There are some people you meet who just get it — the juggle, the chaos, the heart behind building something from scratch while raising kids and trying to hold it all together. When I sat down to chat with Erica, owner of Bliss Day Spa in Kingston, I immediately felt that connection. As a single mom myself, I understood what it means to create not just a business, but a legacy — something your children can be proud of, something rooted in community and care.
For nearly a decade, Bliss Day Spa has been a place where people in Kingston can step away from their busy lives and find a moment of peace. But for Erica, the spa has always been about more than facials and massages — it’s about connection, resilience, and community.
Opening Bliss Day Spa nearly ten years ago was a leap of faith. “I had the opportunity to rent a small space in downtown Kingston, and it just felt like the right time,” Erica said. At that time, she was balancing a demanding career as a social worker, raising two young sons as a single mother, and caring for her elderly father. Eventually, she took a deep breath and decided to focus fully on esthetics and her new business. “I’m forever grateful I made that choice for myself,” she shared.
Her journey wasn’t a straight line. Before becoming an esthetician, Erica’s background was in social work — a career built around helping others. That same heart for people didn’t disappear; it simply found a new home. At Bliss, she and her team focus not just on self-care, but on community care. Over the years, they’ve donated to countless local fundraisers and often gift services to clients going through hard times. “Our giving happens pretty organically,” she said with a smile. “We’re always open to finding other ways to serve.”
Community is deeply woven into Erica’s story. Having lived in Kingston for 24 years, she’s raised her boys here — watching them attend the local co-op preschool, join Boy Scouts, and grow up surrounded by the kind of friendships that only a small town can offer. “We love our little town and the people in it,” she said. “It’s home.”
Running a business hasn’t been without its challenges. “Starting and owning a business is a 24/7 responsibility,” she admitted. “Organization is something I’m still learning to master as the spa grows.” What started as a small one-woman operation has blossomed into a thriving space with two massage therapists, a nurse offering injectables, a permanent makeup artist, a reflexologist, and Erica herself as the lead esthetician. “The best investment I’ve made in my business is the people I’ve brought into the spa,” she said. “They’re incredible — they make coming to work a joy.”
When she’s not running Bliss, Erica loves exploring her local favorites — The Lounge at D’Vine tops her list. “It’s my favorite hangout in Kingston,” she shared. “It’s a great place to unwind after a long day, and the owners are amazing humans.” And when it comes to food? “I love Indian food, Thai food, and honestly, anything with cheese and carbs,” she laughed.
Finding time for self-care is still a challenge, even for someone in the spa world. “I do love a good spa day,” she said. “But sometimes, it’s hard to slow down.” She’s also quick to credit other women in business who inspire her. “There are so many local female business owners I admire. They’ve taught me so much about how to run a successful business while still taking care of family and community.”
At Bliss Day Spa, Erica and her team offer a variety of facials — from dermaplane and microdermabrasion to customized peels and other specialized treatments. “We have a little something for everyone,” she said. “You can get a full list on our website, but I always tell people to come in and chat with us — we’ll find what’s right for you.”
This February marks Bliss Day Spa’s 10-year anniversary, a milestone that represents far more than just longevity. For Erica, it’s a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and following a dream later in life. “I never expected to own a spa or even become an esthetician,” she reflected. “But one day, I decided this was what I wanted, and I have no regrets.”
Looking ahead, she’s excited about expanding services and finding even more ways to give back to the community that has supported her from the very beginning. “I have new ideas all the time,” she said. “Balancing space and time is always a challenge, but I’m excited for what’s next.”
For now, she’s focused on the work she loves — caring for her clients, growing her team, and celebrating a decade of success in the heart of Kingston. “Every day, I’m profoundly grateful for the business I created and the wonderful people I get to spend time with,” she said warmly.
You can check out everything Bliss Day Spa offers at www.kingstondayspa.com — or stop by in person, right next to the Post Office and Grocery Outlet in Kingston.
Because at Bliss, it’s not just about glowing skin — it’s about glowing spirits, too.
