Your career spans fashion design, cosmetology, massage therapy, and wellness coaching.

Your career spans fashion design, cosmetology, massage therapy, and wellness coaching. How did each chapter of your journey shape the vision behind Irie Salon and Spa?

Each chapter of my career shaped the vision for Irie Salon and Spa in a unique way. Fashion design taught me creativity and self-expression; cosmetology gave me the tools to help women feel confident; massage therapy grounded me in healing and the power of touch; and wellness coaching opened my eyes to the importance of emotional and mental well-being.

Through all these experiences, I realized how many women — women just like me — were longing for a safe space. A place where they could relate to other moms, sisters, aunts, locals, and professionals. A place where they could feel seen, heard, beautiful, and cared for. Irie Salon and Spa was born out of that understanding — a go-to sanctuary for both inner and outer transformation.

You’ve mentioned that Irie Salon and Spa was born from your own need for self-care as a busy professional woman. What were the moments or challenges that made you realize women needed a space like this?

There was a point in my life when everything was nonstop — work, home, clients, projects, mommy duties. It felt like I was constantly pouring from an empty cup, with no breaks, no vacations, no real rest. People around me could see it, even before I fully did, and someone gifted me a spa day. My first reaction was, ‘When am I ever going to use this?’

Months later, I finally took a vacation day and scheduled a massage. And that moment changed everything. It wasn’t just the service — it was the atmosphere, the attention to small details, the stillness, the feeling of being cared for. I didn’t even realize how much I needed that until I experienced it.

That day opened my eyes to the fact that so many women are living the same way — constantly doing, rarely pausing. I knew others needed access to a space like this, a place where they could slow down, breathe, and feel restored. That realization helped inspire Irie Salon and Spa.

With more than 30 years in the beauty and spa industry, how have global influences — such as your training in Asia and studies in integrative nutrition — expanded your approach to healing and beauty?

I’ve always believed there’s not just one way — there’s always a better way, or at least another way to approach wellness. Training in Asia and studying integrative nutrition really opened my eyes to how differently people around the world live compared to the fast-paced lifestyle we often see in America.What I learned is that true beauty and healing aren’t limited to one-day treatments or occasional spa visits. In many cultures, wellness is woven into daily life through subtle, intentional practices — rituals rooted in tradition, community, mindfulness, and a genuine love for life. These practices support longevity, emotional balance, and a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Those global influences taught me to blend spa services with holistic lifestyle principles. At Irie Salon and Spa, I’ve integrated that philosophy, so clients don’t just feel good for a moment — they leave with tools and practices that support their overall well-being long after they walk out the door.

During the pandemic, you expanded into virtual spa days and mindful retreats. What have you learned about stress, healing, and community from supporting women both in-person and online?

Going virtual was definitely outside my comfort zone, because so much of my work is rooted in healing through touch. But the pandemic pushed me to explore new ways of supporting women, and that opened unexpected doors. I reached out to other healers and business owners, and together we created collaborations that formed a new kind of community — one built on shared intention rather than physical proximity.

What I learned is that stress and healing don’t look the same for everyone, and connection can be just as powerful online when it’s grounded in authenticity. We were able to reach women globally, many of whom might never have had access to these experiences otherwise.

Still, the experience deepened my appreciation for the irreplaceable power of in-person touch. Virtual support is meaningful, but human touch carries a unique kind of healing that I truly missed.

You recently became a menopause doula and are passionate about inspiring midlife women. What do you believe women over 50 need most right now to thrive, and how does Irie Salon and Spa support that transformation?

Women over 50 are navigating one of the most transformative seasons of their lives, and what they need most right now is to be seen, heard, and truly supported. Midlife brings its own set of physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, and there’s an educational piece that is often missing. Women deserve clear information, compassionate guidance, and a safe space to talk openly about their menopause journey.

As a woman in 50’s and a menopause doula, I see this stage as a sacred transition into becoming the wise woman. It’s a powerful time — one to embrace, rejoice in, and celebrate. At Irie Salon and Spa, we support that transformation through more than our treatments, spa days, and services. We create community. The power of sisterhood allows women to lean on each other, to connect, and to remember that they are not alone.

Our goal is to offer both care and knowledge — nurturing the whole woman so she can step into midlife feeling empowered, informed, and honored.