Some stories begin with a business plan. Ours began in an elevator.
It was the summer of 2021 when I first met Kristina.
We shared a brief elevator ride in the building where YVEY Studio is located. We exchanged a few words, introduced ourselves, and went our separate ways.
It was one of those everyday moments that seems insignificant at the time.
What I didn't know then was that this simple encounter would eventually lead to the creation of GloLab.
A Conversation That Changed Everything
After that first meeting, I would often see Kristina passing through the courtyard. She always carried herself with warmth and kindness, often waving through the studio window as she walked by.
Eventually, she found me on social media, and one day we decided to meet for a glass of champagne.
That conversation changed everything.
As we got to know one another, we quickly realized how aligned we were—not just professionally, but philosophically.
We both cared deeply about the people we served. We shared a belief that beauty is far more than appearance. It can be confidence, self-expression, healing, and human connection.
I could see the passion in Kristina's eyes when she spoke about her work. She wasn't simply providing treatments—she was helping people feel seen.
I felt the same way about my work behind the chair.
Though our industries were different, our purpose was remarkably similar.
When an Idea Began to Take Shape
Over countless conversations, we talked about what drew us to our professions, what frustrated us about them, and what continued to inspire us.
We discussed the increasingly transactional nature of the beauty industry and how much we valued creating genuine experiences for our clients.
Somewhere in those conversations, an idea began to emerge.
What if one day we created something together?
A salon and a medspa under one roof.
A place where expertise, wellness, beauty, and human connection could coexist.
At first, it was simply a dream—something we casually talked about between conversations.
Years passed. We each pursued our own projects and continued building our careers.
Yet every time we reconnected, the idea resurfaced.
The dream refused to leave.
From Possibility to Reality
At one point, I suggested that we explore bringing the concept into YVEY Studio.
We entertained the possibility, but there was no real plan behind it. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that the idea had potential if we approached it with intention.
Then one day, we stopped talking about it as a possibility and started talking about it as a reality.
What connected us was never simply business.
At our core, we shared similar values. We cared about people in the same way. We respected each other's strengths, trusted each other's intentions, and genuinely enjoyed being around one another.
When you consider going into business with someone, there is always a degree of uncertainty. Business can test relationships. It can expose ego, pride, and differences in perspective.
For us, humility and a sense of humor became essential.
We often asked each other one simple question:
“How does this feel in your soul?”
Neither of us wanted to sacrifice a meaningful friendship for a business venture.
But the more we explored the idea, the more it felt like a calling rather than a transaction.
Then Came the Name
GloLab.
The credit belongs entirely to Kristina.
I specifically wanted her to name the business because I trusted her intuition. When she presented the name, it immediately felt right.
Modern. Memorable. Full of possibility.
From there, the real work began.
Business plans. Financial projections. Research. Strategy. Countless conversations.
The dream was becoming tangible, and we needed to prepare ourselves before intentionally searching for a home.
Finding a Home for GloLab
Then came the search.
I've always believed that what belongs to you will eventually find its way to you.
One morning around 3 a.m., unable to sleep, I found myself browsing commercial spaces online.
That's when I saw it.
The location.
The moment I saw it, something inside me knew.
It was perfect.
The location worked for both of us, the energy felt right, and I could already envision GloLab there.
The next day, I reached out.
Unfortunately, the space was already being pursued by another party.
Most people would have moved on.
I couldn't.
Even while exploring other locations, I kept returning to that one. We asked our broker to check on it, but the answer remained the same: the deal was pending.
Still, I never completely let go.
The Space Found Its Way Back
Months later, something unexpected happened.
The space returned to the market.
The moment we heard the news, we immediately re-engaged.
The process wasn't easy. There were complications and challenges involving the existing business, and it took patience, persistence, and faith to navigate them.
But we were determined.
This place felt like home before we even had the keys.
Today, we are incredibly proud to say that GloLab is no longer an idea.
It is real.
The very location we once dreamed about—the one we believed was meant for us—is now the home of our vision.
More Than a Salon and Medspa
GloLab represents more than a salon and medspa.
It is the culmination of friendship, trust, purpose, and belief.
It is the result of years of conversations, shared values, and a commitment to creating an experience that feels deeply human.
As we prepare to welcome our clients into this new space, we do so with gratitude and excitement.
We are bringing an extension of ourselves to the Eastside—a place where beauty, wellness, expertise, and connection live together under one roof.
This is our baby.
This is GloLab.
And we cannot wait to welcome you.
About GloLab
GloLab brings advanced aesthetics, hair artistry, wellness, and personalized care together in one thoughtfully created destination in Bellevue, Washington.
Opening soon in Bellevue.
