Blending beauty and bubbly at The Wine Spa
What’s the best pairing for a mimosa? A mani, of course.
In spring of 2024, Angela Szubielski opened The Wine Spa—a social spa where you can connect with friends and enjoy a pedicure with a little splash of Nova Scotia wine.
For Szubielski, building a business has been years in the making. “I’ve been searching for the perfect business venture since I was a kid,” she says. That search eventually led her back to school in 2018 to become a certified sommelier. Her early business ideas revolved around wine-infused experiences, and by 2020 she was poised to launch a wine tour company—until the pandemic changed her course.
Instead, Szubielski joined the team at Peacock Wine Bar to get hands-on experience and deepen her industry knowledge. When a favourite co-worker left to become a hairstylist, Szubielski had an idea. “After our final shift together, I sat up late, sipping wine and thinking about how much fun it would be to create a business where she could work,” she says. “I laughed at the idea of a spa or salon at first, but a few sips later, I started imagining a completely different kind of spa: one where Tina Turner plays in the background and you’re sipping wine with your best friends.”
From that late-night brainstorm came The Wine Spa—a feel-good destination that combines wellness treatments with wine-forward hospitality. “We’ve created a joyful, welcoming space that feels like a celebration, whether you’re getting a facial, enjoying a pedicure, or sharing a laugh over bubbles,” says Szubielski.
Of course, no small business journey comes without its hurdles. “Like many small businesses, our biggest challenge has been getting the word out while building the right team,” says Szubielski. “It’s a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: you need staff to grow, but you need consistent business to afford the staff.”
The Wine Spa’s strategy has been to focus on creating a celebration of the senses through community-driven connections and standout guest experiences. Word of mouth has been their strongest marketing tool, but a renewed focus on strategic promotions has helped broaden their reach. “As for staffing, we’ve been lucky to attract passionate people who understand the heart of The Wine Spa, and that’s made all the difference,” says Szubielski.
It’s a model that resonates with both locals and out-of-town visitors. “Some guests describe it as ‘Disneyworld for ladies,’ and we’ll happily take that!” says Szubielski. “For locals, we’re a go-to spot for birthdays, girls’ nights, and self-care Saturdays. For visitors, we’re a uniquely Haligonian experience that blends beauty, wine, and local charm in a way you just won’t find anywhere else.”
For Szubielski, business is all about showing her local love. The Wine Spa is working closely with Wine Growers of Nova Scotia on a micro museum celebrating the province’s wine industry while also sourcing spa products and gifts from local artisans. “We love Nova Scotia wine at The Wine Spa, it’s at the heart of what we do,” says Szubielski. “Supporting other small businesses and elevating local talent isn’t just good for the economy—it makes the guest experience richer and more meaningful.”
This summer, The Wine Spa is doubling down on its experiential offerings. Their upcoming “Glam & Grapes Experience” is a partnership with 7 Virtues and will feature a DIY Refresh Facial, guided Nova Scotia wine tasting, and custom perfume-making. Stay tuned for some more exciting new partnerships launching this summer!
In the meantime, be sure to visit The Wine Spa for your next wellness boost. “We’ve created an environment that’s upbeat, inclusive, and full of feel-good moments,” says Szubielski. “It’s not just a spa; it’s a social spa—where you can sip, laugh, get pampered, and leave feeling a little more like yourself again.”
Learn more about The Wine Spa at:
