Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsi Suh.
Hi kelsi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in South Korea and moved to the United States when I was 14 years old. At that age, you’re still figuring out who you are, and suddenly I was learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and trying to find my place. Looking back, I didn’t realize it at the time, but those experiences taught me how to be resilient and adaptable—qualities that have helped me throughout my life and career.
I’ve always been someone who enjoys connecting with people. My career started in hospitality, and over the years I worked for incredible organizations including Maryland Live! Casino, MGM National Harbor, and Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas. What I loved most wasn’t the casinos themselves—it was the people. I loved creating memorable experiences and building relationships with guests. Throughout my career, I was fortunate to be recruited by larger properties and new resort openings, and each opportunity taught me something new about leadership, service, and human connection.
Eventually, I realized I wanted to build something that reflected my own vision and values. That’s what led me to open Spa 180 Prestige.
Starting a business wasn’t easy, and there were many moments when I questioned myself. But I believed in creating a place where people could take a break from the stress of everyday life and simply feel cared for. Over time, that vision grew into something bigger than I ever imagined.
Today, Spa 180 Prestige has more than 180 active members, and some of them have been with us since the day we first opened our doors. That means the world to me. In a world where people have endless choices, the fact that they continue to choose us year after year is something I never take for granted.
One of my favorite parts of owning the spa is the relationships we’ve built. Many guests know me by name and ask for me when they visit. Some stop by just to say hello. Those moments remind me that we’re not just providing services—we’re creating connections and becoming part of people’s lives.
I’m also incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our team. Over the years, some employees have moved on to other opportunities, but many still stay in touch. Some send people to us who are looking for jobs. Others refer clients and friends to our spa. One former employee even sent us a group of nine guests for a spa day because he said he knew the perfect place for them. Moments like that mean a lot because they tell me we’ve built something people genuinely believe in.
I’ve always believed that growth doesn’t stop. That’s why, in addition to operating Spa 180 Prestige, I’ve expanded into the roofing and solar industry and am now taking my next step into real estate. I love learning, challenging myself, and exploring new opportunities. Every chapter of my life has taught me something different, and I’m excited to see where the next one leads.
When I look back, I’m grateful for every experience, every challenge, and every person I’ve met along the way. My story isn’t really about opening a spa or building a business. It’s about relationships, trust, and having the courage to keep growing. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t measured only by what you build—it’s measured by the people whose lives you touch along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way, but one of the biggest came almost immediately after opening my business.
We opened Spa 180 Prestige on March 8, 2020. Two weeks later, we were forced to close because of the pandemic.
I remember thinking, “Did this really just happen?” After investing so much time, energy, and resources into opening the business, everything suddenly came to a halt. Like many small business owners, I faced uncertainty, difficult decisions, and a lot of sleepless nights. No one knew how long the closures would last or what the future would look like.
When we were finally able to reopen in June, I honestly don’t remember doing anything extraordinary. I simply put my head down and went to work. I would wake up, go to the spa, work all day, come home, have dinner, go to sleep, and do it all over again the next day. For a long time, that was my life. There were no shortcuts or magic formulas. It was just consistency, hard work, and showing up every day.
Slowly but surely, that effort started to pay off. We rebuilt momentum, earned our clients’ trust, and grew rapidly. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful because many businesses didn’t survive that period. Not only did we survive, but we continued to grow and build a loyal community that still supports us today.
Another challenge has been learning how to wear multiple hats. As a business owner, you’re responsible for far more than most people realize. On any given day, I might be handling marketing, customer service, staffing, operations, finances, and problem-solving all at once. There is always something that needs your attention.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. Those challenges taught me resilience, discipline, and patience. They taught me that success isn’t usually one big moment—it’s the result of showing up day after day, even when no one is watching and even when the outcome is uncertain.
We’ve been impressed with SPA180 Prestige , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Spa 180 Prestige is an award-winning wellness spa in Northern Virginia specializing in massage therapy, advanced skincare, body treatments, eyelash extensions, waxing, and wellness services.
What sets us apart is our focus on relationships and personalized care. We believe every guest should feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely cared for. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we focus on creating experiences tailored to each client’s needs.
Today, we have more than 180 active members, and some have been with us since the day we opened our doors. Several team members have also been with us from the beginning, which speaks to the culture and consistency we’ve worked hard to build.
While we’re honored to have been recognized as one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best Spas, what makes me most proud is the trust we’ve earned from our guests, team members, and community. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to help people feel better when they leave than when they arrived.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe the wellness industry will continue to grow over the next 5–10 years as people become more proactive about their health, self-care, and overall well-being. We’re already seeing a shift where spa services are no longer viewed as occasional luxuries but as part of a regular wellness routine.
While medical spas and aesthetic treatments continue to grow, I believe there will always be a strong demand for traditional wellness spas. People are looking for more than results—they’re looking for a place to slow down, recharge, disconnect from stress, and take care of themselves both physically and mentally.
I also believe clients will continue to seek personalized experiences and genuine relationships. No matter how much technology advances, people still value trust, consistency, and exceptional service.
As for the future, I would love to expand Spa 180 Prestige beyond a single location and eventually develop a franchise model. One of the things I hear often from guests is, “Do you have another location closer to me?” or “When are you opening another spa?” To me, that’s a sign that we’ve built something people genuinely value, and it motivates me to think bigger about what’s possible for the brand.
At the end of the day, I believe the businesses that will thrive are the ones that make people feel valued, cared for, and connected. That’s something I hope to continue building as Spa 180 Prestige grows in the years ahead.
Pricing:
- Massage ranges from 100 to 180 for 60min sessions
- Membership Starting at $99
- Group Booking $150 per person
- Facials from $129 to $199
- Eyelash Extensions starting $110
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spa180prestige.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spa180.prestige/
