Kara Coleman discovered yoga ten years ago while pregnant with her first child. For her, it was a chance to connect with her baby as well as with other new Moms. As time went on and more children joined her family, yoga became an escape, a time to unwind and focus on herself. A couple of years ago, Kara was driving up to 30 minutes from home in order to find the type of yoga classes she wanted to participate in. With a prompt from her husband, Kara decided it was time to bring the type of inclusive yoga environment and variety of classes she enjoyed to Abbotsford. In just 9 months she found the space, dreamt and designed the studio from scratch and opened the doors to Parallel Yoga in October 2011!

With 42 classes on the schedule each week, Parallel Yoga is a busy Abbotsford yoga studio! Almost 20 types of yoga classes are offered, including Candlelight Restorative, Fusion Yoga/Pilates, Gentle Flow, Power Hot and Yoga for Kids or Tweens. And to add a little extra spice to their schedule, Parallel Yoga also offers a fun Zumba class! This spacious studio fits a maximum of 24 people, so there is lots of space to practice your best Tadasana. New to yoga? Parallel Yoga would love to see you out for your first class – here are some great yoga tips for newbies.

Gents – you are invited to all classes, of course, but Parallel Yoga has something special just for you. ‘Bro’ga is a men-only yoga class offering a chance for you and your fellow bros to compliment your regular exercise routine and loosen up areas that are often tight in men.

Kara’s ‘inclusive yoga environment’ philosophy is apparent when you visit Parallel Yoga. It’s a bright, warm and cheerful environment where people of all shapes, sizes and skill levels are made to feel comfortable. There is a quaint, comfortable waiting area outside the studio where students gather to chat pre-class or to enjoy a quiet moment and a cup of tea afterwards.

Looking to update your workout wardrobe? You’ll find a great selection of yoga apparel and accessories here, including the popular Vancouver brands Tonic Lifestyle Apparel and Karma Athletics. Yoga mats, bags, bolsters and accessories are also available.

Recently Parallel Yoga was nominated for a Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award through Abbotsford Community Services, on account of them being such an inclusive, welcoming environment. Kara set out to create a community of diverse local yoga lovers and, in a very short time, has succeeded in doing so.

Parallel Yoga would fit right into the middle of any big city, with its urban feel and amenities. However, the friendly Fraser Valley charm is captured here as well, making this a fabulous place for all to begin, restart or continue their yoga practice.

Parallel Yoga
www.parallelyoga.ca
106-1900 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford
Phone: 604.746.4070

An idea and desire to provide a body, mind and soul experience in the comfort of your own home is how Pamper Your Soul evolved into a business over seven years ago.  This business was started by two women: Maggie, an Aesthetician and Michelle, a Massage Practitioner who met over coffee through a mutual friend.  Since that day, they have grown their idea into a successful service that meets the pampering needs of both personal and corporate clients.

Pamper Your Soul offers in-home spa treatments that include pedicures, manicures, back facials and massages.  From weddings to birthdays to “just because” girl time, these parties offer a home experience that could not get any closer to home.  Providing you have the space, they will set up their massage table and/or manicure and pedicure stations around your house and can manage up to 8 people per booking.  Spa treatments plus the freedom to eat, drink and socialize at your leisure in your own home?  Delightful!

Home spa parties are just the beginning for this company.  Pamper Your Soul has greatly expanded their business to service corporate clients who offer chair massage and reflexology treatments for their employees.  From ten, fifteen, or twenty minute chair massages for the upper back, shoulders and neck to reflexology treatments on the feet that target stress-relieving pressure points, Pamper Your Soul provides all the equipment needed to create a “Wellness in the Workplace” environment at your company.  For employees that participate, these mini sessions not only help to relieve stress, but result in rejuvenation and better performance on the job.

The ladies at Pamper Your Soul are keen to work with companies to create a customized experience for their employees.  Whether you want weekly or monthly visits or have 12 employees or 200, they can modify their schedules and work within your budget to accommodate your specific needs.  They also have a referral program for businesses to earn rewards.

Most importantly, Michelle and Maggie want to build a relationship with and create a great experience for their customers, leaving them in a blissful, pampered state of mind.  We could definitely handle that.  How about you?

