Meet Audrey Bolema

We recently connected with Audrey Bolema and have shared our conversation below.

Audrey, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

I developed my ability to take risks early on, mainly from seeing the contrast between my parents’ careers and my own yearning for something more. My dad spent 30 years at General Motors, punching in every day for that sweet stability and early retirement. It worked for him—but I knew, deep down, I would *lose my mind* in that kind of life. The predictability, the lack of growth, no chaos to shake things up—it felt like quicksand. Stuck. No thanks.

My mom was just as steady. Decades in one job in dentistry, safe and secure, but void of excitement. Neither of them took risks or ever dreamed of entrepreneurship. It was all about the steady paycheck, and that was the end of the story. But for me? That wasn’t enough. I needed something that would make my heart race, a challenge that would test me.

I guess I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to hard things. The bigger the challenge, the more alive I feel. Risk is my playground. While others tiptoe around uncertainty, I’m charging right into it. I’ve always known that risk holds the key to real fulfillment—and I wanted that in my life. So, I decided to dive in headfirst—and I’m never looking back.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Raw Rituale was born out of my own battle with acne—a stubborn companion since my teenage years. I’ve tried everything: dermatologists, every product imaginable, endless research, even lasers that promised miracles but fell short. For over a decade, I was working in sales and marketing at a software company, helping someone else’s dreams come to life while my own quietly smoldered in the background. So, at 35, I had an early mid-life crisis, and—on a whim, or maybe with a bit of divine intervention—I made a drastic change and went back to school for skincare.

I finally cracked the code for clear skin, and suddenly, I couldn’t keep it to myself. I had to share it. At the very least, I wanted to help others, especially those in my community who were also struggling with their skin. That’s when Raw Rituale Med Spa was born. Now, I get to help people transform not just their skin but their confidence—whether it’s acne, aging, or simply the desire to feel their best in their own skin.

What sets Raw Rituale apart? Niche. We’re experts in treating ethnic skin, acne, and mature aging, and we’re deeply passionate about it. But that’s just the beginning. This year, we’re about to take things to a whole new level. I’m so excited to introduce vaginal treatments for urinary incontinence, tightening, and brightening—because let’s be real, our vaginas do a lot for us, and they deserve some serious love. We’re also pioneering a laser-free tattoo removal process and looking into offering areola reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.

But what really fires me up is when we’re able to address the things that go beyond just skin deep. We’re talking about the deeply personal insecurities that can hold people back from truly feeling whole again. That’s when I know we’re making a real impact. Raw Rituale is all about giving back, spreading love, and helping our clients feel like their best selves—inside and out. And that’s why I’m so passionate about what we do and what makes us truly unique.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, if I had to pinpoint the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey, they’d be tenacity, risk-taking, and a love for challenges. But let’s be real, there’s also a healthy dose of what I like to call “entrepreneurial stupidity”—because, honestly, diving into the unknown and starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart. But here’s the thing: those three qualities pushed me to walk away from the cushy, safe golden handcuffs of a stable career and take a leap into uncharted territory. I knew I needed more. I wanted to show my daughter what’s possible when you follow your own path, and, perhaps most importantly, I had to prove to myself that I could build something meaningful.

If I could offer any advice to someone just starting their journey, it’s this: be brutally honest about your goals and your personality. Entrepreneurship is NOT a one-size-fits-all. It’s a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs, unpredictability, and stress that can make your head spin. And the reality is, not everyone is cut out for that kind of ride. But if you thrive in the chaos, if you feel alive when things get tough, then building something of your own might just be where you’ll find your true happiness.

That said, prepare for the tough days—the ones that will make you question everything. They’ll come, without a doubt. But when they do, hold on tight to the bigger picture. Remember those glorious, “I’m on top of the world” moments when everything falls into place, and let them fuel you through the hard times. The secret is having a strong support system to lift you up when you’re down, and a mindset that refuses to quit. Celebrate the small wins along the way, keep your eyes focused on the bigger goal, and, most importantly, stay grounded. Because, let’s face it—the entrepreneurial journey is as wild as it is exhilarating, and that’s what makes it worth every crazy moment.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Over the past year, Raw Rituale has undergone a massive transformation. We expanded into two new locations—one in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood and the other in Greenwood Village. This journey wasn’t just about building spaces—it was about creating an experience. The process took a year (and nearly half my hair!), but it was worth every moment.

Now, our space has a vibe all its own: think ‘Restoration Hardware meets Tulum’. Calming tones, chill house music, travertine stone, warm wood accents, glowing mirrors, and a design that feels both modern and organic. It’s not just a spa—it’s a sanctuary. A place where you walk in and instantly feel at ease, where the environment itself invites you to pause, breathe, and embrace the calm. And, honestly, I can’t wait to see the magic that unfolds here.

But here’s the thing—I don’t want this space to just be mine. I want it to be a community space. I’m actively seeking to collaborate with other businesses in the wellness, women’s health, and beauty spaces. Whether you’re a local artist looking to host a pop-up, a wellness expert offering services like medical weight loss, IV nutrition, NAD shots, or hormone support, lymphatic massage therapists, we should absolutely talk.

This expansion is about more than just the physical space. It’s about creating a hub for collaboration, where people and businesses with a shared passion for well-being can come together to spark something greater than the sum of its parts. If you’ve got a complimentary business, or if you’re looking to host an educational event or a workshop that brings value to the community, let’s make it happen. I’m all about co-creating, connecting, and building a space where we can all thrive.

If you’re interested in partnering, hosting an event, or just brainstorming ways to collaborate, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s create something special that leaves a lasting impact. I believe when like-minded people come together with a shared vision, we can truly change the game.

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