Meet Barbara, our Founder.
Barbara Grushesky Shafran, M.Ed., R.P., ZIN is an herbal esthetician, herbalism instructor, energy worker and avid gardener. Her journey began when conventional medical advice fell short for her family -- leading her to explore the healing power of herbalism and energy work. Seeing transformative results firsthand ignited her passion to share these natural, holistic practices with her community.
Barbara's comprehensive background in herbalism includes specialized training in body systems, herb identification, harvesting, and remedy formulation. She leads engaging, hands-on herbalism classes directly in her Pennsylvania studio classrooms in Bradford Woods and Ligonier.
As a certified Usui Reiki practitioner, Barbara integrates crystal and plant wisdom into her energy sessions to help to balance the body's natural energy fields. Her Master's Degree in Education allows her to weave holistic psychological principles into her energy practices, creating a deeply supportive environment for clients.
DISCLAIMER: Per the FDA Act of 1906: Barbara is not a licensed medical doctor and does not diagnose, treat, prevent, prescribe or cure any medical conditions. Remedies and herbs offered have not been evaluated by the FDA.
In skincare, Barbara specializes in advanced facial techniques, skin anatomy, exfoliation, lash extensions, brow mapping, tinting, laminating, and eyebrow permanent makeup (in PA only) including microblading and microshading. She has been a state-licensed Esthetician in Pennsylvania since 2017 and a licensed Facialist in Florida since 2025. Shafran Herbals operates in private esthetics studios in Bradford Woods and Ligonier, PA. In Fort Lauderdale, FL, Shafran Herbals operates from Sev's Studio, 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., on select Sundays and Mondays.
Professional Timeline - See more info on her LinkedIn profile.
2006 Usui Reiki Level 1 Certified at Keystone Reiki in Pittsburgh, PA
2014 Usui Reiki Level 2 Certified at Keystone Reiki in Pittsburgh, PA
2016 Finished the formal study of herbalism at Rosemary Gladstar's Sage Mountain in East Barre, VT
2017 Graduate of the Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology in Mars, PA
2020 Certified Borboleta Eyelash Extension Artist (Volume and Classic)
2022 Certified Everlasting Brows Permanent Make-Up Brow Artist
2023 Certified Zumba 1 and Zumba Gold Fitness Instructor
2024 Certified Aqua Zumba Instructor
2025 Opened new class space in Bradford Woods, PA
2026 Opened operations in Fort Lauderdale, FL in Sev's Studio salon
2027 Opened a second Shafran Herbals Studio in Ligonier, PA
Barbara is or has been a member of the American Botanical Council, Associated Skin Care Professionals ,
the American Herbalist Guild, and the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
Beyond skincare and energy work, Barbara is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and certified in Zumba, Zumba Gold, and Aqua Zumba, offering personalized small-group instruction in her multimedia studio. She also holds a Master's Degree in Foreign Language Education, speaks five languages, and brings 30+ years of educational and international business experience to her practice.
As Founding Executive Director of the micro-nonprofit, Moving Forward Pittsburgh, Inc., Barbara refurbished and donated over 400 computers to Pittsburgh non-profits, coached 20 adults in transition through community grants, and she continues to help kids who struggle with school as a Family Advocate. She also assists non-profits with grant writing. She is on the Board of the Independent Family Resource Group, an Advisory Board Member of Classrooms Without Borders and a Member of the Citizens' Environmental Association of the Slippery Rock Area.
"It is my personal mission to help you to feel your best on the inside
and look your best on the outside through high-quality herbal skincare, precision lash and brow
services, and custom Reiki energy treatments. I hope to meet you soon!"
- Barbara S Grushesky Shafran, Founder
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