Our readers are invited to enter to win a 3 hour “Wellness in the Workplace” package, with a total value of $210. Individuals can enter to win chair massages/reflexology treatments for themselves and their co-workers and PYS will work to customize the package/schedule for the group/company that wins!

What a nice holiday surprise this would be for you and your hardworking coworkers! Please leave a note below to be entered to win. Winner will be chosen at random on December 5, 2011. 

Pamper Your Soul
www.pamperyoursoul.com
Ring: 604.836.6497 

Photos for this article were provided by Pamper Your Soul. 

Two years ago, not knowing what they would build on it, Laura Sigurdson and Josh Littler bought a small piece of property in Mission.  Right from the start, they intended to turn the former garage into a viable business and were just waiting for the right idea to come to them.

Laura had practiced and enjoyed yoga for many years and found it to be an effective way to counteract the physical effects of her previous job as a care aid worker, as well as complimenting her training as a competitive horse jumper, both which were activities that would often leave her visiting multiple practitioners to keep her body on track.

When Laura realized that she could merge her passion for yoga with the business opportunity her and Josh had been seeking, Iron Lotus Yoga was born.  Opened on Dec 4, 2010 this studio is small but packs a serious punch of uniqueness. Having been designed and built to be as environmentally friendly as possible, the space was created using mostly reused and recycled materials.

The Indonesian style bathroom has the most amazing stonework and a unique sink basin that sits on top of an old fallen tree.  The stones on the floor are from a nearby river.  Some of the doors in the studio are from an old hotel in Vancouver and the countertops are recycled work benches from the garage.

In the yoga studio, you will find a comfortably sized room that hosts an average of 10 people per class, so you are sure to receive personal attention and advanced instruction.  Rock crystals line the walls, which help to clean and purify the air as they emit negative ions.

There are 5 instructors in total that teach the yoga classes, from Hatha to Hot, Kundalini, Iyengar and Vinyasa as well.  With such a nice variety of teachers and classes offered, you won’t easily get bored in your personal practice.  There is also a Registered Massage Therapist on site two to three days a week.

Iron Lotus Yoga is already making an impact in their community, with events like Yoga in the Park, which benefits local organizations and charities.  They also love to support local suppliers in BC and Canada and carry products such as True Earth Essentials, made in Mission, Ganesha’s Botanical Body Scents, crafted in Kaslo and other items such as their organic t-shirts, homemade mat bags and yoga mats.

This is one business that not only fills a void for the residents of Mission, but provides a truly inviting space to come to.  We are really excited for the outdoor rooftop yoga that will be starting on July 1, 2011!

Iron Lotus Yoga has generously donated a five class Open Pass, as well as one of their organic t-shirts to one of our lucky readers. Winner will be announced on June 1, 2011.

Please leave a note below to be entered to win, or post the following on Twitter: “I entered to win a yoga gift pack from @FVPulse & @IronLotusYoga http://ht.ly/5037i”

Iron Lotus Yoga
www.ironlotusyoga.com
7331 Grand St, Mission
Ring: 604.287.7282

We are always on the lookout for a salon and spa that offers great full service treatments in a chic and unique atmosphere. Our newest discovery is Gente Bella Salon & Spa in Chilliwack, which has you covered from head to toe as you get ready for summer, for that special night out or just because you want to treat yourself (our favourite reason). One step through the door is all it takes to recognize just how unique this little gem is. From the giant rock feature in the guest seating area to the grand light fixtures lining the way to the treatment rooms, you can’t help but get excited to see what else is in store throughout the rest of the spa!

Being a Chilliwack resident, owner Lesley Reid wanted to keep things local when she decided to open a salon and spa of her very own. That she did when she chose a bustling new area in the heart of the city! Previously a hair studio, the Gente Bella that sits there today is very unique from what was originally in that space. Drawing inspiration from her staff, nature, and the classy likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, Lesley succeeded in creating a beautiful spa destination that balances modern design with natural elements.

Since opening their doors in 2009, Lesley and her team have been working towards a space where visitors can “come in as clients and leave as friends.” This friendly approach to business has seen Gente Bella continue to grow, including a revamp and expansion in 2010 allowing them to offer additional services to their friends and potential clients!

