Meet Lilian Freire
Owner, Illumina Skin Care Massage
Owner, Illumina Skin Care Massage
Born and raised in Brazil, Lillian Freire began learning and practicing skin care at age 13. She fell in love with the idea of helping others radiate their natural beauty through self-care.
Stateside, she put herself through extensive training and practiced as a licensed esthetician in Boston for many years. When Lillian and her husband decided to move to Connecticut she thought, “Why not just open a location of my own?”
She earned her license in massage therapy and launched Illumina in 2016. Her boutique studio offers an array of treatments; including massage, facials and body waxing, with an integrative focus on the mind-body-energy components of treatments and healing. Her mission is to educate clients “on the importance of respecting your skin and your soul.”
“When people come here, I want them to feel like they are at home and leave not only with glowing skin, but feeling like a million bucks,” she said.
She is one of the few estheticians in the region offering DMK enzyme therapy, which is designed to restore the skin at a cellular level. Lillian said her clients drive from Boston, Vermont, etc. just to get this treatment.
She is incredibly proud to have survived the challenges of the pandemic, and continues to be amazed by the love and support of her loyal clients.
Lillian heard about the EMG Grant through the Small Business Administration. She hadn’t worked with WDBC prior to the grant application, and said she wishes she had discovered the organization sooner.
“I cannot believe I went all this time [prior to the grant] without being a part of this community. Now I can’t get enough… I am always on their website, and spreading the word about how amazing WBDC has been.”
With the funds from the EMG Grant, Lillian was able to purchase additional equipment, including LED lighting; and receive training in Gua-Sha, a traditional Chinese method which involves using a smooth stone to stroke the skin with gentle pressure. This type of massage has been used to treat chronic pain all over the body.
She was also able to develop her online store, where she sells products related to skin care, as well as accessories made by other local artisans.
“I deeply believe in women supporting women, especially in business,” she said. “WBDC takes this concept to a whole other level and I’m forever grateful to be a part of it.”
illuminaskincaremassage.com
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