Meet Junia Almeida
October, 8 2021 | Voyage Baltimore Magazine | Local Stories
Today we’d like to introduce you to Junia Almeida.
Hi Junia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Brazil. My husband and I immigrated to the US in 1996, and three years later we started growing our family in suburban Maryland. I was working as an esthetician in Georgetown, DC when I decided to find a job close to home. I wanted to spend more time with our three kids.
I was hoping to find something nearby when I spotted this cute shopfront available for rent right in the heart of historic downtown Frederick. It was only ten minutes from my house. My head started spinning. It was perfect, all I needed! I thought, “What if I opened up my own business?” The building came to be ready to operate. There was a large retail area in the front and five additional treatment rooms. I signed the lease contract. In May 2010, with little money in my pocket and lots of dreams, Verbena Day Spa was opened for business.
We felt very welcomed and received an amazing amount of support from the City of Frederick. The downtown partnership organized our open house. The Frederick News-Post, the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, and so many others came to wish us good luck. Our first team was composed of two estheticians, two massage therapists, one nail technician, and two guest service representatives. Right away, we began creating a loyal clientele.
In 2018, we decided that we needed a bigger space to accommodate our growing business.
Finding a large space with parking in downtown Frederick would have required a miracle, but I believe in miracles! I was looking at the listings in the area for a while when I finally found it. There was a 4000 sq ft one-floor building with lots of parking spaces for SALE!
My head started spinning again. I thought, “What if we could buy this building and move our business there? It was just a mile away from our location! It was everything we needed.”
Throughout the years doing business, I was able to save some money. This property was right in our price range. Bingo, we got a contract! At the end of February 2019, we bought our future location. It took us six months to renovate and prepare for moving. After nine years of leasing our original building, we closed our doors at West Patrick Street and reopened three days later at 15 West 7th Street. It was an incredibly hard and difficult task to achieve. Somehow, we did it.
I was exhausted, but couldn’t be happier.
Two years later in our new location now Verbena Salon & Spa- is growing strong despite all the challenges that came with the pandemic.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I knew from the beginning that it wouldn’t be an easy road. I had so many unfamiliar challenges in front of me. So instead of struggling with negative thoughts, I very quickly realized that I needed to have an open mind to learn new skills, be creative, and keep my eyes on my goals.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Located in historic downtown Frederick, Verbena Salon & Spa provides a variety of specialized spa treatments provided by a group of highly skilled therapists. Our spa services include nails, body treatments, waxing, facials, eyelash extensions, massages, and hair services.
Our mission is to create a workplace where people can thrive and to provide our clients an unforgettable experience of pampering and relaxation.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It feels good to see this business that started from nothing, becomes something. Along my journey, I learned that it’s possible to become what you want to be as long as you put in your heart and effort and believe you can do it. Just keep on dreaming!
https://voyagebaltimore.com/interview/meet-junia-almeidia-of-verbena-salon-spa
