We recently connected with La Juana Smith-huebner and have shared our conversation below.
La Juana, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self care is not just a concept for me, it is a fundamental part of my journey as a multi- hyphenate spa professional and business owner. I do not remember exactly what challenging event or period of my life sparked my wellness journey but I know I was juggling many responsibilities while building my career, starting a business, raising a family, being a wife and a daughter to an aging parent. As I tried to meet the expectations of my clients, family and friends I looked up and around and realized I was overwhelmed, feeling soul tired and neglecting my own well being! How could I possible continue to give from this empty cup. I had to be and become what I was telling and subscribing to my clients.
After much reflection I decided to take.a step back and pour into my self, slowly filling my cup so I could purposefully and peacefully serve with intention. The self care was experimental and began with small moments not always strung together or consistently practiced because I was figuring out what did self care look like and feel like for me. My role as a brand ambassador for SPARITUAL a vegan body care and nail lacquer line really helped me to embrace the long meditative walks in nature, nutritious and mindful eating, tailored breathing exercises, intense physical exercise challenges that aide in my stress reduction as well as keep me fit. Along with journaling, a restorative sleep practice as well as fostering healthy relationships with my family, friends, finances and checking in with my mental and emotional health all make up an ever evolving self care practice. I now utilize these activities as threads that are woven into the fabric of my daily routine and it profoundly impacts my effectiveness as a business owner, creator and operator.
When I prioritize my well-being I am more present and attuned to the needs of my clients. I strive to be a living example to others that self care extends beyond the walls of the spa or a beauty masque. It is a full embrace of life that allows a person to explore and evaluate their own total body and full life wellness journeys. I want others to know that self care is a life long practice, not a destination or a thing to do. I am committed to my clients and guiding them to see it as a lifestyle a total body wellness approach that results in a fuller life with deeper connections, resilience and joy..
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a boutique spa owner and operator of The SPAaaht. As an inventor I am in the process of bringing a patented invention to life. As a licensed massage therapist, aesthetician, natural hair and nail stylist I get to create curated wholistic spa experiences that focus on a clients total body wellness.
We have an upcoming Galetine’s event that will celebrate the love between friends in a unique spa event with an Astrology reading, by Babs Cheung, The Astro Translator. Choose between our unique seated chair massage experience or a mini GLO2Facial along with adaptogenic mocktails that will aide in your rest and relaxation.
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?
A love of learning fueled my spark to continue my education in the different modalities in the spa and wellness industry. Early on in my career it was suggested I had to choose what modality I wanted to focus on because they didn’t know have to book or market me. A flexible mindset helped me to not allow myself to be boxed into an rigid way and I successfully worked in all the modalities simultaneously which has helped me in my developing my inventions and the creation of unique spa experiences. Learning when and how to say no without guilt.
Learning comes is all forms keeping yourself open to opportunities while being flexible can set you on the path of discovery that can be challenging but very rewarding and so much fun. Embrace the hard and take it in small digestible steps. If it isn’t working it is ok to pivot.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Every client I presently have is my ideal client! They are discerning and perceptive and do the work between services so they are constantly caring for themselves at a very high level. They embrace their total body wellness practice as the standard of treatment of themselves is not a treat or a luxury it is a necessity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thespaaaht.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaaaht/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespaaaht
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lajuanasmithhuebner/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
