MY JOURNEY
ki∙va /kēva/
Noun: A sacred place of gathering of ancient cultures where communities reunite for celebrations, rituals and ceremonies.
Everything I have done in my life has lead to this point. I have always been intoxicated with thoughts of exotic lands and people, of bringing communities together, of creating a sense of oneness for all, celebrating and enjoying life. I have a passion for people! I love beauty, health and wellness.
Born in New York, I grew up in Los Angeles, and lived in San Francisco, Florida, Vancouver B.C. Canada, Doha, Qatar. I have lived in Portland, Oregon since the late 90's.
My first profession was a television/movie makeup artist in Los Angeles in the mid 80′s. In 1996 I moved to Portland Oregon to start a family. After having two beautiful children and staying at home with them for 4 years I decide to follow my dream to become an esthetician. I started my internship at a lovely destination spa. The following year I created a small sanctuary ~ KIVA-Face Body Soul in a private office in northwest Portland. In 2008 I opened Face Body Soul, on Fremont street in Portland’s Beaumont Village. This was a successful boutique spa that focused on bringing communities together with special events featuring local artisans and artists in the community.
In 2010 I made the decision to close Face Body Soul and move with my family to Doha, Qatar to explore an exotic land. We enjoyed many cultural experiences while meeting so many amazing people from around the world. This was an experience to last a lifetime. In 2012, after two years, it was time to come back home to family and friends and time to get back to what I have a passion for- SPA! KIVA re-opens! This time adding a curated boutique and cafe serving tea & elixir specialty drinks, acai bowls and specially prepared food.
My favorite place to be is in the "room" doing facials and traveling the world taking ongoing higher level spa education and trainings.