3 Powerful Lessons From a White Bear Lake Spa Owner on Passion, Energy, and Intuition

When making “spa” an entire personality, inspiration tends to strike at any time, often leading to a passionate practice and experience for clients. Danielle, or “Ellie” as she’s known professionally, runs her own spa in downtown White Bear Lake, MN. It was at her spa on September 23, 2026, where Ellie shared some insightful backstory and behind-the-scenes tidbits with me about what she does and how she does it. Through this interview, I found myself reflecting on her experience and passion, how to protect my own energy, and the unique combination of intuition and skill to create a meaningful experience for a client.

How Combining Experience and Passion Set the Tone for Success

Ellie had spent years working with clients at a few different spas before she decided to strike out on her own. These years of experience helped build her confidence, expertise, and eventually the menu she now offers at her very own spa. Through this, she learned what was going to work for her and her clients, and the best way to implement this knowledge as she built her own business this past January. “By the time I started my own business, I knew what I liked and what I did not like, what worked and did not work for me, and could then curate my menu from there,” she said, contemplating her work and connected experience. It’s obvious that passion for what she does shows up in every aspect of her business, from the products she offers on her shelves to the curated list of services designed to help anyone who walks through her doors. The passion and experience she brings to the (massage) table have set her up not only for success, but also the ability to truly create a holistic experience for her clientele.

Timeless Advice: Her Energy Is Precious

One of the questions I asked Ellie was “What is one piece of advice you would give your past self from 5 years ago?” Her answer: “Your energy is precious.” 

Ellie didn’t expect to be ready to start a business. She felt that she was still learning new things and building her confidence, strengthening her wings. But sometimes there are things we cannot control, and one of them is the timing of an opportunity. “Pour your time and energy into people and things that can give you something back,” she said, contemplating further on not ruminating on past failures or things that are out of her control. It was this big jump into doing her own thing that made her realize that she is capable of her dreams, whether or not she felt like it at the time. This lesson is something she carries every day, as she pours herself into her work, with clients reciprocating that energy as they continue to choose her for their healing over and over again. Being mindful of where she spends her energy had me reflect on my own energy, and what anyone could really be capable of if they trusted themselves and learned to start spreading their wings.

Is It Intuition, Science, or Experience? The Real Recipe for Success

Talking with Ellie, one thing was very clear: her experience and passion have led to a unique combination of intuition and science to create something truly special. When Ellie meets with a new client, she uses her intake forms, active listening, communication skills, and nonverbal cues to really dig deep into what the client needs and wants. Setting the tone for the session takes care and expertise; it’s the foundation of the entire appointment. All the while, Ellie is planning on how she is going to match the needs of the client with her own toolbox of skills, each one serving a different need: 

• Beginning with Thai stretching to relieve stiffness and tension

• Using cupping or gua sha for poor circulation and dense tissue

• Introducing hot stones to cold skin or tired muscles

• Adding in CranioSacral work with clients who want to slow down and reflect

Knowing and understanding the body and its limitations allows her to pivot easily during the services, and she continues listening with her hands. “It takes years of practice to notice what is happening beneath the hands, beneath the surface,” she said, relying on her extensive knowledge. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, in a 2025 survey 79% of people said the main reason for their last massage was for health, wellness, or stress. Understanding why a client is on her table is an integral part of her decision-making and strategy. 

Skills and continuing education are important in Ellie’s line of work, and she prides herself on constantly learning and growing. Creating a connected session with her clients is the most important part of her mission, and she shows this by continuing to build her experience and listen to her intuition. 

Ellie’s spa is more than a business. It is a unique escape for clients to experience her passion and expertise, as she pours her energy strategically into the many aspects of her work. Utilizing intuition and skill, she creates a truly healing environment that fills not only her cup but her clients' as well. The spa persona that Ellie has developed over the years has her clients coming back, choosing her and her experience to heal inside and out. 

Want to learn more about Ellie and her journey? Follow her on Instagram for unique and relatable content meant to educate, inform, and create lasting relationships.