We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Penny Ordway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Penny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I founded eviama life, the Mid Atlantic region’s first green spa, in 2002. What a journey! I was set to lease one space when the landlord backed out, and shortly after this, 9/11 tragically changed all our lives. Several people advised me to rethink my plans to open any kind of business. I was willful enough to keep going. I found a 2100 square foot space, researched and procured green building materials such as bamboo, cork and Linoleum flooring, non VOC emitting paints, natural fiber insulation and more – and set to work. Contractors balked at the idea of using these materials, as if it made no difference! I could tell that opening a green organic holistic spa in Philadelphia would take some targeted marketing and thoughtful consciousness raising at the time. We opened about 60 days after my projected time, struggled with signage approval from City of Philadelphia, but overall, I must say, I am so glad I pushed through. We have since moved to a new location, which we also greened, and made it through the COVID-19 required closure of six months, many staff changes. We are still standing. We are about to release a revised menu of services that reflects the multi talented crew we have here.
Believe in good will. Believe in sharing what you know to develop your people, and be open to their wisdom. Envision the perfect service you want to provide, and keep faith in good luck!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been a bit of a wild child – attending Medicine Wheel Gatherings, Green Nations herbal conferences, and the life- changing Healing in Our Time conference sponsored by the Sufis in 1980-81. (Can you imagine a healing conference organized by a Muslim sect happening in Washington DC now? Not likely!) All of these events had remarkable teachers and magical moments, and made me want to delve deeper into the healing arts. I was already on the path thanks to my two very good friends Kate and Terri. I trained in MariEl, Reiki, lymph drainage, cranio sacral, myofascial release, organic skin care, color, crystals, aromatherapy, Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy. The Maya abdominal work has helped so many women to conceive, I cannot say enough to recommend this for women’s health.
Not trying to put you all to sleep here, but let’s just say I forfeited more than a few vacations for my training rampage. I still continue to develop work that serves the wisdom of the body, the spirit, and the spa has won many awards over the years. People come to us who need help with fertility, gut issues, tech neck, detox, sciatica, jaw tension and headaches, spiritual renewal, sensitive skin, impure or aging skin, and all kinds of burnout. We hope for a transformative experience for everyone who comes to the spa.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Understand your mission. Be inspired by your mission. Put forth all the best you can muster with sincerity and integrity. Have compassion for yourself, too, and remember it is good to ask for help. Many of us need practice asking for help, so start now.
Listen well, take a moment to respond, observe carefully, openly, fine tune your antennae for underlying information and believe there is more magic everywhere than we can conceive of. The body, the spirit are designed to heal, and you can be a fierce ally.
Whoever shows up to be treated by you represents life so complex and precious. You do come to feel that place where you automatically, truly honor that, and that is a gift for everyone.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As I mentioned, we were required to close the spa for six months due to COVID-19. I had no idea how I could pay overhead and support myself. I knew my staff could get COVID relief, so that was incredibly fortunate, and a load off my mind. Ironically, I had scheduled renovations for the spa the very day we had to shut down! So instead of being closed for a few days to paint, install cases and lighting, I had nothing but time. I moved all furniture and product myself. One man came to paint with me; we wore masks and worked in separate areas or different times. The cabinetmaker delivered and installed a custom display case when it was safe and permitted. It all happened somehow. I rearranged our meditation space and library. I tore through old files and storage and recycled and shredded so much, the whole spa actually felt freed from some jumbled captivity.
I spent an inordinate amount of time online, chasing every grant and scrap of money I could find to keep going. When technology and finance collide, I can lose my cool very quickly. I asked for help at a desperate moment. I spent an hour on the phone with an amazing government employee in Harrisburg who actually listened to me while I was sobbing (big time, out of control) and trying to explain why I needed a specific document to complete a grant application. She saw the glitches that blocked me, did a heap of problem solving, and the application went in at the eleventh hour.
Three years later, many many staff changes later, I can say there is real richness in change. And I am grateful for wonderful clients who have made it all possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eviama.com
• Instagram: @eviamalife
• Facebook: eviama life spa
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
DSC_0047: Jeff Arnold All the rest: Emily Dubin