November 2024
The newest addition to the Ashland health and wellness scene is Ashland Wellness Collective, a collective of five independent women-owned businesses, each bringing a special focus of goods and services in the wellness space. The grand opening at 599 E. Main (which is connected to another building at 48 5th Street via a courtyard and separate entrance) was held in early October.
The five women are Nellie Abel, Hollie Swart, Pilar Hillis, Heather Vidrine and Anja Harriss.
Nellie Abel, who grew up in Ashland and went to SOU, owns FIIT & Flow Boutique Fitness Studio, offering group classes and private instruction. “Our modalities include barre, spin, strength, trx, yoga and megaformer,” Nellie said. “The classes are designed to help you feel empowered, strong, confident & connected.”
Nellie holds a variety of fitness certifications and loves the shared energy, inspiration, and connection that is created in group classes. While living in cities, group classes became a staple in her health and fitness routine. “When moving back here in 2020, I realized there wasn’t a multi-modality studio that focused on fun, challenging, empowering classes and decided to open FIIT & Flow three years ago,” she said. “Moving into the new studio space on 5th & Main will bring new types of classes, including becoming the first studio in Southern Oregon to lead Lagree Megaformer classes.”
* * * * *
Owned by Hollie Audelo-Swart, Hive + Honey offers holistic skin care, body treatments, and Sugaring Natural Hair Removal. “At Hive + Honey, every service is a bespoke experience, blending science-backed techniques with the sacred art of self-care,” Hollie said. “Our all-inclusive facials, therapeutic massages, and curated body treatments are designed to invite deep relaxation while delivering the very best in skincare. We create a space where beauty rituals nourish not only your skin but your spirit, offering a true sanctuary for rejuvenation.”
With over a decade of experience owning spas across the East and West Coasts, Hollie brings her expertise and passion for holistic beauty back to Ashland—a place she calls home, where she raised her sons during their most formative years.
* * * * *
SOMA Wellness Sauna is a cold plunge, Himalayan salt room with events. Owner Pilar Hillis is an Ashland native and has been a part of the health and wellness community with deep roots in the yoga community. She has a passion for cultivating community and wellness.
“We offer infrared and traditional sauna alongside cold plunge in a Himalayan salt lounge,” Pilar said. “We also offer events such as breathwork, guided meditations, sound healings, restorative yoga and many other holistic offerings. We are a space that cultivates community and connection to each other and ourselves.
* * * * *
LOVELY Hair Lounge, owned by Heather B. Vidrine, is proud to be Ashland’s very first certified sustainable salon. This ECO hair lounge exudes lounge-y indoor/outdoor vibes—mindful and modern, vibrant and welcoming—full of heart with top notch hair stylists. This Kevin Murphy exclusive salon offers its guests a truly unique, elevated and inspiring salon experience.
“I’ve been dreaming up this dreamy salon, little by little, over the last 18 years,” Heather said. “I moved back here from Portland in 2018 to raise my two young boys here.”
Known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep meaningful client connections, she is now pouring that same love and focus into creating a safe and beautiful space for every guest (and hairstylist) that steps inside LOVELY’s doors—a salon that feels like coming home—rooted in sustainability, community, radical self love and reliably amazing hair.
* * * * *
Fikka Outdoor Café, owned by Anja Harriss, is a whole food organic smoothie and juice bar and micro café, serving cold-pressed juice, coffee, smoothies, and fresh bites. The café focuses on niche superfood ingredients, holistic nutrition and food sensitivity-free options.”
“Our goal is to serve top of the line wellness elixirs and offer healthy grab-and-go food options for our community, as well as create a unique gathering hub for wellness, infused with the best ingredients found in places across the globe and produce from close to home,” Anja said. “We’re located on our courtyard featuring fire pits, cozy seating nooks, and community tables.”
Anja was raised in California, Southern Oregon and Europe by a surf bum dad and a travel enthusiast mother. She spent a lot of time solo traveling in Mexico and Central/South America where juice and smoothies can be found readily in every neighborhood.
* * * * *
The Ashland Wellness Collective envisions becoming a cornerstone of health, wellness, self-care, and connection for our community. They are excited to offer a space where locals can gather, recharge, and find balance in their daily lives. From hosting community events to participating in First Fridays, the Ashland Wellness Collective is here to support and enrich Ashland through meaningful engagement and collaboration.
For more info: 541-292-1541. You can also see them at ashlandwellness.org and on Facebook/Instagram.
