Laura Widgett & The Healing Lounge: A Sanctuary for Empowerment and Transformation

Founded by Laura Widgett, The Healing Lounge is a boutique wellness studio dedicated to fostering balance, relaxation, and inner connection. Located at the intersection of Ash Street and West Broadway, this thoughtfully curated space offers a tranquil escape where individuals can explore holistic healing in a warm and supportive environment.

The Healing Lounge provides a diverse range of wellness practices designed to promote overall well-being. With a focus on small class sizes, guests receive personalized attention and a deeper connection to their healing journey.

Beyond regular classes, The Healing Lounge hosts special events that align with the rhythm of the seasons and the needs of its community. Offerings include sound baths, reiki energy healing, yoga classes, guided meditations, and transformative voice practices such as chanting and humming.

These sessions are complemented by tea service, oracle card readings, and spiritual practices to further enrich the experience. The Healing Lounge is also available as a serene rental space, ideal for photoshoots, private classes, workshops, and intimate gatherings. With its calming ambiance and fully equipped studio, it serves as an inspiring backdrop for creativity and connection.

Guided by a commitment to sustainability, The Healing Lounge exclusively uses natural, locally sourced products, creating an experience that nurtures both the individual and the environment. Laura has designed this space as a sanctuary where wellness is a journey, and every visit is an opportunity to restore harmony in mind, body, and spirit.

IN HER WORDS

“Looking back, I realize my entrepreneurial spirit has always been present, even before I consciously recognized it. I have always been the type to dive in headfirst—especially when I am passionate about something. I give one hundred and ten percent. I think this drive truly took shape when I first started performing on stage. Being a performer is very much like being an entrepreneur. It teaches you the importance of work ethic and perseverance, how to take feedback, pivot when needed, and how to keep growing through challenges. You also learn the value of being in process, not just focusing on the end product. You develop thick skin, resilience, and the ability to be your own cheerleader. Those early experiences taught me how to trust myself, embrace the journey, and stay committed to the long-term vision, no matter what obstacles come my way.

“Through my experience as a performer, I began to realize there was a growing need in my industry—and in related fields—for services that support individuals in discovering the mind-body connection of their voice. I saw a clear opportunity to help people unlock and reclaim their authentic voices, guiding them toward a place of empowerment. I have captured this demand in the market through The Healing Lounge, where I offer a space that blends voice work with healing practices, allowing individuals to tap into their true potential while nurturing their overall well-being.

“When I was younger, my first big idea was starting my own voice studio and having the opportunity and freedom to set my own schedule and pricing while creating something special was what truly inspired me. I started small, teaching from my tiny apartment and hitting the pavement to post flyers everywhere I could. I spent all my money—which was about one hundred dollars at the time—on a keyboard from London Drugs. Those early experiences taught me so much about creativity, perseverance, and the excitement of turning an idea into something real. They also taught me that when you are truly passionate about something, nothing can stop you from making it happen.

“One of my most memorable early business experiences was during a collaboration with an art therapist. We had planned a beautiful, peaceful event, offering a unique fusion of healing practices, and the atmosphere was set to be calming and serene. However, just as we were getting into the flow of things, something completely unexpected happened—a zombie walk took place right outside. Before we knew it, a large group of people started singing Thriller at the top of their lungs.

“The contrast between what we were offering inside and the chaotic, upbeat energy outside was hilarious and surreal. At first, it felt a bit disruptive, but then I realized something—I could either get frustrated or embrace it. It was one of those moments that reminded me that life and business are never going to be perfect or controlled. Sometimes, things get chaotic, and that is okay. It made me realize the importance of being adaptable and going with the flow.

“One of the most important things I have learned is not to be afraid to create my own opportunities. If something is not coming my way, I need to create it. Taking initiative, trusting my instincts, and building the opportunities I need to move forward have been essential to my success.

“My journey has been one of continual reinvention, strengthening my resilience and commitment to helping others. As the owner of NVS, a Vocal Performance Studio, I empower voices through performance psychology, the mind-body connection, and personalized training. We work with actors, business professionals, and film industry talents, helping them develop vocal presence and confidence. Our trauma-informed instructors stay current with vocal pedagogy advancements to provide the best training.

“I have learned that my journey is one of constant evolution. I pivot when necessary to align more closely with my values and long-term goals. Both ventures are connected through the thread of empowering individuals. I continue to nurture both the voice training and healing spaces because they are interconnected in their ability to help people tap into their full potential.

“The moment I knew my business was on the path to success was not tied to a major investment or a single opportunity—it came from the genuine response I was receiving from the community. When I saw the engagement on social media, it became clear that I was on the right track. It was not just about numbers; it was the heartfelt messages and the number of people reaching out to collaborate or express interest in The Healing Lounge.

“Mentorship and support have played a significant role in my success, especially in the early stages of building The Healing Lounge. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you grow and succeed. I have been fortunate to have a few key individuals around me who acted as true cheerleaders—people who saw my potential, encouraged me, and believed in me, even during moments of doubt. Their unwavering support made all the difference when I was navigating the uncertainties of starting and growing a business.

