A space for beauty and wellness
In 2023, Aesthetic Repository opened its doors, bringing a fresh perspective to the wellness industry. This MedSpa/Wellness Center is the brainchild of Lunette Castillo, an independent family nurse practitioner and mother of three. Her wellness journey wasn’t just a business decision but a deeply personal mission inspired by her life experiences.
Castillo spent years working in a hospital as a seasoned medical professional, treating diseases with medications and helping patients cope with their symptoms rather than addressing the root causes. When she lost her mother to cancer in 2011, her entire mindset shifted.
Castillo describes her mother, Harriette Wilson, as “an outstanding woman with a huge heart who often went out of her way to care for others.” Wilson was also a single mother of five who worked hard to support her community and ensure her children were well taken care of.
Castillo reflected on her mother’s passing in 2011 and couldn’t help but wonder whether things would have been different if her mother had taken time to focus on her own wellness. This thought led her to pursue an avenue to provide preventative care.
“I wanted to create a space where wellness and beauty are intertwined, where we focus on preventing illness and promoting health as a natural occurrence resulting from consistent self-care,” she said. “Seeing the alarming rates of cancer among millennials and knowing that we are the first generation with a lower expected lifespan than our parents really pushed me to try and make a difference.”
Launching Aesthetic Repository was no small feat, especially as a Black woman in the predominantly white North Loop neighborhood. Despite her significant credentials and dedication, Castillo found gaining a sense of belonging within the local business community more challenging than anticipated.
She has perceived a disparity in support between white peers in the industry, who are sought out for collaborations. She hasn’t felt that her peers in the neighborhood are invested in her success. Yet, despite these obstacles, the neighborhood residents have supported her. “The average person who walks in the door sees the value in what we offer, and that support means everything to me.”
Preparing to open her first business and taking the steps needed to ensure its triumph was a meticulous process. She knew it wouldn’t be easy and approached it with a mindset of frugality and education. The wellness aspect came naturally to her, but understanding the numbers—knowing when to expect to break even and make a profit—took effort. Regardless of her challenges, she remains committed to making Aesthetic Repository a success and is still striving toward profitability.
Aesthetic Repository has quickly become known for its comprehensive weight loss packages, particularly the liraglutide (Ozempic) treatments. However, Castillo takes the most pride in the skin services she can offer to melanated clients. She explained that there’s a hole in the market for treating skin conditions more commonly seen in those with darker skin tones, such as hyperpigmentation.
Owning her business has allowed her to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. When asked what the most rewarding part of owning her business is, she said, “Seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces and knowing that our services positively impact their lives is so fulfilling. Making wellness accessible in our community and providing inclusive aesthetic services that work on all skin tones is meaningful to me. “
She has ambitious goals for Aesthetic Repository, including expanding into mental health services. She is currently working on obtaining her mental health certification and will soon be double-boarded as a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
“I want to make this a holistic wellness center. That’s my vision. I want to offer basic psych services and alternative therapies for depression and chronic pain. I would love to have a mental health therapist on site as well.
“To me, that would encompass the total wellness package. You’ll have access to external aesthetics services, wellness services such as vitamin drips and weight loss treatments, and be able to seek out psychotherapy,” Castillo explained.
She is determined to guide others onto a path of wellness and self-care while finding time for herself. She relaxes at least once a week, whether getting a massage, going for a long walk, or enjoying a solo picnic by the water.
Castillo’s vision for Aesthetic Repository is clear: She aims to create a holistic wellness center that addresses her community’s physical and mental needs, equally prioritizing external and internal beauty. As she continues navigating the challenges of being a Black entrepreneur in a predominantly white neighborhood, Castillo’s journey is an inspiring example of how personal experience can drive meaningful change.
