Meet Maureen, our Founder & Owner

Hello all, it’s Maureen here, the founder and owner of Uppliva. I would love to take the time to introduce myself to our Wellness Community.

Uppliva has been a passion of mine and a labour of love for many years now. I was inspired by a simple & natural way of life while living in Sweden. I would go hiking with friends to explore the sauna’s tucked away in the woods. Or enjoy soaking in the historic bathhouses of Scandinavia. I learned that sauna culture is about slowing down, enjoying the present moment and revelling in a shared experience.

After years of struggling with my health, I came to appreciate sauna and hot-cold contrast therapy even more. I have suffered from chronic pain & mental health issues on and off for most of my adult life. Sauna therapy was a way to calm my nervous system, boost my mood, relieve pain, and let go of stress & anxiety.

In 2013, I took a visit to Loyly Sauna in Portland, Oregon with a friend. After the experience, inspiration hit me, and I had one of those ah-ha moments. At the time, I was living in Vancouver and exploring the west coast. I decided to bring a similar urban spa concept back to my hometown. One that brought so many of my passions together and will allow me to help others in a meaningful way.

With a background in sustainable business planning & leadership, I wanted to get some hands-on experience in the spa industry. I started working at an Aveda spa and then jumped into managing a small day spa in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood. I’ve also immersed myself in holistic healing methods, aromatherapy, organic skincare & spa treatments, and I have been learning from experts along the way.

At the heart of it all, I have kept my vision of opening a unique Nordic-style spa for the Ottawa community. One that supports organic living, conservation, local agriculture, artisans and makers - to learn more about our Sustainability initiatives, visit: https://uppliva.ca/sustainability. And most of all, one that will become a haven for rest and relaxation.

After over three years of starting up the business - from planning, securing the ideal spa location in Hintonburg, working with Iron & Ivory and a team of engineers on the spa design and layout, applying for building permits, building the spa with Elias Greco (Greco Contracting) and his team of sub-contractor - we are now very close to (partially) opening our doors. All during a pandemic no less.

The pandemic has come at one of the worst times for our small business. It has delayed our opening and is putting a financial strain on us from the outset. This experience and journey have pushed me to my limits, broken me down at times, and taught me countless lessons. But, my passion and mission are still there. I simply want to uplift your spirit and wellbeing. 

I am grateful for all of the support from family, friends, our design & build team, our local suppliers & community partners, and each one of you along the way. When it is all said and done, and our doors FINALLY open to the community, I will be there to greet you with a smile (underneath a mask of course!), a warm cup of tea, and truly my heart.