Crossing provinces from Manitoba to the West Coast was more than just a move, it was the start of a whole new chapter in my life. For 15 years, I owned and ran a convenience store, but deep down I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful and calming. As a single mom raising two young kids, changing careers back then wasn’t easy. But once the timing was right, I took the leap.

I enrolled at Blanche McDonald in Vancouver, became a certified aesthetician, and never looked back. Today, I get to do what I love most, help people feel relaxed, cared for, and confident in their own skin. Every client who walks through the doors of You Day Spa is a reminder of why I chose this path. Their smiles and the chance to brighten someone’s day are the best parts of my job.

When the space on Fitzwilliam Street became available, I knew instantly it was the perfect home for my spa. The Old City Quarter has such charm, and being surrounded by so many women-owned businesses makes this community feel extra special. Beyond the spa, I’ve been fortunate to build strong connections through the Nanaimo Business Networking Association and the Nanaimo Women’s Business Networking Association, two groups that feel more like family than colleagues.

For me, You Day Spa isn’t just about treatments, it’s about creating a warm, welcoming space where people can take a deep breath, let go of stress, and walk out feeling refreshed and renewed.