by stacey jackson
December 19, 2023
The owners of Woodhouse Spa in Detroit have spent nearly 20 years incorporating the essence of soft life into their business.
For Black women, a new era is dawning: a “soft life” movement that emphasizes unraveling deeply ingrained expectations of kindness, self-care, and resilience. This shift to prioritizing mental health and well-being, once an unattainable luxury, is now accepted as a necessary paradigm.
Cheryl Hudson, owner of Detroit’s Woodhouse Spa, has spent nearly 20 years working at the Woodhouse Spa, embedding in the essence incorporating Soft Life into her business. Our downtown spa offers more than just relaxation. It offers a glimpse of an escape where Black women can embrace self-care without reservation.
“My husband and I were like, ‘There’s no place like this in Detroit,'” Hudson explained, as a native Detroiter who appreciates spas. We should open a spa. ”
Hudson happened to come across a franchise ad in 2005 and took action.
Through Hudson’s leadership, Woodhouse Spa has evolved as an important sanctuary supporting the health of Black women in Detroit amid a cultural shift away from seeking continued resilience. Hudson recognized that “there was a whole new customer here in the market and we needed to reintroduce ourselves.”
Recent renovations and upgrades have brought the #softlife spirit to life in luxury.
Manager Christina Woodall describes the overall spa experience: “It’s not just skin care or waxing, it’s the scent, the feel of all the products, the tranquility of the music.” This multifaceted environment nurtures rather than depletes Black women.
Understanding the “soft life” means recognizing that self-care is more than just a luxury. It’s about prioritizing mental health and self-love. The transformation of Woodhouse Spa invites you to redefine success in your own way, with tranquility and self-compassion.
The “strong black woman” archetype has long been a double-edged sword, both a mark of fortitude and a burden of silent perseverance. While admirable, her eternal resilience portrayed in this story has overlooked Black women’s deep need for rest, vulnerability, and kindness. The Soft Life movement aims to restore balance.
