Hidden Gems: Meet Tavy Fields of The Body Bank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tavy Fields.  

Hi Tavy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Tavy Fields – a motivating, risk taking, positive spirited, child of God.  I am the daughter of George and Armeta Fields and originally from Kinston, NC. My original career path was in public education. I’ve been everything from a teacher to an instructional coach to an assistant principal and finally a lead principal. Growing up I always loved fashion, health, and beauty but they became a hobby for me. Little did I know that those hobbies would become my second career. I attended North Carolina A&T State University as an NC Teaching Fellow who majored in Chemistry and Education and UNC- Greensboro as an NC Principal Fellow to obtain my Masters of School Administration. 

While I was serving as a principal, I was approached by a colleague who let me know that her daughter’s talent agency was looking for plus-sized models. She gave me a contact at the agency, and I went in for a face-to-face meeting. I was signed as a working model with Marilyn’s Agency that same day! It was so exciting, and I started to book gigs. Modeling was fun, and it revived my sense of creativity. I decided that since I wasn’t getting any younger, I needed to pursue modeling full-time and create a business for myself that allowed my to have a flexible schedule for modeling. I loved education and the work I had done for decades with children, but I didn’t want to regret not taking the opportunity to explore another avenue. 

I was inspired when I went to a studio in Atlanta and received a body contouring treatment. The treatment was amazing, and we didn’t have anything offered like this in my area. That one treatment inspired me to enroll in esthetics school and take body contouring treatment trainings. Once I finished esthetics school at Health and Style Institute, I resigned from education and worked to open The Body Bank – where Your Body is Your Greatest Investment in Greensboro, NC. Opening The Body Bank allowed me to work for myself and have the flexibility of schedule that I needed in order to model and travel as requested. The modeling world is also unpredictable; some months you’re working regularly, and others are slower. Owning my own business gave me the security of a steady income regardless of what was happening in the modeling world. 

The Body Bank provides Post Operative Care for clients who have had cosmetic procedures as well as Non- Invasive Body Contouring for clients who don’t want surgery. Those non-invasive procedures include ultrasonic fat cavitation, radio frequency skin tightening, wood therapy / maderoterapia, vacuum therapy, and vacuum buttocks lifts. We also provide waxing and skincare services. We’ve been in operation for almost 4 years, and we are the top-rated studio in the Triad and surrounding areas. Clients come to us from Raleigh, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Virginia, South Carolina, etc. for our services. We pride ourselves on our customer service and customer results. I am proud of the fact that we help our clients heal and feel good about themselves. 

The Body Bank is located at 521 State Street, Greensboro, NC 27405. 

www.thebodybanknc.com 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a journey for me. I first had to overcome the fear of leaving my stable job and career in order to pursue two dreams. Some people thought I was crazy, but I knew the vision that was inside of me. I sold my house and literally invested in that vision. Not one bank would give me a business loan, so I had to use my own funds. That was scary! Once I moved into The Body Bank’s first brick-and-mortar location Covid, hit two months later! We had to shut down for almost three months per the state order. I applied for the PPP and SBA assistance, but we did not receive anything. The modeling and acting world shut down, too, so both of my sources of income were at a standstill. Even with those hardships, I never went hungry, and I was still able to pay my bills. I thank God for that! I almost gave up during that time, but that small, still voice inside told me to “hold on.” 

After the state Covid shutdown, we were able to reopen, and we had an influx of clients. Everyone had been eating and relaxing during the shutdowns, and now they wanted to focus on improving their bodies and wellness. Plastic Surgery was also at an all-time high, so we were in demand for Post Op Care services. It was a blessing in disguise! 

In the modeling world, I had to have a thick skin. You’re going to get No’s and lots of critiques when you go for castings. They will tell you straight up, “Your thighs are too big,” “You need to gain some weight, and then we can use you,” or “We want you to have straighter hair.” It comes with the job. I believe that every No gets you closer to a yes. I also have a ton of positive confidence, so the critiques fuel me and my determination. 

Another business struggle has been staffing. When I started it was just me, myself, and I but I knew that in order to expand, I would need a team. In the beauty industry, people come and go for various reasons. I’ve experienced gaining staff and losing staff. I’ve learned to not take it personally. I think I finally have my “team” with the staff I currently have. 

We’ve been impressed with The Body Bank, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a plus-sized model, I am an advocate for body positivity. My vision was to create a space for people to feel comfortable addressing their personal body/skin goals, and with that in mind, I founded The Body Bank, where Your Body is Your Greatest Investment.

I am an NC and DC licensed esthetician and bodywork specialist. After completing my skincare therapy program at Health & Style Institute, I trained extensively in body contouring and post-operative care techniques with the best in the industry. We use Wood Therapy/ Maderoterapia, Cavitation, Radio Frequency, Laser Lipo, Light Therapy, Cellulite Reduction, Lymphatic Therapies, Vodder Technique, Body Wraps, Vacuum & Vacuum Butt Lift Therapy, Specialized Skincare Techniques to provide quality services to our clients.

The Body Bank prides itself on the quality customer experience and transformational results it offers. Our goal is to inspire change through healing.  The work that The Body Bank team does is literally life-changing.

When I am not at The Body Bank slaying bodies I am modeling across the country, life coaching with Purpose Parties, and inspiring others to live their wildest dreams.

What were you like growing up?
I am originally from Kinston, NC. My parents, George and Armeta, can attest to the fact that I was inquisitive and curious. 

My favorite TV show was “Mr. Wizard,” and I would conduct my own science experiments. This is how I got interested in Chemistry. My mom would get on me all the time because I would put different flowers in jars with water trying to make my own skin potions. The problem was that I would leave them under her kitchen sink for too long and all sorts of things would start growing. 

One day I asked my dad what a chemist did (I heard Mr. Wizard talk about chemists), and he made me look it up in the encyclopedia. I did not know how to spell the word, so it took me hours to find it. When I finally did and saw the pictures, I knew that’s what I wanted to be. Who knew that years later I would major in Chemistry and Education, teach middle school students science and math, and use my chemistry knowledge in my business that I own today! 

Growing up I also loved music. I played the flute and marched in the band. Music has always been an inspiration and escape for me. 

Pricing:

• Most of our body services start at $80 +
• Our price points are reasonable and affordable in comparison to other studios.
• Clients should know that it requires multiple sessions to obtain desired results. Be prepared to do anywhere from 6 – 20 sessions depending on the result you want.
• Our more advanced services are $200 +
• We accept card, cash, Apple Pay, and CashApp.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebodybanknc.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thebodybanknc
• Facebook: http://fb.me/TheBodyBankNC 

Image Credits
Udo Spreitzenbarth
Tyron Mayes
Cenithia Tice
Anew You Transitional
Brittany Jenkins