It is important to focus on health during this winter season. Everyone deserves their own day, time to relax and a chance to eat well. Treating yourself well while supporting a black-owned business is definitely a win-win in the black cookbook. So I took a detour from my usual black food adventures to dive into the world of relaxation and self-care, of course dropping in some delicious treats along the way. What I discovered is that Ontario has a wide variety of wellness-focused businesses ready to offer amazing experiences to anyone in need of a wellness getaway.
Here’s how to treat yourself to a fun and healthy experience in Toronto — all while supporting local black businesses.
ST Skin Tones Beauty is a new spa located in Toronto’s Oakwood Village neighborhood. The spa offers luxurious skin and body treatments for all ethnicities and skin types. The beautiful decor, soft music and friendly staff all add to the welcoming atmosphere and Zen vibe. The ST team took the time to answer all of my skin and beauty questions as I received a detox body scrub and ST signature facial. It was refreshing to walk into the spa and know that the staff understood my skin and its unique needs. Not only did I come away with a sense of enjoyment from the whole experience, but I also came away with some great tips for healthy skin. If you’re really looking to pamper yourself, try ST’s deep tissue massage or treat yourself to one of their beauty services like ST’s signature manicure. Your skin will thank you!
Bloomzd only caters to the needs of the scalp. Using only all natural ingredients, the owner creates custom treatments based on her clients’ hair and scalp needs. Her treatments come with a thorough scalp massage and tips for healthy hair and scalp care. Bloomseed offers several styling services and their own all natural products. I received a treatment, scalp massage and silk press and loved the finished result. If you are looking for a relaxing scalp massage and to engage in a nourishing deep treatment – this is the place for you.
Fresh Paint Studio is a fun and welcoming creative space that encourages all who enter to tap into their inner artist. The owner is a multi-disciplinary artist who offers a variety of unique and engaging classes, helping participants channel the joy of creating art. I opted to drop by for a free drawing session and spent hours happily engrossed in the drawing process. The delicious latte and great music selection added to the vibe and were the perfect touch to get my creative juices flowing. The experience was relaxing and rewarding. If you need a dose of inspiration, take a break and get creative at Fresh Paint Studio & Cafe.
Rhum Corner is the perfect place to grab an evening bite after a day of relaxation and self-care. The restaurant is a small but vibrant oasis in the winter, with delicious Haitian food, great music and beautiful murals on the walls. Rum Corner offers a number of delicious small plates inspired by homestyle Haitian cuisine, my favorites include banana fritters (twice fried plantains), poul ak nwa (cashew chicken) and macaroni au gratin (Haitian mac and cheese). Bring your appetite because one plate is never enough. Pair your meal with delicious rum cocktails or rum-infused slushies from the Rum Corner. No matter how cold it is outside, dinner around the corner will warm your spirit and transport you to the islands with every bite and bite you enjoy!
This post is sponsored by Destination Ontario. The views and opinions expressed in this article, however, are from Black Food.
