I love to feature local businesses and this week I had the pleasure of meeting with Franziska Bernhard or “Z” with FB Skin & Wellness.

FB Skin & Wellness History
It probably won’t surprise you the Fanziska is not originally from Amelia Island!  Switzerland is where Franziska calls home and it is where she began her career.  Early on she understood the balance of life and body.  

Franziska mastered the art of mind and body over the last 12 years and how they work together to create the whole person.  Her approach to each client is with the goal of them leaving a better version of themselves. 

Using multiple techniques she finds the right combination to give her clients the best experience possible. One of her business models is to take on less clients each day which allows her to give so much more to each person.

Her services don’t stop at facials, you will also get her mastery of the holistic approach to creating a space for relaxation, healing and inner peace. 

Her cozy space immediately makes you feel like your getting a warm hug.  The room has a magical feel with the sounds, lights and of course Franziska!

Getting to know Franziska and FB Skin & Wellness
The business is just one side to Franziska.  Getting to know the person behind the brand is often the best part of these interviews. 

Fraziska grew up in Switzerland and had dreams of being a dancer.  She started her adult career as a elementary school teacher.  She received a 1 year scholarship to come to the states to dance.   She was fortunate to turn that dream into a reality when she joined a contemporary dance group in NYC.   

Fraziska met her now husband and it was a life match. They settled in New York and began carriers and growing their family with a daughter who is responsible for bringing FB Skin & Wellness to Fernandina Beach.   Her daughter is a wildlife biologist and landing here in Fernandina Beach.. which brought her parents in to visit and as most people do they fell in love with the island. 

Some surprising or not so surprising facts she shared were she is an expert at milking a cow (actually not an easy thing to do) she is also tuned to all the subtle nudges we all get from the world around us.  I believe this is what makes her special and gives her the ability to renourish more than just skin with her clients. 
Franziska clearly loves what she does – her personality shines through to every person she touches. 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Franziska Bernhard.
Hi Franziska, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
My decade-long practice has been about connecting inner beauty to the outer self and creating harmony for the whole person. A dual Licensed Esthetician, Certified Oncology Esthetician, Reiki Master, and Yoga Instructor, these multiple disciplines allow me to address a client’s life circumstances and goals to translate into physical and noticeable changes. After spending 20 years in the fashion industry, I yearned for a meaningful profession. Being able to assist clients in letting go of an impossible ideal and rather nurture the soul has been a dream come true. Enhancing your beauty and striving for healthy skin is more realistic than trying to follow every fad and trend. My goal is not perfection; it is peace. We address the client’s issues – like getting rid of breakouts, calming rosacea, and reducing signs of aging – but we honor skin at all points in our lifecycle. Only when you appreciate your natural beauty can you exude it to those around you.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Having owned a successful spa in NY, starting over in a brand new place is scary. I still need to get a following in Fernandina Beach, and I still need to get a supportive network. Will I be able to cover expenses? It’s a risk worth taking! I knew the first time I visited this gem of an island, I had found MY paradise. I have never been happier!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about FB Skin & Wellness?
FB Skin & Wellness is Fernandina Beach’s newest luxury spa. Offerings range from bespoke facials to result-oriented skincare to guided meditation and hypnosis. FB Skin and Wellness is about connecting the inner beauty to the outer self and creating harmony for the whole person. Rather than chasing some unattainable, ever-changing ideal, I incorporate esthetics, sound therapy, and meditation to help my clients feel refreshed and cared for. Providing my clients with results-driven treatments and guiding them toward inner peace sets FB Skin & Wellness apart in the beauty business. “It’s More Than A Facial” has come to characterize my holistic approach in many client reviews. Believing that the power of the hands, of actual touch, is paramount to my practice, I specialize in result-oriented skin treatments combined with pampering and nurturing that leaves you recharged and refreshed. Opening FB Skin & Wellness in paradise, I am thrilled to welcome you to downtown Fernandina Beach, where upscale restaurants, quaint shops, art galleries, and live music give the perfect atmosphere for my rejuvenating and inner-self-affirming treatments.

​The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The best lesson I learned during the Covid-19 crisis was to slow down. To check in with me, to listen to my true needs. I used to be overscheduled, overworked, busy, busy. Being forced to stay home for months helped me find my inner peace. I only need or want so many things. I treasure time and connection with my loved ones above all else. During the crisis I was called to be of service, and being able offer complimentary oncology services to those affected by cancer treatment has brought so much joy and a sense of gratitude to my life.

So happy to be part of the Fernandina Beach community. I’m excited to have opened my aesthetic studio to nurture the already abundant beauties I see everyday here on Amelia Island.