Owning a small business is no easy feat, and surviving the pandemic while trying to run a beauty and wellness-based business has been, well, just plain horrible for Christine Frezza. She bought Bloom Organics Day Spa on Siesta Drive in 2018 and went from having a full book of business to barely holding on to her business once COVID hit. But as the pandemic rages on, so has she. Originally from Buffalo, this New Yorker is tough as nails, and she’s managed to keep not only her doors open, but her mind sane and her skin—you guessed it—completely flawless.

What keeps you motivated as a small business owner?

I have always loved skin care, but bringing health and healing to others, especially when I can see it’s visibly changed not just their skin but also their mood, is really what keeps me going. Clients will often tell me after a service, “I didn’t realize how much I needed that,” and now that everyone is so stressed from the pandemic, they need to make time for self-care even more.

Getting a treatment at the spa isn’t just about the aesthetic gains. There’s also a lot to be said for just experiencing the human touch and having someone nurture you. I enjoy bringing that to my clients and educating them on organic skin care in the process. It’s important to be conscious of what products we use on our skin and understand the benefits of organic ingredients. That’s an essential part of the experience here at Bloom.

What’s your self-care routine like?

I eat well, and I love to exercise. My workouts keep me sane. Four to five days a week, I go to F45 downtown and get my sweat on. I also love to visit Purify Sweat Lodge and complete the infrared sessions there once a week. There is something so rejuvenating to me about getting a good sweat while detoxing my body.

Your skin is literally glowing. Tell me about your skin care routine.

I maintain a regular routine for my skin morning and night. It’s almost like a ritual of sorts for me. I use a lot of different organic products, but most are from Eminence Organic Skin Care and Skin Fitness, which I utilize in our services and sell at the spa.

In the a.m., I cleanse, use my eye cream, and rub a cool globe under my eyes for depuffing. Then, I use my Amethyst Cold Roller with upward strokes on my face and neck to apply my serum and neck cream. I always finish with an SPF.

At nighttime, I’ll double cleanse if I wore makeup that day, but often I don’t wear much. I’ll put my eye cream on along the orbital bone using my ring finger and finish with serum and a moisturizer on my face, neck, and décolleté.

Once a week, I perform a complete facial that includes a peel to even out skin tone and clear out my pores, a mask to hydrate, and microcurrent to lift and tone the face.

What is the most popular product you carry at the spa?

Eminence’s Rosehip Triple C&E Oil. It plumps and firms while fighting the signs of aging, smoothing wrinkles, and hydrating the skin. It’s great for all skin types and for the final application of your skin care routine.

How are you operating the spa amid COVID?

At the spa, we had to quickly implement new safety procedures and cleaning protocols to ensure our clients still felt comfortable and safe receiving their monthly treatments. It was no small endeavor, but with properly spaced appointment scheduling, face shielding, and consistent sanitization we’ve been able to keep a safe environment.

What’s your advice for someone wanting to feel better about themselves?

Don’t discount your self-talk and the people you surround yourself with. I constantly pump myself up with positive affirmations to keep my head right. It’s been tough for everyone, so being positive for yourself and others is so important. My friends and family keep me laughing and keep my soul light. That’s also why I love my workouts, because it regularly connects me with a community of people trying to do better and stay healthy.