Colleen Rose put together all of her passions and found herself the owner of a growing spa business and yoga studio, with a side job that encourages healthy eating.
How many years have you been involved in the spa/hospitality industry?
I have been in the spa industry for 10 years and was previously in the hotel industry for two years.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I am a third generation yoga teacher and a native of the Chicago South suburbs. As a graduate of Bradley University, I entered the healthcare marketing and communications field at University of Chicago Medical Center, and then moved to WellGroup, a private physicians group. In 1995 I started a healthcare communications firm, Kaleidoscope Designs. I have served on numerous philanthropic boards including the Cancer Support Center, where I was awarded the Richard J. Desser Pioneer Award, and have been featured for my efforts on many television and radio shows, as well as in newspapers and magazines. As a former triathlete, yoga was a supplement to my training. In 2001, a knee injury led me to delve deeper into the less high-impact world of yoga and pilates, and I never looked back.
In 2003 I founded Yoga-360 in order to bring "everyday yoga to everyday people." I traveled the Chicago area offering private, group and corporate classes. The need expanded and in May 2004, Yoga-360 Studio & Spa opened it's doors in downtown Frankfort, IL, with just two teachers, which were myself and my sister. An extra room in the studio allowed me to pursue my second passion, organic skincare. In August 2008, Yoga-360 opened a 3,200 square foot Studio & Spa in Frankfort featuring a Hot Yoga studio, six spa treatment rooms, relaxation lounge and reception and retail area, and today employs 22 people.
What is your favorite place in the whole world?
The mountains of Crested Butte, Colorado. There is nothing like enjoying a long day on the snowy slopes, then relaxing in a spa treatment with a clear mind, and looking out the windows at the mountaintops.
If you could have any profession in the world, other than what you do now, what would you be?
I would be Ina Gartner, the Barefoot Contessa.
What is your motto or concept that you live by?
My vision and personal mantra is the guiding force behind Yoga-360; to thine own self be true.
What is your most treasured possession?
My books. I am a believer in "Ancora Imparo," a motto attributed to Michaelangelo which means "I am still learning." I read everything.
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
Yam & Pumpkin Facial Peel. It reduces the fine lines and boosts collagen, and is incredibly aromatic. It not only exfoliates the skin, but also hydrates, plumps, and creates an even skin tone.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
It has to be the journey of Yoga-360. Through our classes and spa services we have met, touched and changed the lives of so many people, and they have all done the same for me. I have yet to wake up and not want to go into the studio.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
At times I can be too ambitious for my own good.
Care to share any details on family life, i.e. spouse, partner, children, pets?
I have a very close, tight-knit family. I have been married to almost twenty years to my best friend, real estate developer Tim Rose. I have to red-headed teenage daughters, Julia and Anna. I am also the editor of The Fresh Foodie, a Live Simply, Cook Simply, blog.
Tell us two things about yourself we don’t know.
I always name my pets people names; Ihave three dogs, Nellie, Zoe and Tommy, and previously had dogs named Oliver and Becky. I also had a rabbit named Maddie and a guinea pig named Will.
When I was in 8th grade, I caught 23 quarters off my elbow on the TV show Kidding Around.