Today we’d like to introduce you to Nell Rueckl
Hi Nell, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was fortunate to have begun my career as a Massage Therapist, Wellness Director, and Qi Qoing instructor at the truly innovative Horst Rechelbacher’s Aveda Destination Spa in 1996. I was then inspired to open my first business, Spot Spas, in Northeast Minneapolis in 2022, followed by a second location in Uptown because realized that Twin Cities was missing a spa experience grounded in sound wellness principles. I wanted to build an exceptional values-aligned team and offer clients a diverse menu of services and the cleanest products to create a meaningful experience for clients and staff. In doing so, I built a reputation for professional integrity based upon high standards and innovative practices, creating healing spaces. We gathered accolades, built a community, and grew a market for spa services. It became clear to me that the next natural step was to combine our products and services with a communal bathing space. I have traveled around the world and learned about different traditions, and I knew that the throughline was that being in a community to experience the timeless traditions of the bathing ritual is powerful. The hot-cold components promote relaxation, detoxification, and overall physical and psychological wellness. I began to envision what is now Watershed Spa.
Throughout history and numerous traditions, communal bathing has helped people reset the mind and body. We have created an inclusive, whole-systems approach so that each step of the bathing ritual is imbued with clean, positive energy to foster healing and vibrancy. By shedding the outer, we embrace self-acceptance, finding deep relaxation and renewed energy. This is the essence of vibrational healing we offer. The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits feel so very important right here, right now.
A watershed moment is a turning point, the exact moment that signifies change. Watershed creates a space for this transformation by providing opportunities for experiences that help reset, align, and heal the body and mind.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Watershed was a long-held dream, and as I moved toward it while operating both Spot Spas, I had to be very intentional about how the transition would work, even as we searched for a location before we had funding in place. This meant that I had to keep my vision top of mind and factor it into every decision I made for the five years leading up to opening this incredible new space. Things had to change culturally with the knowledge we were going to expand. I had to reinvent my existing businesses to set my future business up for success and prepare for a beautiful launch. Trying to continue to have faith while undergoing the challenges of fundraising for a communal bathing destination during a pandemic was no joke either! We learned so much, and I have so many opportunities to apply those lessons daily, and as we imagine what’s next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Watershed is a communal and social bathing destination and full-service spa, the first of its kind in the Twin Cities, when we launched it in October 2022. We offer a six-step communal bathing ritual and a full menu of holistic spa services and integrative wellness treatments. To complement the experience, our retail area is stocked with a curated selection of body and skin care products that restore natural balance, including our signature Watershed products, along with a wonderful selection of unique and beautiful offerings for your home. There’s also an adaptogen and herb section that features products designed to support internal health Making everyone feel welcome and supporting diverse communities through intentional programming is at the core of our vision and operations. We offer exceptional customer service and an inspiring space for both our clients and our staff. I am most proud of our commitment to growth and how we treat our team. We currently employ over 75 people, and we have room to grow. Since opening, we have been fortunate to have been welcomed enthusiastically by the community. As a result, we’ve been able add a “deep-er healing” retail space, continue to add to our programming and special events, and grow our offerings to include different healing services in addition to the communal bathing experience. We’ve also expanded our hours of operation to accommodate the demand while keeping the space calm and the experience restorative.
Our mission is to create watershed moments for every human.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
None! Everything has had an intention and has taken drive, focus, passion, and perseverance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.watershedspa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watershedmpls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watershedspa
Image Credits
Rhianna Hadjuch (bath images) Graham Tolbert (portrait)
