Valaurie Bridges Lee had a vision. She’s from College Park, lived on Walker Street, and attended Stonewall Tell and Woodward Academy. She’s active in the Woodward Alumni Association and her kids attend Woodward. Valaurie never dreamed that one day she’d own a few businesses right there on Main Street. She has lived other places: L.A., Raleigh, and Peachtree City, but College Park feels like home. There is a burgeoning community of small business owners that she was destined to join.
When she returned to the Atlanta area to support her mom at a difficult time, Valaurie knew she would open a business in the area, but God’s vision for her was greater than what she imagined. She started with one space and expanded from just office space to the Popshopolis, a vendor space and gallery that offers local fashion and art, and the so-called hidden gem right on Main, the Wellness Spot. It’s more than just an event space. It’s all things wellness under one roof. Valaurie had been certified to teach Zumba for 15 years and she wasn’t doing anything with it. This was about to change. She brought her fitness instructor with her, and they offer yoga, salsa, barre, Pilates and line dancing in the studio space.
Right downstairs, the space transforms into a rustic oasis that houses the spa. You can get a massage, a manicure and pedicure, a facial, and waxing all in the downstairs area. They also feature local artisans’ products, from lotions to candles. The business is Christ-centered and closed on Sundays, and the event space and conference room can be rented for private events, from baby or bridal showers to meetings or book clubs or even small wedding receptions. There’s even a space where patrons can record a podcast.
Valaurie has realized her dream, even in the midst of a pandemic. The Wellness Spot is a place where you can stay all day, travelling from station to station soaking up a little bit of bliss in the middle of College Park.
“When I come to the Wellness Spot, my attitude is completely different. I am well,” Valaurie says. It is her wish that you will come be made well, too.