Vital Foot Care Studio

Bridging the gap between salon luxury & health-focused foot care

In 2001, while still in high school, Katherine Augustine began her journey in the beauty and wellness industry performing manicures and pedicures at a traditional day spa. One of her first observations was a lack of emphasis on proper sanitation and the health of clients’ feet. 

Katherine launched her first business in 2002, Nails by Lady Katherine, determined to offer something better. As her expertise grew, so did her awareness of a critical void in the beauty and wellness industry. Many clients—especially seniors, diabetics, and those with compromised immune systems—were underserved by standard salon practices. They needed a gentler, safer, judgment-free approach to foot care. Yet, the options were limited: either basic cosmetic services or full medical podiatry, with little in between.

Recognizing this gap, Katherine saw the opportunity to pivot her business toward wellness-centered foot care. Shifting from a traditional salon to a health-focused studio with a new brand and refined services required expert guidance, along with thoughtful strategy and planning.

Katherine’s passion for this service developed over two decades of working with clients, continuing education, and dedicating her business to wellness, transforming her small salon into a specialty practice serving clients who need more than a traditional pedicure can offer.

In 2024, Katherine contacted the Alaska Small Business Development Center for support during her rebranding journey. She connected with SBDC Anchorage Business Advisor Ginny Grabowski, whose expertise and collaborative spirit helped Katherine translate her vision into reality.

“I knew it was time to take my business in a new direction. My goal was to provide wellness-focused pedicures that truly addressed my clients’ needs. With many ideas in mind, I turned to the Alaska SBDC for support. That’s when I connected with Ginny, who became an invaluable resource during my rebranding journey. She listened to my ideas, offered insightful suggestions, and provided constant encouragement. Her guidance helped me organize and execute my vision, ultimately leading to the 2025 launch of Vital Foot Care Studio as an LLC.”

With Ginny’s support, Katherine successfully rebranded and launched Vital Foot Care Studio in January 2025, a new name that reflects her commitment to clean, thoughtful, health-conscious care.

Vital Foot Care Studio now offers a truly unique service in the Anchorage area, focusing on wellness pedicures designed for clients who may not require podiatric medical treatment but do need a higher level of sanitation, professionalism, and personal attention than a standard salon can offer.

The studio operates one-on-one in a private, calming space. Tools are autoclaved, which means they’re sterilized in a high-pressure steam machine—like what hospitals use—to completely eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi. (Think of it as giving every instrument a spa day in a germ-zapping sauna!) Surfaces are disinfected between each client, and every visit is designed with comfort and safety in mind. Heated neck wraps and complimentary water enhance the client experience, but what really sets the business apart is Katherine’s deep knowledge and judgment-free care.

Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

• “Katherine is very knowledgeable and compassionate about the care she provides. My appointment completely surpassed any other salon pedicure I have received.” —Ashley

• “As a diabetic, I really worry about foot infections… Katherine is very knowledgeable and consistent. I’ve seen a gradual improvement in some of the issues I’ve been dealing with.” —Rhonda

Katherine is now looking ahead, planning collaborations with podiatrists, attending health fairs, and speaking at health and wellness conferences to raise awareness about the importance of safe, wellness-focused foot care. She also remains committed to ongoing professional development through trade shows and continuing education, ensuring that Vital Foot Care Studio remains a leader in the industry.

Katherine’s story is a powerful reminder that small business success is about more than growth; it’s about evolving to better serve clients. With support from the Alaska SBDC, Katherine has reimagined her business into a studio where health, wellness, and compassion meet.

At Vital Foot Care Studio, every service truly is a step in the right direction.

Learn more about Vital Foot Care Studio services, available by appointment only, at vitalfootcarestudio.com, and connect on Instagram.