What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur? As Blake would be the first to tell you, it requires a little risk, a lot of passion, and an unending commitment to do whatever is required to make one’s dream a reality. Based on this model, Keeley Bauer, the founder of Imago Dei Esthetics in Kimberling City, would seem to be well on her way to realizing her entrepreneurial goals.

Growing up in Reeds Spring, Keeley always had a passion for beauty, and early in life, she began to consider how she could turn that interest into a business. Though she considered cosmetology school as she neared the end of high school, she eventually decided to give college a try. After a fun but ultimately unconvincing semester at Southwest Baptist University, Keeley returned to the idea of pursuing a less conventional path forward and enrolled in Missouri College of Cosmetology and Esthetics.

That was in February 2020, the month before the pandemic struck. Needless to say, if Keeley was feeling any stress or self-doubt after dropping out of college and restarting her education, an unexpected transition to virtual classes couldn’t have helped. Yet Keeley remained committed to her decision and pushed through, finishing her program in esthetics last November.

After wrapping up her formal training, Keeley took little time in putting her newly acquired skills to use, opening Imago Dei Esthetics in January. Conveniently located within the Therapeutic Bodyworks and Wellness Center in Kimberling City, Keeley reports that Imago Dei has quickly developed a consistent and loyal clientele–something not to be taken for granted for a young business during these trying times.

As much as we recognize how COVID continues to make 2021 a difficult year for starting a business, we can’t say we’re surprised that Keeley has found success over the last few months. Keeley is not just a savvy and hard-working individual, but also passionate about the service she provides. For Keeley, the motivation behind her work lies in the name, Imago Dei.

As someone who dealt with self-image issues earlier in life, Keeley knows how far encouragement and care can go when feeling unworthy. Though she enjoys helping others look and feel their very best, she takes every opportunity to affirm that the value and worth of an individual is never conditional or based on appearance. Instead, everyone is worthy of love because they are already loved by a Creator who made them in His image.

Imago Dei’s service menu includes several different facial packages, ranging from a 30-minute mini-facial to an hour-long signature facial. In addition, Keeley performs microdermabrasion, relaxation massages, lash and brow tinting, waxing, dermaplaning, and lash-lifts. If you’re interested in any esthetic procedures, we recommend giving Keeley a call at 417-559-1327!