Our Story

Where it All Began:

In 2007, managing massage cabanas overlooking the beautiful beaches in Hawaii, I discovered my true calling in the spa world. The spa industry helps balance out the stressful and uncongenial aspects of our guests’ daily lives. Even on the toughest days, being part of a team that promotes wellness, happiness, and relaxation provides me with motivation to create and maintain Spa Retreat.

Our Inspiration:

The further I grew into my career the more I realized that, as a whole, spa employees give and nurture on a consistent basis. Unlike medical procedures or traditional retail, spa services are mainly elective, and every experience is expected to deliver a result that nurtures and renews the guest. This giving nature should be acknowledged and rewarded, and that’s what we’ve set out to do. Our dream is to fill a void in the spa industry with a focus on community and sustainability.

Finding Our Team:

Over the years, I’ve developed wonderful friendships with many people that are like-minded and inspired me to do more.

The first friend to encourage this leap into ownership eventually became my business partner, Chase Wilhelm. Chase and I met in 2007, and he reminded me of a conversation we had all those years ago “one day we’re going to open a spa together” – to which I laughed and dismissed it as a far-off dream that would never come to fruition. I am so thankful to say I was wrong! Chase utilized his experience and education as an entrepreneur to help me achieve my dreams. When those dreams were accomplished and realized, Chase stepped away from Spa Retreat to focus on new horizons.

The second friend by my side, as my then-support group and advocate, was Sally Shaw. We instantly bonded 12 years ago when I interviewed her at a previous job and the rest is history. As our former Guest Services Manager, Sally brought many years of hospitality expertise and contributed to Spa Retreat in irreplaceable ways.

As I embark on my 7th year of this incredible journey, each step is taken with my dedicated team of talented professionals. It is my privilege to work with them every day. The future of SRC belongs to this group.

Through a network of friends and co-workers, past and present, I was inspired to create a business that encompasses everything we love about our industry and provide a happy home for spa professionals to flourish in their careers. Every day is a reminder of these accomplished goals and I am forever grateful.

Why NC?

Raleigh became our home in 2009, offering everything my husband Tony and I wanted for our daughter, Alyvia. We’ve grown our roots here, love the area and the people, and have friends we consider family. North Carolina has been great to our family, and I’m so thankful we are now able to give back.

Our Promise:

Our spa is focused on sustainability, supporting the local economy, and being environmentally conscious in all that we do. In addition to providing an exceptional workplace and a home for many local vendors, we promise to provide a true retreat to every guest that comes to visit, with an ultimate goal to add each of you to our spa family. Welcome to Spa Retreat Cary!