REDDING – In today’s chaotic world Michelle Ferreira Lopes is on a mission to add value to their lives through positive wellness.
“In today’s world, it’s important for individuals to become in tune with their body’s mind and spirit because humans are becoming increasingly disconnected from themselves and each other,” said Lopes, owner of a new boutique healing studio in West Redding. “Due to the acceleration of technologies like AI and chatbots, as well as sedentary lifestyles, working indoors and spending less time in nature, as well as having less direct contact with community, a sense of connection with self and the world around us is vital.”
Lopes said she wants The Ethereal Healing studio to become a place where people have a healing experience as she helps clients nourish their souls, regulate their nervous systems, and expand their consciousness.
The business, located at 3 Side Cut Road, specializes in deep tissue, lymphatic, myofascial, prenatal massage, and craniosacral therapy. Also, the studio offers classes such as 1:1 body, breath, and energy sessions, meditation, sound healing, red light therapy + biomat sessions, and retreat experiences. Kylie Bray, a mat Pilates instructor, and Meg Clark, a yoga teacher, provide weekly classes. Lopes also offers group classes and collaborates with other practitioners and businesses to offer workshops.
First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton said it’s wonderful to have a new business in town.
“But, it’s very special that Michele has chosen to open her studio in historic West Redding Center,” the first selectwoman said. “The Ethereal Healing studio offers a unique experience; there are so many treatments and classes to choose from,” Pemberton said. “Her studio is in a beautifully appointed space that pays tribute to the historic nature of the old building.”
Lopes appreciates making wellness more accessible. “I love that there are a lot of businesses nearby that are focused on wellness and connection,” she said. “A dedicated space for wellness and community is something I don’t think there can be enough of and am happy to share my flavor of it.”
Since 2013, Lopes has been a licensed massage therapist, specializing in deep tissue, myofascial, lymphatic drainage and prenatal massage. “What I see now is a hyper focus on healing through wellness hacks, biohacking, supplementation, and expensive treatments,” Lopes said. “I believe that our physical body, subtle body and spirit, are inherently intelligent, self-correcting, and naturally want to heal. Sometimes the best healing techniques can look like taking some deep breaths, getting some good old sunshine, and putting your feet on the earth.”
Lopes explained why she specifically chose the name, ‘Ethereal.’
“It refers to this connection to the divine and the feeling that the studio offers of being transported to a heavenly place,” she said. “A lot of my work has always felt like it has flowed through me, originating from a source that is celestial or divine in nature – something I feel like we are all able to access or channel in different ways, whether through our connection to nature or artistic forms of expression.”
Lopes believes this type of business can lead to much success if the business owner is dedicated and passionate.
“The business model itself lends to great opportunity for success and prosperity due to low overhead costs. Ultimately, you need to have the secret sauce, which is a soulful and effective technique,” Lopes said. “I was blessed to have a calling toward this work from a young age which gave me an amazing advantage. I moved out West after high school and pursued my studies at a healing arts school. Slowly this vision evolved and matured over the course of my career.”
Looking forward, Lopes hopes to expand.
“This current studio is a concept of a much larger wellness center and spa that I plan to open in the next five years or so,” Lopes said. “Having lived on the West Coast for most of my career, this studio felt like the most sensible step to take in making this larger dream happen.”
She thinks the town is a perfect spot for her type of business to grow.
“It’s a sweet town that has many wonderful small and unique businesses so it feels like a perfect location for my business,” she said. “It’s cool to see communities appreciate and support more artisanal and small businesses as a means of sustainability and economic consciousness.”