This expansion included a completely redesigned hair studio, which now includes a fantastic waterfall feature, a designated men’s zone and 12 hair stations for the ladies! The new space has allowed them to better serve their clients in various ways, from being able to accommodate larger wedding parties and last minute appointments to offering better lighting required specifically for men’s precision cutting.

The most unique feature at Gente Bella, however, isn’t their hair cutting stations, or the ever-changing scents in their steamroom, or even their mud contouring treatment (although they are all very special) – it’s their washhouse. The washhouse, which we now refer to as the most incredible hair washing station, is the place to have your hair washed.

Using a combination of colourful water features, accent lighting, scalp massage techniques and relaxing music, guests are encouraged to shut out the rest of the salon, and the rest of the world when the washhouse door closes behind them. A trip to the washhouse is included with any hair service, so you’ll leave with a little piece of zen even if you don’t make it over to the spa side! Pure bliss.

Gente Bella prides itself in offering only the best products. Eminence, L’anza, Paul Mitchell and OPI are just a few of the great products that are used throughout the spa and are also available for purchase. Looking for that perfect shade of nail polish? Gente Bella carries both the new collections and the classics – giving mani and pedi guests the very best selection!

Speaking of pedis, we are excited to send one of our lucky readers to Gente Bella Spa for a Spa Pedicure to get their tootsies ready for summer! Winner will be announced on May 27, 2011. Please leave a note below to be entered to win, or post the following on Twitter for an extra entry:

“I entered to win a Spa Pedicure from @FVPulse http://ht.ly/4V0LM “

Gente Bella Salon & Spa
www.gentebella.ca
Unit 202-7592 Vedder Road, Chilliwack
Ring: 604.847.0535

We love finding hidden gems in the Fraser Valley. For several years we have seen products from this local business, but have never visited until recently. So happy we finally had the chance to check out Rustic Soap Co.!

Rustic Soap Co. is run by Tawyna Walsh, who started making her own soaps after her young son suffered from eczema. What started as a hobby, or rather an experiment, in 1999 has now blossomed into a thriving soap-making venture! The Rustic Soap Co. retail and soap-making shack opened in 2006.

Tawnya’s workshop is located in a quiet neighbourhood in Chilliwack. The dainty soap shack is adorable and it smells divine – an aromatherapy junkie’s heaven! Tawnya is full of happy energy and we loved learning about the soap making process and the local, natural ingredients she uses.

Rustic Soap Co. offers a great line of products. We love the handmade soaps made with vegetable oils, dried herbs, grains & pure essential oils. They contain no artificial colours, fragrances or preservatives. Ginger Lime, Spiced Orange, Rosemary Mint, Licorice Treat – the names of these soaps sound good enough to eat! Tawnya also makes goat milk soaps and other specialty bars including a hemp pet shampoo bar.

Soy candles, essential oils, room sprays, bath salts, herbal salves, body polishes and a line of baby skincare compliment the great handmade soap collections. They all smell ahhhh-mazing!

Tawnya often creates private label products for wedding favours, bed and breakfasts and other businesses that want to offer a special something to their guests and customers. What a great idea!

There is something so lovely about visiting the workshop of an artisan and watching how the product you are about to enjoy is made from start to finish. A photo montage on the workshop wall outlines the full procedure and Tawnya happily explained the process to us. Depending on when you visit, you may get to see her in action! We watched her slice up some soap bars, which will make their way over to the drying rack to cure for several weeks before being labelled.

There is indeed a rustic charm to Tawnya’s soap shack. We love the old-style merchant feel of Rustic Soap Co. -the brown paper wrap tied with a simple string, the stamped logo and vintage signs.

It is a delightful place to visit and we would love to send two of our lucky readers for a visit to Rustic Soap Co. Please leave a note below to be entered to win one of two $25 gift certificates (valid in-store only). Contest closes May 4, 2011.

For an extra entry into the draw, please Tweet the following: I entered to win a gift certificate to Rustic Soap Co. from @FVPulse: http://ht.ly/4G0mC.

