Jessica Riley and Laura Oleksow

Jessica Riley knew what she wanted from a young age. She was only a teenager when she discovered her fascination with beauty and spa careers and began to think about a future in the esthetics industry. The result was Spa 901 in Fernie, B.C., a serene sanctuary for anyone who needs a little pampering.

Laura Oleksow started as an employee at the spa, but after a year and a half she had fallen in love and took a position as co-owner.

Laura Oleksow enjoys coming to work every day, and it shows. — Photo by Laura Oleksow

How did you come to choose this line of work?

Riley: During my teenage years I was ever so interested in the world of beauty. I would work hard after school so I could support my splurging habits on beauty products, nails and waxing services. Getting a taste of what it was like to be the client, I was so intrigued to discover what it must be like as the therapist. Once I graduated from high school I enrolled into a massage and esthetics program, which ultimately laid the foundations for my career in the spa and beauty industry. 

Oleksow: I have always had an interest in business and throughout my career have deliberately groomed myself to learn the skills necessary to one day become an owner. The fact that it happened so soon was a complete surprise to me. I initially became involved in the health and wellness industry when I was hired as an employee of Spa 901 in 2013, and transitioned into ownership a year and a half later. I was able to quickly learn about the industry through the previous owner, as well as from the extremely knowledgeable employees that I was surrounded by. I love my line of work, and can’t wait to keep growing in this industry.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

Riley: Imagine working in a stress-free, tranquil environment where the air is filled with relaxing aromas and peaceful music, being greeted by a family of like-minded, talented employees who all endeavour to help improve the health and well-being of others each day. Sounds worth waking up for, right?

Oleksow: Seeing people leave our business with a smile on their face! We are very lucky working in an industry where we have the ability to make an impression on our clients in a very positive way. Our clients come to us for a purpose, and it is very rewarding being able to see the change in them from when they first arrive, to their relaxed or rejuvenated state when they leave. Our  clients and working with such an amazing and professional team excites me and pushes me to keep improving the experience for them.

What’s your focus for 2016?

Riley: My vision for the year ahead is to actively practise what I preach and continue to learn. A huge part of my day is to advise, teach, refer, instruct, guide and recommend to many people that I come into contact with. I am setting personal goals that follow my own orders to encourage a healthy work/life balance. That in turn will ultimately bring an abundance of strength and energy back into all the activities I love doing and empower the people I care for.

Oleksow: Over the past year I have placed great emphasis on partnerships and getting involved with various organizations within the community, and I would like to continue focusing on this. Fernie has a wealth of knowledgeable entrepreneurs and professionals who are experts in their line of work and it has been an absolute pleasure learning from them. From a business standpoint, we are placing a lot of focus on development of our employees as well as strategic marketing so that we can continue to grow and thrive. Staying in line with the trends and differentiating our brand is very important to our continued success, and we are having a lot of fun carrying out our vision for this year. 

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur in the Kootenays?

Riley: I was the typical free-spirited traveller that embarked on a journey in pursuit of work and life in the mountains. (I was) inspired by a recommendation that Fernie was . . . one of those best-kept secrets in the Kootenays. Doors opened and opportunities presented themselves. Two years later my dream is reality, and the wonderful journey continues. I’m a strong believer that a life lived well is a great reward as it touches those who have the courage to be vulnerable, to take risks, to believe in dreams and to work and live with passion.

Oleksow: B.C. has always been one of my favourite places to visit, and from a young age I knew that I wanted to live in this province. I moved to Fernie four years ago, thinking that it was going to be a short stop in my journey to the west coast, only to learn that it was the perfect place for me!  The community, the mountains and the people of this town have blown me away and made me want to set down my roots within this region. I am so grateful to have been given an opportunity to become a business owner within the Kootenays, and I am dedicated to contributing to the growth and sustainability of this region in any little way that I can.