“Early on, I made it a priority to seek out individuals who were doing what I aspired to do in business. I reached out to them, asked questions, sought advice, and built connections. I learned that it is okay to ask for help—people are often more willing to share their knowledge than you might expect. These connections not only gave me valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship but also helped me build a network of like-minded individuals who were genuinely invested in my growth.

“As The Healing Lounge grew, my leadership style evolved from a hands-on, self-managed approach—shaped by my background in classical music and my experience as a self-employed opera singer—to one focused on refining and strengthening the business’s core.

“My experience in music taught me the importance of discipline, creativity, and connection, all of which I have incorporated into building a nurturing yet structured business environment.

“As the business expanded, I learned to focus more on creating processes and structures that supported sustainable growth while still maintaining the essence of the personal, healing space we offer. There were moments when I had to realign with my core values, especially when pressures from growth led me to consider opportunities or partnerships that did not fully align with our mission. In those moments, I returned to the heart of The Healing Lounge—creating a space of healing, authenticity, empowerment, and community—and made decisions from that place.

“The wellness industry has seen a growing shift toward holistic, personalized care, where people are seeking more than just a quick fix. They are craving experiences that are not only therapeutic but also empowering and connected to their deeper needs. This shift has profoundly influenced my decisions, pushing me to offer services that focus on emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness rather than just physical well-being. As people become more aware of the mind-body connection, they are looking for healing spaces that offer more than just standard wellness treatments; they want a place that feels like home, a space that encourages inner transformation.

“I have stayed ahead of the curve by constantly listening to the needs of my community and adapting our services accordingly. For example, sound healing, reiki, and voice empowerment have all grown in popularity as people look for ways to release emotional blockages and connect more deeply with themselves.

“By embracing these trends early on and integrating them into The Healing Lounge, I have been able to meet people where they are on their healing journeys.

“Another significant change in the industry is the increasing importance of sustainability and conscious consumerism. Clients are more attuned to the products and services they choose, seeking out those that align with their values. People are drawn to locally made products, particularly those crafted by small Canadian businesses, as they feel more connected to the story and energy behind them. In response, I have made sure that the products we offer—whether it is cork mats, locally made tea blends, or handcrafted wellness items—are sourced from small Canadian artisans and businesses. This not only supports the local economy but also allows us to offer unique, high-quality products that resonate with the values of our community.

“At The Healing Lounge, I focused on creating a foundation that began with an environment that felt nurturing and welcoming. I completed renovations to ensure that the space embodied the healing energy I wanted to offer. Every detail, from the colours and layout to the natural elements we incorporated was designed with care to make our clients feel at peace the moment they walk through the door.

“What makes The Healing Lounge stand out is the sense of belonging we foster. People do not just come here for a service—they come to be seen, heard, and supported on their journey to wholeness. It matters because, in a world that can often feel disconnected, we provide a space where individuals can come together, heal, and be empowered to live their most authentic lives.

“Over the next two quarters, for The Healing Lounge to thrive, I believe the key support will be a combination of building a stronger community presence and expanding our offerings. Dreaming big, I see opportunities for partnerships with like-minded Canadian wellness brands and local businesses, collaborating on events that not only draw in new people but also deepen connections within the community. These partnerships would allow us to create curated, personalized experiences that truly resonate with people and make them feel seen and supported on their healing journeys.

“I also envision a continuing focus on supporting local businesses and Canadian products, ensuring that the products we use in our space—whether it is for our tea offerings, wellness tools, or gifts—are sourced from our communities. This not only supports the local economy but also aligns with our values of sustainability and authenticity. By partnering with local artisans and businesses, we can offer unique, high-quality items that embody the spirit of The Healing Lounge.

“Having the space to host larger-scale workshops and retreats would be invaluable—bringing in top-notch facilitators to share their expertise and creating immersive experiences where individuals can fully engage and tap into their healing potential.

“It is these kinds of tailored, meaningful experiences that will help build a community of like-minded souls, all supporting each other’s growth. Additionally, access to mentorship from entrepreneurs who have built successful wellness businesses would be transformative. Guidance on scaling and navigating challenges while staying true to our values would help ensure that growth is sustainable and aligned with our mission.

“On a more practical level, investing in quality marketing resources, especially digital presence and content creation, would allow us to reach more people and share our offerings with a wider audience. Building a solid online platform where we can offer virtual healing sessions, classes, and events would be a powerful way to extend our reach and continue to serve those who cannot always come to the space in person.

“Lastly, the biggest impact would come from having a supportive team that shares the vision, as well as the resources to continue creating a space of healing and empowerment for others. By focusing on curated, personalized experiences, supporting local businesses, and partnering with Canadian brands, The Healing Lounge will grow into a hub of connection, transformation, and inspiration that people turn to.”

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.