New Eastern Market Spa Aimed At Blue Collar Workers

DETROIT, MI — A new spa is opening in Eastern Market, but it's not your average spa. It's aimed at blue-collar workers putting in long, hard days around the city.

Leaders at Fauna Holistic, which is now open, say they want to make massage therapy and bodywork accessible to all.

The spa is run by Fiona Maier, a Licensed Massage Therapist. Maier began her massage therapy studies at New York College of Health Professions in Long Island and graduated from Blue Heron Academy. She comes from a blue-collar family and wants to serve others who are in need of restoring their bodies after a hard day’s work.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Eastern Market community,” said Maier, LMT. “I was raised by a carpenter father and a mother who worked odd jobs and is now a librarian. I believe everyone should have access to massage. Fauna Holistic is geared toward working-class individuals. I really want to reach out to restaurant workers, many of whom I know personally and are sorely in need of bodywork. I also really want to get away from the expensive, luxury spa stereotype and provide an alternative space for everyone in need of massage services.”

While Fauna Holistic is a new startup, owner and entrepreneur Maier has been practicing for eight years. The woman-owned business is unique because she intentionally offers therapists a cooperative setting with very competitive rates for employment and a focus on their ability to make a living while avoiding burnout.

“Having struggled to make ends meet in the industry myself, I want to empower therapists in their own practice, allowing them to have a better sense of autonomy,” said Maier.

Fauna is located at 1337 Division, in a building owned by FIRM Real Estate, and is open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hours expected to expand.

“FIRM Real Estate is great to work with when getting into the ideal space I needed to shape my vision and for my business to succeed,” continued Maier.

Maier plans to offer discounted rates for those in the service industry on Mondays, first-time client specials, and group packages. Fauna Holistic currently offers meditative restoration, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. Her holistic health approach applies both eastern and western foundations to reteach the body’s muscles. Through her studies of yoga, dance, and martial arts, she has built her understanding of the function of the body and muscular structure and uses it to inform her sessions. Massage techniques are designed to treat a variety of ailments including chronic tension, stress, digestion, and sports injuries.

Fauna Holistic is now hiring. Therapists interested can email info@faunaholistic.com. Book services at www.faunaholistic.com.