About

Professional life

In the late 1990s Erica felt unfulfilled in her professional life. Recognizing her love language is acts of service she wanted to be proud and excited to make a positive difference in others and the environment. Her journey to help others began by following her first passion and in 2000 she graduated from Swanson's Canadian Institute of Electrology (500 hours) training program with 98%. She then continued her studies at Marvel College’s (870 hours) Spa Esthetics program achieving her diploma with top honours. After working at an elite Calgary spa she applied the entrepreneurial skills she had learned from her SAIT Marketing Business diploma and launched Studio 1 Spa Services in late 2001. Working as a contractor to Holt Renfrew for prestigious skincare lines such as La Mer and having clients fly in globally for her award winning facials she has never looked back at following her dreams. After being in the the beauty industry for over 22 years she now dedicates and specializes in the following endeavours.

Microscopic Electrolysis - After being teased as a child she understands how it feels to be self conscious having unwanted hair. She began extensively researching all the options for permanent hair removal. She looked into becoming trained as a laser technician and working with a top dermatologist to only find out that laser was only approved as hair reduction and not the permanent solution she was searching for. After researching and visiting the top electrolysis schools in Canada she moved to British Columbia to be trained as a Certified Microscopic Electrologist. This allowed her to be able to work on all hair and skin types even targeting the fine light vellus hairs that bother some people.

Microbiome Facials - Knowing our bodies have a natural affinity towards nature Erica has a natural holistic approach when it comes to wellness and skincare. Erica is a strong advocate of the gut-brain-skin axis and the correlation among the gut microbiome, emotional states and skin inflammation. Her focus is to protect your natural skin microbiome and to balance the good and bad bacteria on the skin. Growing research has found that the environment around you influences the microbes that inhabit your body including your gut microbiome. Being in nature is a beneficial way to balance your microbiome including gut and skin health. Being born near the Kananaskis, Erica’s love of nature is deep rooted to the area . She has always felt a true connection with the earth and can often be found foraging in the woods collecting wild berries or quartz crystals and earthing in her barefeet. Her facials focus on helping you achieve healthy natural skin, not just masking the symptoms. She believes in nurturing your skin accordingly.

Natural Cosmetic Skincare Formulation - Over 10 years ago Erica rescued a beagle dog after learning they were commonly used in cosmetic lab testing because of their gentle disposition. This sparked a drive in Erica to investigate cruelty free clean skincare and she started taking local classes in DIY skincare. After having her own child and making clean baby products for her she decided she wanted to help others and wanted to create stable professional safe products. She then went on to achieve her diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation in the UK. She decided to take her training in the EU because they have higher restrictions than North America for clean organic skincare. Lately you will find Erica working on her Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Science in her laboratory as well as preparing to launch her exclusive natural clean skincare line PIPER LILY™

Over two decades later, she feels blessed to continue to offer rejuvenation and bliss in her professional private studio setting nestled in the beautiful Foothills of Alberta near the pristine Rocky Mountains of Canada.

Quality and cleanliness

Not only can you expect high quality treatments at Studio 1 Spa, but you can also expect extreme cleanliness. Adhering to AHS guidelines and personal services standards. All tools are chemically sterilized as well all stainless steel implements are sterilized in a Clinical Medical Autoclave Sterilizer. Sterile non-expired disposable filaments are used during every electrolysis treatment.

What else can you expect from Studio 1 Spa?

Because new trends, services and products are always emerging from the multi-billion dollar beauty industry, Erica makes it a priority to participate in educational training including annual training seminars for the past 24 years. She is the proud recipient of 16 readers choice Awards in the Best of the Foothills. She is an active member of COPE National (Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologist's). Besides have certifications in relaxation massage, nails, footcare, body treatments, reflexology, makeup, waxing, tinting, and extensive training in facials, she has completed several holistic energy certifications including Crystal Massage, Atma Kriya Yoga, Bhakti Marga OM Chanting Facilitator, Reiki, Trauma informed Fascia Reiki & Allison Scott’s School of Transformation - Energy Healing (South Africa).

Top banner image credit: Flikr, wherezjeff

Family image credit: Liz Andrews Photography