Rustic Soap Co. is a part of the Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour. The Fraser Valley Circle Farm Tours are self-guided tours in the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, Langley and Agassiz/Harrison Mills). They allow you to explore farm-gate vendors, local artisans, charming eateries, heritage sites and much more, all at your own pace, in your own vehicle. They are a great way to meet some of our local producers – be sure to check one out this year!

Rustic Soap Co.
www.rusticsoap.com
42537 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack
Ring: 604.823.4461

Enter The Sour Apple Nail Bar & Tanning Lounge, nestled in a new and trendy neighborhood of Pitt Meadows and you will discover a salon with a big-city feel and a whole lot of girly touches.  With strong nods to Marilyn and Audrey, Sour Apple oozes a classy and sexy atmosphere.  Famous quotes and pictures of Hollywood glamour girls line the walls and you instantly get the feel that taking the time to pamper yourself is both acceptable, and strongly encouraged.

What started as an empty space was brought to life by the Owner, Diana and the Director, Rachel, friends from esthetics school 13 years prior.  They both loved the location and saw an opportunity to bring a trendy salon to the neighborhoods of Pitt Meadows.  With years of experience in the industry, Rachel not only manages the salon, but provides many of the esthetic services.

Opened in February of 2010, The Sour Apple Nail Bar does so much more than just cater to your nails and need for vitamin D.  From fingers and toes, to facials and waxing, the cleverly named services are widespread.  Need a “Toe-tal” Experience, “Maniqu-Her” or Breakfast at Tiffany’s facial?  You’ll find them here.

Sour Apple boasts a truly unique space that is contemporary and fun, with lots of clean, crisp whites, pretty chandeliers and hints of vibrant purple throughout.  Their funky, spacious pedicure area lends itself perfectly for private parties, which are offered for weddings, stagettes, birthdays and more.  You can plan a Princess or Teen Diva Party or attend one of their very popular Botox parties (the next one is March 31).  Another fun option is to join Sour Apple’s Book Club.  Pairing beauty and books? Such a fun and unique idea!

Some of the great products used throughout the salon include SkinCeuticals, which are used for all of the facials.  Essie, Shellac and Bio-Sculpt gel are available for manicures and pedicures.  Sour Apple also carries a select assortment of jewelry made by local designers and has a small boutique with clothes and accessories for sale.

You can check the website for monthly specials and if you come into Sour Apple on your birthday, whatever age you are turning, you will receive that percentage off.  Turning 40?  Get 40% off your service!  Happy Birthday to you!

We are excited to send one of our lucky readers to this posh space for a divine “Toe-tal” Experience which includes everything you’d expect from a fabulous pedicure, along with your choice of a cooling clay masque or a warm paraffin treatment. Please leave a note below to be entered to win. Winner will be announced on April 11, 2011.

Sour Apple Nail Bar & Tanning Lounge
www.sourapplenailbar.ca
Unit 101-10958 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows
Ring: 604.460.4602

WildChild was opened in August 2010 by husband and wife team Danielle and Nigel Walker, the salon’s primary tattoo artist.  With over 14 years of experience, “WildChild” Nigel and his apprentice mainly create custom tattoos for their customers.  Not only can you get a tattoo in a private room that is warm and welcoming, you will also walk away with a tattoo unlike anyone else’s.

With a 1940’s Manhattan decor theme, the hairshop makes you feel as though you are walking into a creative space that encourages individual style.  Each of the five Hair Stylists who work at the salon are given free reign to decorate their personal workspace, which really gives you a sense of what inspires their everyday work.

This is not just a salon for women that men can occasionally visit.  The salon has a 1940’s vintage barber chair, where men can sit when they come in for a straight-razor shave, and several of the workstations have manly tool kits that act as storage for the stylists’ tools and products.  Not only do their services cater to men, but they carry products for men from American Crew and Layrite from Hawleywood’s in L.A., a perfect solution for hairstyles with a 50’s or 60’s feel.

