Opening Up

You’re Glowing: Entrepreneur steps out on her own with day spa

Jessica Mahlum, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

FACING LIFE. Kate Mahlum owns G L O W Beauty & Clinical Spa, located in the Artboxx Salon at 419 S. Barstow Street in downtown Eau Claire.
FACING LIFE. Kate Mahlum owns G L O W Beauty & Clinical Spa, located in the Artboxx Salon at 419 S. Barstow Street in downtown Eau Claire.

Imagine you’re resting on a soft expanse of clouds. You’ve had problematic skin for years but right now your skin is happy and showing immediate results. You don’t know it yet, but those results will last for weeks. You breathe and relax deeper into the hands of luxury. The nerves in your scalp, neck, and shoulders light up from the gentle, yet experienced, touch of an angel.

That angel’s name is Kate Mahlum, and you can find her at G L O W Beauty & Clinical Spa in the Artboxx Salon, 419 S. Barstow St.

“I’ve had a passion for beauty and wellness for as long as I can remember. Since high school I’ve always been the one friends ask for make-up and beauty tips.” – Kate Mahlum, G L O W Beauty & Clinical Spa

Now back to reality. Mahlum is not an angel but, in fact, a normal local woman who has an extraordinary passion for beauty and luxury services. (And, in the interest of full disclosure, she’s also my twin sister. I’m a client and her biggest fan.) She specializes in anti-aging treatments and acne care by using light chemical peels, dermaplaning, and other methods.

Artboxx is a building that is bustling with female entrepreneurs focused on beauty services, and Mahlum has found her place in the eclectic community. “I was welcomed by every single woman there with open arms and they have become my second family,” she said. “It is so inspiring to work around such talented women.”

“I’ve had a passion for beauty and wellness for as long as I can remember,” Mahlum said. “Since high school I’ve always been the one friends ask for make-up and beauty tips.” She took the next step and worked as a freelance makeup artist, created a body care line so natural you could eat it, and managed beauty counters for Clinique, Estee Lauder, & Elizabeth Arden. She graduated in 2018 from The Aveda Institute in Minneapolis as a licensed esthetician.

After getting her license, she worked for a local plastic surgeon but quickly became aware that the work was not fulfilling. She decided to take the terrifying leap and build something of her own.

“I opened G L O W Beauty & Clinical Spa in January,” she said. “I loved growing up in the Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire area! My hometown is so friendly. There is nowhere else I would rather start my business!”

Her wide array of clients seem to be just as excited as she is. “After having a facial and dermaplaning, my face has never felt or looked better,” client Alie Larson said. “Even with sensitive skin, Kate is unbelievably knowledgeable and amazing to work with.”

“Kate is so professional and kind!” said Jo Burke, another one of Mahlum’s repeat clients. “Her skills are amazing in terms of skincare and she treats everyone with such respect and calmness.”

“My goal is to teach clients about skin health and which treatments will be most beneficial,” Mahlum said. “I don’t utilize any treatment unless I believe it will give my client immediate and long lasting benefits. … Seeing my clients with amazing results has further fueled my passion. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for myself and my clients!”

Learn more by searching for G L O W Beauty & Clinical Spa on Facebook. More information on Mahlum’s services, and others in the Artboxx Salon, can be found on their Facebook page or by calling (715) 514-3188.