We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Borrero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My husband and I were living in a shoebox apartment. We had big dreams but didn’t know where to even begin. I was working at a spa for someone else at the time, but I felt it was time to be out on my own. I took everything I had in my savings and looked at my husband and said, well we might be homeless, but I’m going to go for it. I put my deposit down on a suite, and began my journey with House of Healing Wellness spa. And now here I am 4 years later! Taking the risk changed my life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been a person who wants to help to heal (the libra in me, lol) I became a licensed esthetician in 2015, because I loved skincare and making people feel beautiful. Two years later, I took it a step further and went back to school to become a licensed massage therapist. I worked for spas, but my love for my craft exploded when I began my own practice in 2020. The ability to help people to reach their healing goals, whether that be within their body or skin, or to watch a person leave my spa lighter than when they arrived, is the reason I pursued this path. I’ve tried to create a safe, nuturing environment where people feel they can really let go of the outside world for alittle while, and focus on what’s within. I enjoy making my clients as comfortable as possible with the use of essential oils, holistic plant-based skin care and hot towels. Continuing education is important and I’m always trying to look into new modalities and skin-care to always stay current and give my clients the best I have to offer. I currently offer relaxation massage, deep tissue, medical massage, reflexology, prenatal, cupping therapy, plant-based holistic facials, microdermabrasion and dermaplaning.

In 2022, I also had my friend Amanda join me in House of Healing Wellness Spa. It’s been great to work alongside her as we both bring some different techniques and styles to the table and can learn a lot for eachother.

I believe in this day and age, it’s all about the hustle culture, everything is go go go. Everyone is running on empty a lot of the time. In visiting my practice I hope my clients find a sense of peace and relaxation away from the stresses of everyday life. Self-care is not selfish!

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would choose this path again in a heartbeat. I’m eternally grateful for my clients and my profession, which have brought such incredible meaning and joy to my life. As a massage therapist and esthetician, I get to witness the positive transformation in people firsthand, not just physically but also emotionally. The ability to help clients feel better, look better, and, most importantly, connect with themselves more deeply is a privilege I cherish daily. Seeing the relief, confidence, and happiness on their faces reminds me that I’ve found my true calling in the art of healing!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and technical knowledge, I believe the most important thing for success in this field is building genuine connections and trust with clients. As a massage therapist and esthetician, I’m often with people at vulnerable moments, whether they’re managing pain, stress, or simply seeking relaxation and self-care. Ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued is essential to creating a safe, welcoming environment.

Getting out into the community is also something I see as vital—participating in local events, offering support, and being an active presence helps me stay connected to the real needs and experiences of those I work with. When clients know I’m genuinely invested in their well-being and in our shared community, it fosters a level of trust and connection that goes far beyond appointments. This approach isn’t just rewarding; it’s what drives me to grow personally and professionally, as I see my role as a healer extending into every interaction I have, inside and outside the treatment room.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.houseofhealingwellnessspali.com
• Instagram: @houseofhealingwellnessspa
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/houseofhealingwellnessspa

Image Credits

Alyssa Davan Photography
@a.davanphotography