Another unique service at the salon is their custom pin-up hairstyles for women.  Whether you are going to a themed party or want to channel your inner Rita Hayworth,  you can walk out feeling like a bombshell beauty from days gone by.  Browse the art on their walls or their assortment of goodies such as jewelry, custom hair accessories and purses from local artists such as Jae West, Pink Gargoyle and Wicked Purses.  Or stock up on Moroccan Oil products, a raved about line of hair products and favorite of the Hair Stylists at WildChild.

The staff are passionate about making your visit to WildChild comfortable and fun.  With flexible hours that accommodate their customer’s needs, they hope to bring you an experience that leaves you coming back for more, whether that’s getting your first tattoo with your grandpa for his 80th birthday, a haircut for your children or your own personal hair upkeep.  WildChild is a new and trendy one-stop shop for your styling needs!

WildChild Tattoos & Hairshop
www.wildchildtattoos.ca
19228 96th Ave, Surrey BC (under the Barron Manor Pub)
Ring: 778.298.8869

We’re very lucky to have fantastic talented nail artists scattered throughout the Fraser Valley.  When we want to really spoil ourselves, one place our team loves to visit is Socialite Nails in Crescent Beach.

Amy Nguyen has a natural eye for fashion, for the latest and greatest and her entrepreneurial spirit has always been strong. With a solid retail management and merchandise buying background, everyone assumed when Amy did finally open her own business it would be a fashion boutique. Even Amy herself thought this might be the avenue she’d pursue, but a special trip to New York sparked an idea for something different.

On a business trip to New York, the boutique-style nail salons throughout the city really caught Amy’s eye. She fell in love with the concept and immediately enrolled at Blanche McDonald when she returned home. Armed with her new skills and determination, Amy knew the suburbs were the perfect place to launch this concept. Socialite Nails opened in October 2008 and has been spoiling locals ever since with spectacular nail treatments, waxing, tinting and threading.

Socialite Nails caters to all kinds of patrons, offering regular specials for seniors and kids. Every Tuesday, from 9AM – 1PM, Moms are welcome to bring their babies/toddlers to the salon.  This is a time for Mom to enjoy her nail treatments while babies & toddlers are entertained and minded… a fantastic opportunity for Mom to relax!

Men are welcome at Socialite Nails too and guys, we promise once you try it once – you will be hooked.  Chandeliers aside, the dark aubergine walls and grand leather chairs are comfy and contemporary enough to not be intimidating.  The mood at Socialite Nails is cool and funky, hip and stylish, yet also uber relaxing.  It is spotlessly clean and the little extras are fabulous. Even a simple eyebrow threading included a soothing gel application after the procedure.  Going these extra steps are highly appreciated by us!

One of the coolest things about Socialite Nails is that Amy believes they are presently the only nail salon outside of Vancouver that is offering Minx nails. These fashionable nail coverings are one of the hottest trends in Hollywood. From alligator skin to pink plaid, there are several styles to express your personality and style.

Amy & her team are offering a Minx manicure to one of FVP’s awesome readers! You’ll be sporting the same stylish digits as Beyonce, Lady Gaga and other fashionistas! Please enter a comment below to be entered to win.  Winner will be announced June 7, 2010.

Socialite Nails
www.socialitenails.com
5 – 12812 Crescent Road, Surrey
Ring: 604.531.3338

We first learned of The Goddess Movement at the West Coast Women’s Show.  The demonstrations of pole dancing weren’t smarmy and overtly sexual like we were used to seeing.  It was athletic, beautiful and it looked very FUN!

Aryn Savard (pictured below) and a friend were teaching pilates in 2005.  Her friend had seen pole fitness on Oprah and suggested to Aryn that they give it a try.  Aryn, then 5 months pregnant, laughed it off until she realized her friend wasn’t kidding.  After some thought, she realized that with her degree in exercise physiology and athletic background, she could really use this new exercise phenomenon to help women find a fun way to exercise, to empower them and to change their lives and bodies.  From the moment Aryn started creating simple routines on the pole, she fell in love.

The Goddess Movement has locations in Abbotsford and in Chilliwack, both with a fabulous menu of all types of exercise. There is of course the pole work, along with Ballet Bootcamp, Zumba, Mom & Baby Fitness and coming soon – hoop classes! ALL women can enjoy this fitness studio.  The programs are very comprehensive.  Even the pole fitness classes include a yoga warm up, belly dancing-inspired movements, dance choreography and pilates.

