Something Feels Off

<p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1)>Laura Watkins shares her raw and inspiring journey of survival breaking the silence on her mental health struggles. From a high-achieving sorority girl and MBA graduate to a young military wife raising daughters and building a career as a successful salon owner Laura appeared unstoppable.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1)>But behind the polished exterior her mental health was spiraling-leading to breakdowns failed treatments and the darkest moment of secretly planning her own death. Desperate and fragile Laura found a treatment team she trusted learned to advocate for herself and turned to ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)-a choice that became her lifeline and path to recovery.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1)>Now thriving Laura's story is a beacon of hope for those suffering in silence reminding us that help is out there healing is possible and you are never alone.</span></p><p></p><p>Laura Watkins is the owner of Pure Salon Spa an Aveda salon and spa recognized among the Top 200 Laura also serves as a Purefessor with the Aveda Business College where she shares her expertise in business development and leadership with salon owners across the country. </p><p></p><p>Watkins hopes to use her platform to educate others about the power of self-care as a form of preventative care-especially within high-pressure service industries like beauty and wellness. </p><p></p><p>Watkins lives in Louisville Kentucky with her husband and two daughters. She holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and an MBA from the University of Louisville as well as a professional cosmetology license. She serves on the board of directors for Mental Health Lou a nonprofit working to ensure that mental wellness remains at the center of community conversations.</p><p></p><p></p>