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A passion for helping people led Thompson Falls resident Morgan Leaf to open Essential Wellness Day Spa. Leaf has been a licensed massage therapist since 2007. "I love it, I love helping people," she said.

Leaf has offered massage services at other locations in Thompson Falls, but decided recently to open her own day spa. Essential Wellness Day Spa opened in December, and Leaf held an open house on Dec. 8. She invited vendors to bring in products, offered specials, and opened the doors to share information about the day spa.

While Essential Wellness currently offers primarily massage, Leaf is looking to expand services including pedicures, manicures, waxing and facials. "My goal is to improve and get bigger," she said, noting that she also offers ionic foot baths, which help balance pH levels in the body. "It helps strengthen your immune system and makes your body more neutral."

Leaf wants to create a space where "you can come in and check out." She said she sees not just physical but emotional changes in people when they become consistent massage clients. Her vision for Essential Wellness Day Spa is to help people take care of themselves. She said that taking just an hour to relax and step away from the stresses of life does wonders for people's health, and both she and Torquemada love being a part of that change in people.

As Torquemada – who has been a massage therapist since 2013 – put it, "if you love what you do, it's not a job." Both women love what they do and want to help people in the community. Torquemada previously offered massage at a salon in Trout Creek. She said many of her clients there were from Thompson Falls, so she's happy to be in Thompson Falls now.

As if opening a business wasn't enough to make a person, Leaf made the jump when she was nine months pregnant. Her second child was born Nov. 27, just a week before she opened the day spa. She said she saw a for rent sign on the building for about a week before she made the call and started the process.

The women make a good team at the day spa, and say business has been picking up as they make changes to the building to make it just right for their needs. Leaf also sells doTERRA essential oils. While massage services start at $50 for an hour, she said many people find it beneficial to add oils to their massage routine to help with relaxation, stress or to help the body detox.

"You forget to take care of yourself," Torquemada said. "We're here to help with that."

Essential Wellness Day Spa is open by appointment only at this time. For an appointment or more information, call Essential Wellness at (406) 303-3673.