1. What is your name, and how long have you been living and working in Summerside?
My name is Michelle Tournay. I’ve been living in Summerside since September 2022, and I began working here shortly after, on January 4, 2023.
2. What inspired you to start this business, and what made you choose your location?
I founded Body Craft Esthetics in 2018 while living in Hamilton, Ontario. At the time, I was a city transit operator and personally struggling with rosacea and psoriasis. I was undergoing IPL treatments to help manage my skin condition, but I found the treatments expensive and reliable information hard to come by. That experience sparked a strong desire to educate myself and eventually help others facing similar challenges.
My medical aesthetician, Linda, saw my passion and suggested I consider a career in medical aesthetics. The more I learned, the more inspired I became—so I enrolled in the program, and it ultimately changed my path.
After the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I relocated to Summerside with my family. A friend of ours already living in PEI mentioned that the island lacked access to advanced aesthetic services and that my skills and equipment could truly benefit the community. We explored different areas, but Summerside stood out to us for its charm, slower pace, and welcoming vibe.
Interestingly, it was my mother, Hilda, who spotted the current location. She saw the plaza, made an inquiry, and discovered a rental space was available. I met with the landlord, and we both felt it was a perfect match. It all came together very organically.
3. Can you tell me about your business and what products/services you offer?
Body Craft Esthetics provides advanced medical aesthetic treatments at accessible price points. My goal is to offer high-quality, result-driven services without the intimidating price tag. I specialize in a range of treatments including:
Laser hair removal
Laser facials
Spider vein and hyperpigmentation reduction
Chemical peels
Microdermabrasion
Dermaplaning
Microneedling
Exosome therapy
Cosmetic teeth whitening
I’m also excited to soon introduce a new multi-functional system that offers 15 treatment options in one device, with a specialty in hydrabrasion and customizable serum boosters.
4. What do you love most about being a business owner in the Greater Summerside Area?
What I love most is the genuine support I receive from clients, colleagues, and the broader community. People on the west side of the Island have truly embraced me and my business. Many are grateful to have access to these services locally, without needing to travel to Charlottetown. It’s been incredibly rewarding to serve a community that values wellness and is eager to grow alongside its small businesses.
5. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business, and why should they choose the Greater Summerside Area?
My best advice is to do your research and be willing to put in the work. Learn what the community needs and figure out how your business can meet those needs while adding value. As for choosing Summerside, it’s a city on the cusp of growth. There’s a collective energy here; the community is invested in seeing local businesses succeed. If you’re looking for a place where your work can make a meaningful impact and where you’ll be genuinely supported, Summerside is the place to be.