One step from Jasper Avenue inside Studio J by Mahalo takes you from the noise and hustle of downtown into pure tranquility and relaxation.
For owner Anamaria Vallejo, this is her way of giving back to a country that she is so grateful for. Vallejo and her family are refugees from Colombia, forced to flee the country when she was just 19 years old.
“I planned my life in a very different way,” said Anamaria. “I didn’t want to leave. I remember we voted because that’s the type of family we are and I voted against leaving the country, but you don’t understand at the time.”
Vallejo’s mother was a teacher and community leader in their hometown in the southern part of Colombia. When her mother discovered alleged sexual misconduct at the marine base, she investigated further and decided to speak out against it.
“Obviously the government didn’t like it,” said Anamaria. “The government was extreme right, and it was hard to be a community leader. My mom is a tiny lady, but she has a lot of personality, she’s very, very strong.”
The family was forced to hide and cut off all communication with family members. After months of work to prove their case against the government, which she said wasn’t easy because it’s hard to hide from a government, Red Cross International and Amnesty International got them out of the country.
“We had to say we were going on vacation and that was it.”
The family landed in Montreal and settled in Quebec City. She was there for 11 years before heading west to Edmonton. Working as a social worker, she wanted a change and started training in massage therapy and then medical aesthetics. She opened her first business, Mahalo Massage & Wellness, in St. Albert, in 2017.
It was December last year that she bought Studio J at 10014 Jasper Ave. In May, the business transitioned to medical aesthetics and a training academy for students.
But it hasn’t come easy. She loves the downtown community but bringing in business downtown has been tough.
“But we like challenges, so why not,” said Anamaria, who, we can all agree, knows a thing or two about challenges.
The location offers express spa options for busy corporate types who can pop in on a break. A 30-minute facial, anyone? Their space is also set up to host parties and groups for treatments like massage, pedicures, acupuncture and a full range of spa services.
The first thing you’ll notice when you step inside Studio J by Mahalo is that her staff feel like friends and family. The spirit of the business shines bright and you immediately feel the desire of the team to provide holistic wellness and deep relaxation.
“The team is very good,” said Anamaria. “These young ladies are not only good at what they do but they have great ethics and values and sometimes that can be hard to find.”
As the weather changes and your skin inevitably suffers, perhaps sneaking a special deal in October is just what you need.
Before you book, I imagine you’re curious! Yes, Anamaria has been back, but it was only in 2022 she went back to Colombia with her three children and her brother’s family.
“My kids need to know more family,” she said. “We don’t even have pictures when we were babies.”