About Ula

Ula has been working as a massage therapist since 1995, initially working as a student at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua after a 10 week basic massage course where she realised she needed to learn alot more!  She then went on to complete a years study at the Auckland College of Therapeutic Massage and in her last term of massage training she was able to work with the BOP rep rugby league team for a season which was priceless learning a lot from working with the teams sports doctor and the players physios. Due to this experience she was also lucky enough to pick up a lot of sports clients and work with other teams, some at international levels. This was an invaluable experience and prompted Ula to study 2nd year Sports at Unitech just so she could keep up with her clients and their coaches.

Upon completion of the sports course Ula then went on to manage a hotel spa in Rotorua, a role that she ehjoyed for  four years. While there she still kept her foot in the sports field when various teams or athletes visited the area. Then in 2001 after the birth of her first son Ula went on to study the Diploma of Aromatherapy at the NZ college of Massage. As part of her clinicals for this course she did a six week stint in a local rest home working with a wide range of clients which was a whole new area of massage and bodywork that she had never experienced before, and to her surprise, loved.

After this, in 2002, Ula and her family decided to move North, her partners hometown. After a six month hiatus she started massaging again by contracting to various lodges and resortsin the region, including the popular Carrington and Kauri Cliffs golf resorts.  As well as building up a small clientelle using a room at Doubtless Bay Pharmacy for a few months before setting up a home based clinic.

Then in 2004 she went onto study Beauty therapy to add to her resume and because several of the resorts had requested these services and she always had an interest in beauty though was wary about what was often lurking in products.  However after learning the chemical makeup of alot of the essential oils with her aromatherapy diploma she realised there were options to have highly effective natural beauty products if the manufacturers wished to. It was just finding companies that knew the skin and the natural botanicals that would benefit each skin type.  So her quest for effective, natural beauty products began. It wasn't easy as alot of claims are made yet the ingredients often didnt back them.  She made a point of studying Skin analysis and later cosmetic chemistry so she could really start to understand what was in our products that worked and what was just bulking products up with no real benefit, and what could be potentially harmful. Also by understanding your skins structure and where the problems originate Ula can start to build treatment plans to ensure the best results fro each client.  Being an eczema sufferer herself it put a whole new spin on skin care, what is in the products, and the importance both emotionally and physically of having great skin.

Another area Ula decided to build on was working with cancer and other terminal illnesses. So in 2006 she went to Australia to study oncology massage to ensure she knew what to do safely to work with those recovering from illness/cancer or dealing with terminal conditions and helping to assist with their comfort.  That is another reason for her preference for natural products to help people have some choices when they are trying to look good. As often a cancer diagnosis makes you start to question these things and it can become a little daunting at first as everything seems to be bad for you. At The Essentials they have looked into thoses things and have some great options to ensure you get the results without unnessecary risks.  Adding to this terminal work Ula has also have studied post surgery and fascial release which has been invaluable in working with people post masectomy and after other invasive surgeries.  It helps with improving movement, and releasing restrictions in movement post surgery.

Ula continued to work from home building up her client base and saving up so that the clinic would be just right!   She finally branched out, opening her own clinic in Coopers Beach Decmeber 2007. The clinic has a striong influence from the spas she has worked in and she has worked to provide a relaxing and comfortable environment with a beautiful balcony overlooking picturesque Coopers Beach and private reception area to relax in while you wait.

At The Essentials they strive to offer you the highest quality products and services reflecting their belief - That you can look great without unnecessary chemicals so often found in the beauty industry today. Dedicated to updating and maintaining the skills and products to ensuring you get the best from your products and each of your appointments.

At The Essentials we treat the person as a whole, with your skin being your biggest organ it is one you need to nourish and protect and we have the tools to help you.