The hardest part about being a parent is knowing your baby is hurting and you can’t do anything to fix it. This is especially true when your babies are sick, runny nose, fever, uncomfortable and you are following the doctor’s order and nothing seems to help. This has been the case in The Vasco home. Between Kataleya’s runny nose, Gabriella’s congestion, and my allergies, we’ve been going through a lot of tissues, nose saline (using the Nose Frida #yuck), and Vicks in my house with no success.
Growing up West Indian, a day at the beach doubled as a spa day. Memories of using the sand on my legs and arms as an exfoliant, gargling salt water to cure a sore throat and breathing in the salty air as a natural decongestant are still fresh in my mind.
So when I was invited to experience halotherapy at Salt. The Natural Spa, I said “yes please!”
When we first arrived at Salt. The Natural Spa, we were greeted by one of the owners, Yvonne with a warm smile and a super friendly welcome! She walked us towards a set of cubbies to put our shoes on and set down my baby bag. We kept our socks on and entered the salty play land! I’ve only heard of halotherapy and salt spas but never been to one, so I did not know what to expect. As soon as we entered, my daughter shouted, “Amazing!” So cute! We walked slowly onto the pink salt “rocks” as my daughter called them getting our feet use the different feeling. Once my daughter felt comfortable, which took all of a minute, she went off to enjoy her playtime. I found a comfy lounge chair and sat down to nurse my 2 month old Gabriella, the one with the congestion. Our session was 45 minutes, which is equivalent to three visits to the beach! During our session, micro particles of salt were blown through a vent into our room every 10 minutes, which made the room hazy. The temperature was kept warm like a spa would be. This made the room very relaxing and made it easier to breathe in the salty air. Every time the “salt fan” came on, I would feel a slight tingle in my nose. It tickled. My nose would also start running, as would my two daughters, which indicated that it was working. When our session was over, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the experience. I was even more surprised by how well my daughters did in the kid-friendly spa environment.
What a breath of salty air this experience was, literally! I loved it! Kataleya had a blast and Gabriella could breathe! Now did the salt therapy treatment really work? I left breathing better. My nasal passages felt more open and I was taking in more oxygen and my allergies have not bothered me since my visit. My toddler’s nose is no longer running which tells me that the salt therapy helped. Now my infant still has congestion, but I noticed she is not as congested as she was before the treatment. I know with natural treatments like this, I will need to bring my infant more frequently to see lasting effects. I also understand that this therapy provided relief for her, not a cure. I would recommend salt therapy for anyone who is interested in trying alternative ways to help fix certain ailments.
On our drive home, I could feel the difference in my breathing and didn’t hear any sniffles from the back seat! Seems like a visit to the salt spa was just what the Vasco girls needed.
So what is halotherapy?
Salt. The Natural Spa uses a halogenerator to grind and crush 99.9% Pure Grade Sodium Chloride a.k.a salt into micro particles that are then blown into a room that works to aid respiratory concerns and skin conditions.
How does Halotherapy work?
Dry salt absorbs foreign substances along its path through the respiratory tract. If there is anything there, the salt removes build up of any foreign elements that cause respiratory ailments. It helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and expand the airway passages. Lastly, the salt dissolves bacteria and pollutants that are lodged in the respiratory tract. These are then coughed up or naturally expelled by the body.
Who benefits from Halotherapy?
It is completely safe. 100% natural, drug-free, non-invasive therapy with no side effects or hazards. The treatment is suitable for children of any age.
It benefits adults and children. It is a natural treatment that on a regular basis may find relief from asthma, colds, flu, sinus infection, cystic fibrosis, ear infection, bronchitis, emphysema, allergies, snoring, acne, eczema, psoriasis, anxiety, fatigue, stress, and sleeping problems.
Is Halotherapy safe?
So who are the geniuses behind Salt. The Natural Spa?
Mompreneurs of course! Meet Yvonne Zablah and Megan Gaertner.
1) What was the inspiration for your business?
Our kids inspired us to open the business. We always wished a healthy playground for them. Both of us have 2 boys (3 yrs and 1.5yrs old) in the same age but we didn’t planned it like that.
2) How do you balance being a business owner and mompreneur?
As partners we split working time so we can actually spend more time with our kids, however we are always missing them. We’re supporting each other to make it best for everybody.
3) What were some challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
We sacrifice family time. Our most challenging part was to adjust our kids to the new schedule.
4) Did you have to change your mindset to become a business owner?
No, Our passion is to see our kids happy and healthy, we just escalate that passion to the general public. we just do what we love and love what we do.
5) What advice would you give a mom who wants to start her own business?
Look for your passion, stick to it and stay patient.
6) Looking back, knowing what you know about business, would you do anything differently?
We could have started earlier with the business but we also believe that everything is coming to you in the right moment.
I was so impressed by the beauty and serenity of the salt spa in Tampa. I was equally impressed by the owners, Yvonne and Megan’s dedication t bringing quality holistic care to the Tampa area while pursuing their passion and becoming business owners. When asked what advice they would give a mom who wants to start their own business, they said to “look for your passion, stick to it and stay patient.” I absolutely agree with this answer. So often women, especially mothers feel passionate about a project that has the potential to be a real business so they pursue it. But after a few challenges, set backs, obstacles, they take those as signs to quit instead of pushing through the obstacle and continuing their passion. This also applies to being patient. We all have goals and we create timelines for ourselves for when we want to achieve said goals, but if we do not achieve it in the time we set for ourselves, we give up, and its usually too early. Growing a business whether its a brick and mortar business or an online business takes time mamas. Rome wasn’t built in a day and anything worth having takes time.
“There’s no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs, one step at a time. ”
*DISCLAIMER: Always consult your personal physician before taking halotherapy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any current medical condition, please consult with your healthcare professional. Any products and/or services offered by third parties on The Mompreneur Project are offered and/or sold by their third party creator, performer and/or brand. The Mompreneur Project SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER IN CONNECTION WITH THESE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
Great review bestest 💗.