Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Miller.
Hi Caitlyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you had asked 12-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would’ve told you I wanted to do nails. I spent my summers painting American flags on my family members’ toes and practicing on anyone who would let me. Looking back now, it’s funny to think that what started as a childhood obsession would become my life’s work.
Owning a salon was always the dream, but I never could have imagined where that dream would lead. Today, we’re preparing to open our second location in Carlisle, and there are still moments when I have to stop and remind myself that this is real.
I’ve always believed deeply in manifestation. For years, I would meditate and picture a cozy little hobbit house beside a creek. I could see the feeling of it so clearly, something so calming and grounding. Then our Camp Hill building came into our lives. It’s wonderfully odd-shaped, full of character, and has the most beautiful creek behind it. I truly believe I manifested that building, and I don’t mind if that sounds a little delusional. Sometimes the biggest dreams require you to believe in them long before they make sense to anyone else.
I’ve always considered myself the black sheep, both in my family and within the beauty industry. Instead of trying to fit into what I thought a salon was supposed to be, I decided to create something that reflected who I am. Mystic Moon was built to be a place where people feel safe, accepted, and celebrated exactly as they are. Diversity and inclusivity have never been trends for us, they are part of our what we are at our core.
None of this would be possible without the incredible team that chose to believe in this vision alongside me. They pour their hearts into Mystic Moon every day, and what we’ve built is a reflection of the people who have helped shape it. I may have started with a dream and a bottle of nail polish, but it takes an amazing team to turn that dream into a real community.
At the end of the day, my greatest title will never be business owner, it will always be Mom. Mystic Moon has allowed me to build a life where ambition and motherhood don’t have to compete. I get to chase my dreams while still being there for theirs, and that is something I never take for granted. Every milestone this business reaches means another opportunity to build a life that’s rich in memories, not just accomplishments.
When I look back, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, not only because we’re preparing to open a second location, but because we’ve created a place that feels like home to so many people. And somehow, I still feel like we’re only getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not even close, it has definitely bumpy, but every challenge has shaped me into the leader I am today.
When I first started, I thought my job was to make everyone happy. I’ve since realized I’m a recovering people pleaser, and business ownership has been the greatest teacher in learning that you can support people deeply without always being able to give them the answer they want. I’m still learning this.
One of the hardest parts of this journey has been growing from a nail technician into a leader. I quickly learned that leadership isn’t about being liked all the time, it’s about making thoughtful decisions, having honest conversations, and creating a business that’s healthy for both the team and the future. That balance can be incredibly difficult because I genuinely care about the people I work with. I want my team to feel supported, valued, and empowered, even if that sometimes means making decisions they don’t immediately understand. Remember, I am a little delusional in dreaming.
I’ve made mistakes. I’ve questioned myself. There have been days where the weight of owning a business felt overwhelming. But every challenge has helped me grow, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a person.
One thing I’ve learned is that while I may have started Mystic Moon, the people inside these walls are what make it feel like Mystic Moon. Our team is the heart of this place. Every artist brings their own personality, talent, and kindness, and together we’ve created something so much bigger than a salon. We’ve built a community. Watching each person grow into themselves and seeing the impact they have on our clients is one of the greatest privileges of my job.
I still believe in dreaming big, but I’ve learned that dreams become reality because of the people who choose to believe in them with you. I’m incredibly grateful for the team that continues to help bring this vision to life every single day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Mystic Moon Collective, we offer everything from nails and pedicures to facials, headspa experiences, lashes, brows, and massage, but what we truly specialize in is creating a place where people feel like they belong.
I’ve always believed that beauty is so much more than the service itself. It’s how someone feels when they walk through the door, the conversations they have, the relationships they build, and the confidence they leave with. We wanted to create a space that felt warm, intentional, and welcoming to everyone. A place where people could slow down, exhale, and simply be themselves.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific service or even opening a second location. It’s the culture we’ve created. When clients walk into Mystic Moon, they’re not just meeting talented artists. They’re meeting genuinely kind people who care deeply about their craft and about the people sitting in their chairs. Every member of our team brings something different, and together they’ve created an atmosphere that simply can’t be duplicated. They are the heartbeat of Mystic Moon, and I’m incredibly proud of the environment we’ve built together.
I think what sets us apart is that we’ve never tried to fit into the traditional idea of what a salon should be. We’ve embraced being a little different. From the beginning, we’ve led with authenticity, inclusivity, and community. We welcome everyone exactly as they are, and we hope they leave feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.
At the end of the day, we’re in the business of beauty, but I like to think what we’re really creating is connection.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Without question, my family.
My children have always been my “why.” Every decision I’ve made, from starting Mystic Moon to expanding into a second location, has been rooted in creating a life where I can show them what it looks like to chase a dream while still being present for the moments that matter most. Success has never meant missing out on the people I love. If anything, it’s been about building a life where I don’t have to choose between being a mom and building something meaningful.
Beyond my family, what matters most is people. I believe everyone deserves a place where they feel welcomed, accepted, and valued exactly as they are. That’s the heartbeat of Mystic Moon. I want every client, every team member, and every person who walks through our doors to feel like they belong.
I also hope I never lose the part of myself that leads with kindness. I’m still learning every day as a business owner, and I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the most organized or naturally business-minded person in the room. But I hope no one ever questions how deeply I care. My team may not always agree with every decision I make, but I want them to always know they’re supported and loved.
I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some days my team needs accountability. Other days they need encouragement, someone to listen, or someone to remind them they’re capable of more than they realize. I always tell people, “Tell me what you need from me, and I’ll meet you there.” If you need me to be your leader, I’ll be your leader. If you need a friend, I’ve got you. There’s always room at my table.
At the end of the day, if my family is proud of me, my team feels supported, and the people who walk through our doors leave feeling a little more seen than when they came in, then I’d say I’ve built a life I’m incredibly proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mysticmooncollective.com
- Instagram: mystic.moon.collective
