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, laser vein treatments and acne treatments. A massage therapist will also be on staff, mani/pedis will be offered and beer and wine will be available. A retail shopping space will feature both the Kendra Scott and Kinsley Armelle jewelry lines, Farmhouse Fresh Organics skincare products, Glo cosmetics and other brands of facial creams and serums.

The contest winners were officially recognized on air on WLEX 18. The prizes will be awarded in the Community Ventures’ offices at 1450 North Broadway in Lexington.

“We are truly thankful to PNC Bank for sponsoring the prizes to Channel 18 for their participation,” said Alcorn. “This was our first year for this contest, and there was only a one-week window to submit entries so we considered it a success to have 20 contestants.”

For their winning submission, Campbell and White will benefit from the following as they launch V&M Aesthetics:

  • Logo and business card design – Services provided by Ariana Shelton, owner of Inked Up Ari, and valued at $150
  • Website design and creation + 1 year service – Services provided by Octane Design Studio, owner Danielle Stinnett and valued at $2,000
  • 15 – 30 second video promo, professional head shot, professional product shot – Services provided by Brandon Turner, owner of Unsung Hero Media, and valued at $500
  • Tripod, photo box, and ring light valued at $125
  • 1 on 1 Social Media Strategy Session for 30 days of content – Services provided by Le’Shae Robinson
  • 1 on 1 Business counseling from WBC of Kentucky
  • Free admission to the WBC of Kentucky Business Builder workshop
  • WBC Swag package
  • $500 gift card
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