NYC Wellness Review: chng + crw x Naturopathica
Written by Michelle Manis
When I saw that @nybucketlist posted an opportunity to participate in a mini facial or massage at a luxurious spa, a tea ceremony, and a journaling session for only $50, I thought that it was too good to be true. Little did I know that I’d be in for the time of my life. On a Tuesday last month, my partner and I headed up to Chelsea to Naturopathica Spa & Healing Center for my first luxury facial, and my boyfriend's first facial ever! He described the experience as “heavenly,” so it’s safe to say that he’s now a spa fan–and it’s thanks to chng+crw and Naturopathica. I left the event feeling, spiritually, emotionally, and physically fulfilled with glowing nourished skin and a still mind. Here’s why!
About chng+crw
Chng+crw is a sustainability centered fashion brand created by Christina Lee. In addition to selling handmade upcycled multi-functional products, chng+crw partners with ethical brands to create meaningful partnerships, designed to bring people together through wellness, making a change one product and event at a time. I really enjoyed getting to try their Lavender Restorative Mask during the meditation session at Naturopathica, a unique reversible eye mask with a pouch for loose lavender sprigs, so you can relax with the soothing scent of lavender all night long.
Chng+crw x Naturopathica
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by the chng + crw team who poured us a nice cup of chamomile tea. We played the card game “We’re Not Really Strangers” as an icebreaker with the group while each party waited to be called in for a facial. The space is absolutely stunning! Much like Soho’s Anima Mundi Apothecary (which you can learn more about if you haven’t already read our Wellness Review: Herbal Healing With Anima Mundi), there was a wall of herbs and tea mixes adorned with an iconic blue sliding ladder. Since tea and spas are two of my favorite ways to treat myself, I was on cloud 9.
The Express Facial
After a bit of getting to know the group and networking, my boyfriend and I were called in for our facials. I was lucky enough to have Bella as my esthetician, who’s been practicing for a number of decades. She was very knowledgeable and walked me through all of the steps and the type of products used during my facial, because I was curious and wanted to learn about the healing properties of each step. My boyfriend on the other hand opted for no talking (so valid, too), welcomed a moment of stillness, and tuned into the sensations of the process. Overall, Bella treated me like a queen during the entirety of my service. A few things that stood out to me that were elevated compared to other facials I’ve had in the past were the facial steamer, the quality of the products, and the ambiance and design of the space. Along with opening the pores with a hot towel, there was a facial steamer above every massage bed. The whole experience felt very thorough despite the fact that it was considered an “express facial”. It was clear that Naturopathica kept up with the newest facial technologies. My favorite products used on me were the Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm and the Amethyst Peace Mask. She used the Manuka Honey cleanser as my second cleanse—it smelled so good that I wished I could eat it in dessert form! My boyfriend also enjoyed the experience as much as I did. After his 15 minute express facial, he told me how wonderful Karen treated him, and how he loved the towel neck stretch so much that he almost fell asleep!
The Meditation, Tea Ceremony, and Journaling Session
After our facials, we went to a smaller cozy room for our guided meditation and journaling session. We were led through a journaling session by a member of chng+crw whose willingness to be open and vulnerable with us through her own growth journey truly inspired me, and created a safe space for reflection. The prompts encouraged participants to reflect on their past and present states, and ponder on the future. Chng+crw created a space for me to look back on all of the wins of the past year, both big and small, and allowed me to give myself credit where credit is due, and be proud of myself for all of my growth. I got emotional quite a few times when writing because I was so grateful for all of the good, and also felt that it was so powerful that we were all journaling together–complete strangers, sharing a moment of peace together. That to me was incredibly special and beautiful. The meditation was no different. Did I get emotional after I put on the Restorative Lavender Mask and guided through a beautiful meditation? Maybe! Ok, yes there were a few happy tears shed. It was such a special experience that brought me closer to my boyfriend and myself, and created a safe and calm place in my head. I owe that to chng+crw’s excellent hosting.
I hope this inspired you to indulge in and seek out unique wellness experiences in your area and support small businesses! Follow @theberrycollective.co and @chngcrw on Instagram for more beautiful wellness extravaganzas!
Be well,
Michelle
