Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiona Rife.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Story – Fiona’s Day Spa MN
I was born in China and, at 20 years old, moved to South Korea, where I lived for about 13 years before coming to Minnesota in 2016. The past eight years here have been a journey of growth and transformation. When I first arrived, I didn’t speak any English, and that challenge became one of the reasons I decided to learn massage — a way to connect with people through skill, care, and touch, even without words. Over time, I built my skills as both a licensed massage therapist and esthetician, blending the techniques and traditions I had learned from different cultures. I earned degrees in Massage Therapy from Northwestern Health Sciences University and Advanced Esthetics from Saint Paul College, and I am currently pursuing my RN degree.
My career began in various spas and wellness settings, where I refined my techniques, earned advanced certifications, and built meaningful relationships with my clients. I’ve always had a passion for helping people feel confident, relaxed, and cared for, and I quickly discovered that my favorite part of each service wasn’t just the skincare or bodywork — it was seeing someone leave feeling lighter, happier, and more at peace than when they arrived.
Opening Fiona’s Day Spa MN was my dream come true — a place where people can escape daily stress, experience high-quality treatments, and know they’re in the hands of someone who genuinely cares. My approach blends professional expertise with a calm, personal touch, and every service is customized to each client’s unique needs. Today, the spa offers a range of skincare, massage, and head spa services, with plans to expand into med spa treatments in the future. My mission is simple: to help each client look and feel their best, inside and out, while creating a peaceful space they look forward to visiting again and again.
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?
It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has made me stronger. When I moved to Minnesota, I didn’t speak any English, so I had to work hard to learn the language, study for and pass my GED, get into college, earn my licenses, and build a new life from scratch. Managing a business while attending an RN program is especially challenging — balancing my studies, clients, and day-to-day operations requires discipline and sacrifice. Starting a business brought its own obstacles, but my passion for helping people feel their best has always kept me moving forward. Every struggle became a stepping stone toward creating the spa I had always dreamed of.
We’ve been impressed with Fiona’s Day Spa, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fiona’s Day Spa is where beauty, wellness, and relaxation meet. We specialize in customized facials, advanced skincare, massage therapy, and our signature head spa experience. Every service is tailored to the client’s unique needs, blending professional expertise with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I’m most proud that our spa has become a trusted space where clients feel cared for, see real results, and leave feeling their best — inside and out.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that, despite managing a busy spa and pursuing my RN degree here in Minnesota, I make it a point to travel back to Korea once a year for continuing education. These trips allow me to stay updated with the latest techniques and trends in skincare and wellness, bringing fresh knowledge and inspiration to my clients at Fiona’s Day Spa MN. It’s a special way I blend my cultural roots with professional growth to offer truly unique and effective treatments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fionasdayspa.com
