From farm roots to five-star feel: A local success story earns top honours

The journey began in 2005, when Lavoie returned to Canada from working abroad in high-end spas across Europe, cruise ships, and the Middle East. Armed with global experience and a vision, she launched a small one-room massage therapy business. Growth came steadily, so she added staff, expanded services, and eventually outgrew the original space. In 2017, she purchased and transformed the building into the full-service spa that stands today at 683 7th Street East

Over the years, innovation has been a cornerstone of the business.

“Many times, people would say, ‘Well, that’s not going to go in a small town.’ But when I brought it in, it did,” she said. “So, I’ve always been all about diversification, bringing in new and exciting treatments, and spa therapies and ideas.”

Today, North Country Massage and Medi Spa offers a wide range of services from registered massage therapy, the foundation of the business, to advanced medical aesthetics and spa treatments. But for Lavoie, the heart of the work lies in helping people feel better.

“The therapeutic section…is so fulfilling because we’re making people feel better and dealing with their chronic pain,” she said. “We have so many treatments here that can get people up until surgery to be pain-free.”

Lavoie’s daughters joined her at the awards gala. (Image Credit: Submitted)

Equally important has been building a strong, dedicated team. She said it’s about creating careers, and not just jobs.

“I bombard them with training and provide them education and basically create a career for them so they stay here long term.”

That commitment to people extends beyond the workplace and into the community. Lavoie has long been involved in fundraising efforts, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and raising more than $30,000 for Hope’s Home in Prince Albert, as well as hosting music festivals to raise money for her community of Albertville.

Despite the spa’s upscale, five-star feel, and its success, Lavoie emphasized that it’s a welcoming place for everyone.

“I am as comfortable talking with a farmer as I am with a busy parent or a business professional,” she said. “Everyone is welcome. I’m invested in people’s lives.”

That philosophy, rooted in her upbringing on a farm, continues to guide the business today.

“You have to care for your clients and your staff, and you have to provide a great product at the highest quality,” she said. “And it doesn’t matter for who… and that’s what keeps people coming back.”

Lavoie prides herself and her staff on providing a great product at the highest quality. (Image Credit: Submitted)

After 20 years, countless clients, and a growing list of accolades, including early recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year and Female Entrepreneur of the Year—this latest honour feels especially meaningful.

“I’m so proud. I’m so proud of my staff… because it took all of us to be able to accomplish that,” she said.

From humble beginnings to a community cornerstone, North Country Massage and Medi Spa’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to both people and place.

—

*This article was submitted by the content creation division of paNOW.

by Sponsored Content

From farm roots to five-star feel: A local success story earns top honours

What's Trending