Enter Mana Holistic Healing...
Imagine walking into a little shop, nestled opposite the serene lake at Lake Cathie, where the air smells of tranquillity, candles are burning and the ambiance whispers pure relaxation. This is Mana Holistic Healing, a holistic massage and healing studio operated by the beautiful (inside and out) Michelle Louise. It’s one of the Mid North Coast’s best-kept secrets—until now.
For a while, Mana Holistic Healing was the stuff of local legend—word of mouth only. But then came Jennifer Sjolund from FOLK Creative Marketing based here in Port Macquarie, a powerhouse who decided it was time to take this hidden gem and let it shine on socials and the world wide web.
All Power Comes From Within You!
Mana Holistic Healing is a sanctuary for the body, mind, and soul. Michelle treats her clients on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels, inviting them to embrace the Hawaiian philosophy of 'Mana'—the belief that "all power comes from within you." She uses the most divine products from the IKOU Organic skincare range, making every treatment feel like pure luxury. And if that wasn’t enough, she also sells hand-made crystal jewellery, crafted specifically for Mana Holistic Healing by Love Amandi. These pieces are as beautiful as they are meaningful.
A Corporate Photography job like no other
When Jen approached me for a personal branding photography shoot for Michelle, I was a bit hesitant. You see, I’m a simple country girl at heart. Jen was using foreign words describing what would be involved in the shoot like Koshi chimes, feather fans, medicine drums… ok the list is outrageously long of the things I didn’t understand I’ll stop here before they realise what a complete bogan I am. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. I thought I’d be getting told my aura was a red-hot mess and that my chakras needed a serious wheel alignment. Was I wrong!
Jen, being the organised genius she is, handed me Pinterest mood boards, a detailed brief, shot lists and colour swatches that would make any interior designer swoon. She even provided models, bared her all (she is the female model in the shoot) and kept a watchful eye on every outfit change, ensuring everything stayed on brand. As a corporate photographer, this level of preparation was invaluable.
A Day of Unexpected Luxury (For Everyone BUT Me!)
I was there as the personal branding photographer to take business photos, not to get pampered. But watching the whole thing unfold made me seriously consider putting my cameras down, stripping off and jumping onto the massage table myself! The experience kicked off with a divine foot bath—think salts, gorgeous dried pink petals, and magnesium (apparently for relaxation). Then came the tea, the massages that looked like they could melt away all your worries, and facials that had me reconsidering my whole skincare routine. And tucked away at the back? A private infra-red sauna with some pretty fancy tech gear in it. Yes, you read that right—a private sauna.
There were a few little things I didn’t totally understand but it sure looked relaxing and oh all the beautiful smells! Prior to the massage, Michelle started burning ‘sage’, which turns out smells like pot – who knew? I thought, “Oh, great, this is the part where they get me stoned and then rub frankincense on my ear lobes!” But Michelle reassured me that sage burning clears the air, purifies the energy, and rids the room of negative vibes. I sure was lucky that sage didn’t kick me out of the room!
Ending on a High Note
The shoot ended by the lake, with the peaceful sounds of Michelle playing her handmade drum made from kangaroo skin and her sound bowls. As the sun set it casted a pinky-peach glow across the sky and then like magic a full mood rose above the lake. The universe itself was on brand. I’m not entirely sure Jen from FOLK Creative Marketing didn’t have a hand in that too—she’s that good!
Moon totally on brand
What's next for this little personal branding + business photographer?
If you’re anywhere near Lake Cathie, do yourself a favour and pop into Mana Holistic Healing and meet Michelle.
Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography, a Port Macquarie based professional photographer, delivers personal branding and corporate photos that capture genuine smiles —no stiff, posed photographs! Perfect for elevating your website and social media, Kris’s business and corporate branding photography packages start at just $495. Kris works closely with her clients to ensure her photos are on brand. No two corporate shoots will be the same nor will two of her clients be the same. Reach out today to make your brand shine.
Cheers
Kris
Kristen Shaw Photography