Woman reimagines wellness through SoHo spa and national nail care brand, Chillhouse
SOHO, Manhattan (WABC) -- As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, meet a woman from Queens who is on a mission to help everyone find their own chill.
When you step into Chillhouse in SoHo, something feels different, and that's exactly what Founder and CEO Cyndi Ramirez was going for -- wellness but reimagined.
"The biggest message for me has always been about prioritizing ourselves and really like putting up the message that self-care is not selfish," Ramirez said.
From Queens to the corporate world, a layoff then a lifestyle blog, Ramirez's path was anything but straightforward, but it was guided by a particular truth. She didn't see herself reflected in the wellness world.
"I had to create the thing I always sought out for when I was a little girl," Ramirez said.
While Chillhouse's flagship in-person experience is based out of New York City, Ramirez says her brand has become recognized across the country.
"We have a nail studio in it and a spa. We also have a café, but nationally we're a nail care brand that's all about attainable price points, but never compromising on the quality," she said.
As for Ramirez's story, it started with a little girl, a daughter of a Colombian immigrant who wanted something more.
"My mom is an aesthetician. I would always look at her like, you should be the example you're setting with your clients because you're taking care of them, but you don't take care of yourself," she said.
Three years after opening, the pandemic hit, and so Ramirez did what she does best: pivoted.
"That's when we decided to launch press-ons. We're known for our nail art, so like why not put it on a nail that anyone, everywhere can experience," Ramirez said.
As for Chillhouse's flagship in SoHo, it just got a full makeover during Hispanic Heritage Month.
"I think it's very full circle," Ramirez said. "To be someone that had an inspiring story, for a young Latina who doesn't see themselves as someone that can get out of whatever it is her upbringing looked like and can picture her life however she it wants it to look."
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