An EVolving business: Lindsey Einsweiler and Chelsea Vollmer bring self-care to the forefront with Dubuque spa

Lindsey Einsweiler and Chelsea Vollmer have a similar philosophy when it comes to new year’s resolutions.

“We wish that people wouldn’t wait or see becoming healthier and making wellness a priority as a luxury,” Einsweiler said. “It’s important to take the time for yourself and to focus on not only your physical health, but your mental and emotional health. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, I think more and more people are beginning to see that.”

Einsweiler, 43, of Dubuque; and Vollmer, 33 of Belmont, Wis., own EVolve Day Spa in Dubuque — the “EV” representing each’s last names, respectively.

The pair met in 2011 while attending school for massage therapy at Inspirit Institute, formerly located in Dubuque.

After striking up a friendship and pursuing work as massage therapists independently, the two found they regularly would refer clients to one another when booked.

“We thought, why not just open one space and work together?” Einsweiler said.

“We are like yin and yang,” Vollmer added. “Lindsey does more with the budget and the business side of things. I use more of the creative side of my brain and did the layout of the space. We’re opposites, but we work well together because of it. We compliment each other.”

After several months of searching, the two came upon a suite located at 3430 Dodge St. — the first space they’d considered, but initially passed on.

“It was previously a salon in the 1970s, and had green walls and yellow and pink accents,” Vollmer said. “We looked at a few other spaces, but when those didn’t come together, we came back to this one.”

After a complete redesign and renovation, EVolve Day Spa opened its doors in June 2019 and, just as the business’ name, it has continued to evolve.

The spa began with four treatments rooms and has since expanded to 11, in addition to a wellness studio that houses The Well Yoga Dubuque, owned and operated by Kellie Cook.

Among its services, the spa has a vast menu of offerings provided by a host of specialists.

Massage therapy includes Swedish, therapeutic, reflexology, sports, deep tissue, couples or side-by-side, tandem, aromatherapy, prenatal, cupping and TMJ disorder treatment.

The spa also features facials, body treatments, ionic foot detox, waxing, lash and brow services, pedicures, reiki and guided meditation, and eco-fin therapy.

Full- and half-day spa packages, as well as seasonal specials and spa party packages, encourage visitors to make the most of their experience.

“We try to do fun things, too, like Spa Bingo, where people can cross off services on a Bingo card to receive a prize,” Einsweiler said. “We also try to pair clients with the right therapist, based on what they’re looking for, so they are getting the best experience possible.”

For women especially, Einsweiler and Vollmer said taking time out can be essential.

“Women often are the caretakers, taking care of everyone, but occasionally, forgetting about themselves,” Einsweiler said.

The two know.

Einsweiler is a mom of two, ages 14 and 18. Vollmer also is a mom of two, ages 3 and 4. Both spend a lot of time, when not at the spa, raising their families, shuttling their kids between athletic activities and carving out time for staying active and their own hobbies.

But self-care remains at the forefront, and a new year can be a time to kick start new habits, the women said.

“The new year is a fresh start,” Vollmer said. “So, if you’re not already making self-care, and your health and wellness a priority, now is your chance.”

Megan Gloss writes for the Telegraph Herald.