One Woman, One Change, Endless Impact

Allvera owner shares her passion with Pickerington

Change one small thing at a time. That’s Michele McTeague’s philosophy.

McTeague, 43, owner of Allvera in Pickerington, made one big change two years ago that has shaped her life and helped her continue advocating for self-improvement.

In July 2009, after spending almost 20 years in real estate, McTeague chose to dive into a new business to share what had always been a quiet and private passion for her: health care. Hoping to help others follow in her own footsteps of putting personal well-being first, she created a venue where self time comes first.

She bought Allvera and reshaped the business, previously known primarily for body wraps, into a wellness center. It was her way of sharing a personal passion with everyone.

“I’ve been doing this for two years, and even before that, I was working with family members and friends and seeing changes in them,” she says. “It always amazes me when somebody just makes a small change, and they go home and they sleep great that night or they feel better about themselves. It changes something in them, and it always makes me feel so good.”

The transition toward sharing health has done more than just expand McTeague’s life.

McTeague, who is married with two children, hopes to offer help beyond just providing a service. From personal experience, she is aware of how self-perspective can create positivity.

Before purchasing the shop, she felt the highs and lows of poor health – so much so that she sought out an herbal medicine store in the hopes of finding a means to feel better.

Finding such a remedy helped McTeague see that “the whole premise of natural health (is) not hiding symptoms, but figuring out what those symptoms are pointing to and then supporting that system.”

The 15-year Pickerington resident continues to take her own advice. While at work, she remains a continuous example of a positive lifestyle.

She also is a client, practicing her own de-stressing techniques and receiving all the services offered. Hypnotherapy is one experience that helped her in her own clarity and career change.

“Being relaxed and addressing your subconscious mind is wonderful,” McTeague says.

McTeague’s shop on Clint Drive also offers a connection to the Pickerington community – it carries a piece of the town around it. The majority of products sold are locally made, and she doesn’t “sell anything that I haven’t tried or used.”

McTeague’s dedication to giving back and connecting helps make Allvera a Pickerington staple. The store has handcrafted jewelry on display and pictures from local artists hanging on the walls.

Allvera promises more than relaxation, McTeague says. Although tranquility is a key element – with services like reflexology, foot detoxes, massages, Reiki, hypnotherapy and various body wraps – those looking for something beyond a couple of hours of quiet can find a solution in McTeague’s original advice: Find one manageable, small change, and apply it.

“Everybody has a preconceived notion of what wellness is, and when you start learning about it, you realize it’s actually something very different,” McTeague says. “Nobody is perfect, and that’s not important. What’s important is that you make the small changes that you can and that you can continue to keep up. And then later on down the road, you will find another small change that you can manage.”

McTeague loves her new life and loves helping others enjoy theirs.

“I love to help people move from one place to another, to meet a goal.”

Sara Mitchell is a contributing writer. Comments and feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com.

By Brenda Layman