Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem, a place with a story and a heart as warm as its services? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Vita Felice Medi Spa, nestled in downtown New Westminster at 661 Columbia Street, unit 103. Don’t worry if you haven’t spotted it right away; as owner Rachel Leoni playfully admits, being tucked away from the street front can make them a little elusive. But trust us, the happy life ("Vita Felice" meaning just that in Italian) Rachel is cultivating inside is well worth seeking out.
Come inside to find unit #103
Recently, we had the pleasure of chatting with the multi-talented Rachel, who wears every hat in her micro-business – from CEO and owner to aesthetician, tattoo artist, receptionist, admin, and marketer. Yes, you read that right – when you reach out to Vita Felice, you’ll be speaking directly with Rachel!
So, what brought Rachel to this charming spot in the heart of New West? A resident of the city since 2011, Rachel shared that she wanted to be close to her community, a community she deeply loves and wishes to see thrive. The location itself offered a practical advantage too. The beautiful heritage building, owned by a savvy commercial landlord, features small units, each equipped with a sink – a crucial element for personal service businesses like Rachel’s.
But the story behind Vita Felice is more than just location. Rachel, an immigrant from Japan, found herself facing familiar challenges in her job search after studying at SFU. It was a serendipitous discovery of the microblading industry on Facebook that sparked a new career path. Despite never imagining herself in the personal service industry, Rachel has built a business where she gets to choose what she does. Her corporate background in marketing has proven invaluable in this new venture.
More than just a medispa, Vita Felice is about helping people feel confident in their own skin. Rachel emphasizes that true beauty comes from within, and her services are designed to provide that little boost we all need sometimes. Her offerings are diverse, including a range of skincare treatments for the face, body, and even intimate areas, alongside beauty treatments for brows and lashes, cosmetic tattoo removal, hair removal, and hair loss services. Notably, Rachel also provides scar treatments for various reasons, including surgery, burns, and violence, as well as addressing stretch marks. She offers special programs for cancer patients and survivors, alopecia patients, and burn survivors. This passion stems from a desire to help victims and contribute to the community.
When asked about her favorite service, Rachel enthusiastically highlights skincare. She loves the complexity of skin and the rewarding journey of seeing significant positive changes when clients commit to the process. She even shared a personal anecdote about overcoming her own pigmentation issues, a testament to the power of dedicated skincare. You can even see her personal before-and-after photos on her website!
Interestingly, the most popular service at Vita Felice is Brazilian sugaring, a hair removal method similar to waxing but, in Rachel’s expert opinion, gentler, less painful, and offering more benefits. She believes she was one of the first to offer sugaring in New Westminster. So, if you’re looking for sugaring in the area, Vita Feliche Medi Spa should definitely pop up in your search!
What truly fuels Rachel’s passion is the connection with her clients. She expresses deep gratitude for the wonderful clientele, many of whom are from New Westminster. While achieving great results is rewarding, it’s the positive relationships she builds that truly get her going.
Of course, running a small business comes with its challenges. Rachel points to the current economy as the most significant hurdle, as personal services are often reconsidered during uncertain times. She also addresses a common misconception that facials are solely for relaxation. Rachel clarifies that while relaxation can be a part of the experience, her primary goal is to provide results and improve skin conditions. She even wrote a blog article distinguishing between a medi spa and a day spa to educate her clients.
For those interested in experiencing the “happy life” at Vita Felice Medi Spa, the best way to connect with Rachel is through her website, which offers extensive information. If you still have questions, texting is a good option as it allows her to respond more flexibly when she's with clients. You can also find Vita Felice Medi Spa on Instagram and Facebook.
Keep an eye out for monthly promotions, usually announced through her email newsletter and shared on social media and Google. Rachel is currently working on specials for April, focusing on intimate care with added services, and eyebrow cosmetic tattoos.
In exciting news, Rachel has also started teaching sugaring classes this year, targeting individuals seeking extra income or those already in the beauty industry looking to expand their skills and offerings. Information about these classes can be found on her website.
Adding to the convenience for her clients, Vita Felice Medi Spa is open seven days a week until 10 p.m. by appointment only. Call 778-987-5480. This allows those with day jobs to access her services after work and even on weekends. Plus, the location is conveniently within walking distance of two SkyTrain stations in New Westminster.
So, New Westminster, are you ready to discover your own "happy life"? Support your local businesses and treat yourself to the dedicated care and expertise offered by Rachel Leoni at Vita Felice Medi Spa.
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