What’s the biggest misconception?  Aryn says the biggest misconception about pole fitness is that you need to be fit before you begin.  The first thing new visitors are told is that they must check their judgement at the door – not only of others, but most importantly of themselves.  Aryn and The Goddess Movement team empower women to test their bodies, try new things and to love themselves and one another while doing so.

Aryn, we love how you’re empowering the women of the Fraser Valley to have fun getting fit and to find their inner goddess.

Ladies – give it a try!  The Goddess Movement offers FREE try-it classes each week. Check the calendar for details.  And if you’re looking for somewhere fun to host a stagette or ladies night out in the Fraser Valley – give The Goddess Movement a call… they’ll help plan you something sassy and fabulous!

Aryn & her team are gifting one lucky FVP reader, plus up to 9 female friends, one private class of pole fitness!  Just you, an instructor, a fabulous studio of poles and a whole lotta laughs to be had – don’t forget your camera!  To enter to win this fun ladies night out, please leave a comment on this post.  Winner will be announced May 7, 2010.  Good luck!

The Goddess Movement
www.thegoddessmovement.com

1919 Sumas Way, Abbotsford VIEW MAP
Ring: 778.240.7879

#10 – 45778 Gaetz Street, Chilliwack VIEW MAP
Ring: 778.240.7879

Sue Kavelman and her family moved to Clayburn Village in 2000 and set to work with restoring their 1905 heritage home. Renovating and restoring the gorgeous building was a lot of work, which saw the Kavelmans lifting the house up to pour a concrete foundation. During the restorations every brick on the building was individually removed, cleaned and returned to the house.  The bricks were each branded with the Clayburn Brick Factory stamp.  This brick factory was located in BC’s first ‘company town’, Clayburn, between 1905 and 1931.  The Kavelman’s house is a Foreman’s Cottage.

During these renovations Sue, a natural soap maker, had a lightbulb moment.  She could have a mold made of the Clayburn bricks and pour her soap creations into those molds! Traditionally soap is poured into wooden trays where it sits to harden, then it is sliced up to sell to the consumer.  So Sue ordered the mold from a company in Oregon and today Clayburn Comforts sells fabulous little Clayburn bricks of delightful, handcrafted, natural soaps!

The building where Clayburn Comforts is located is set on the same property as Sue’s home, and it has also been completely restored inside and out.  It is set where the old chicken coup used to be! The walk up to the building is enchanting, with several Clayburn bricks set in the concrete on the pathway.  Sue and her husband have created a beautiful oasis with a pond and exotic garden.  You’re already relaxed before you even step into the lovely Clayburn Comforts and take that first breath of calming aromatherapy products.

It was so fun to watch Sue in action, preparing soaps and aromatherapy body products. Lots of love and detail goes into every single pot of cream and bar of soap, which are all prepared in small batches to ensure fresh, consistent products.  The selection of Clayburn Comforts products is impressive for this little shop – soy wax candles, bath salts, baby products, hand sanitizer spray, body scrub, lip balm, lotion, face cream, toner… the list goes on.  A new men’s line is in the works, too! We really enjoyed a variety of products, including the Clayburn bricks of chocolate, made by our friends at Chocolatas.

We love veggie-based, natural soaps, so we picked up five different bars and we’re still enjoying them.  The 3 in 1 soap/shampoo/conditioner bar was a surprise to us – it actually works!   This best-seller lathers up just like shampoo and is easy to store/dry as it hangs on a rope.  We’ll absolutely pick up another one of these when we head out on our next vacation… it’s even available in a travel tin, which was recently gifted to Reba McIntire!

Clayburn Village, which was designated for conservation in 1996, is a wonderful afternoon destination.  The Clayburn Country Store & Tea Shop is darling; clothing stores and art galleries are in walking distance to Clayburn Comforts – definitely put it on your ‘must visit’ list this Spring.  And be sure to pick up a brick of soap from Clayburn Comforts, a lovely little Fraser Valley creation.

Clayburn Comforts
www.clayburncomforts.com
34866 Clayburn Road, Abbotsford
Ring: 604.746.2633