Favorite Health, Beauty & Wellness Businesses in Raleigh

Taking care of your body, mind, and confidence looks different for everyone. For us, it’s a mix of movement, relaxation, healing, beauty, and even finding clothes that help us show up confidently in our everyday lives.

Over the years, we’ve discovered some incredible local businesses in Raleigh and the Triangle that have become part of our regular routine. These are places we return to again and again — businesses run by passionate people who genuinely care about helping others feel their best.

Some help us recharge and relax. Others help us feel strong and healthy. And a few simply help us walk out the door feeling a little more confident. Whether you’re newly relocated and looking for trusted wellness services, ready to try something new, or simply want to support great local businesses, these are the places we personally recommend. We’re regular clients of all of them and we’re grateful they’re part of our Raleigh community.

Moxie Hair Salon

Confidence-boosting beauty, inside and out. Moxie isn’t just a hair salon; it’s a confidence space. I discovered this recently when they gave me a makeover, which consisted of hair extensions and glam makeup. I walked out of their transformed with a new level of confidence that has not receded since. I have returned several times – often walking in feeling despondent at the current state of the world, then walking back out lighter and more positive and joyful.

I recently took our daughter Savannah here for her first proper teenage haircut and style, and it was such a meaningful experience. She walked out glowing and said, “Mom, everyone was so kind. They kept complimenting me.” That matters—especially at this age.

The staff at Moxie have a gift for making people feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful exactly as they are. I love how they wall work as a team for each client. That means we’ve had several stylists work on our hair (and my eye lash extensions) and each one has been fantastic. I’ve paid attention, not just to me, but how they treat other clients. They welcome clients as if they are an old friend, they make sure to compliment you, they give encouraging and helpful advice, and I’ve heard them talk so kindly about clients after they leave.

We also love Muna for makeup at Moxie. She doesn’t just make you glow—she glows with kindness herself. Every time I’m there, her chair is rotating through women who walk away looking radiant and feeling even better. I’m honestly tempted to ask her to host a makeup class with me so I can learn how to recreate that natural, luminous look she gives so effortlessly.

Rose & Lee Boutique

Confidence you can wear. If you’ve ever wondered where many of my outfits come from in our videos, photos, speaking events, or meetings — the answer is often Rose & Lee Boutique. In one day on our Pinehurst getaway, at least five people stopped me to comment on my dress.

This locally loved boutique has become my go-to for clothes that make me feel confident and polished without feeling overdone. Their pieces are stylish, comfortable, and incredibly wearable — perfect for someone like me who spends a lot of time on camera or speaking at events.

What makes Rose & Lee truly special though is the experience. The team genuinely cares about helping women feel good in what they wear. They often help me pull together outfits I never would have chosen on my own — and I almost always walk out with something I love (and later receive compliments on). Their mission is centered around uplifting and empowering women, and you feel that the moment you walk through the door. This is also evident

Because sometimes wellness isn’t a facial or a yoga class — sometimes it’s simply putting on an outfit that helps you stand a little taller and show up confidently in the world.

In January, I attended a very important annual travel industry event. It’s a day full of meetings that helps us line up work with tourism boards and destinations. I had my new hair extensions, a great outfit from Rose & Lee, and my nails done (see below). It’s the most confident I’ve ever felt and they were the best meetings I’ve ever had. It makes a difference. I received so many compliments about my hair and outfit – it definitely helped potential clients remember me.

Woodhouse Spa

Elevated, nourishing, deeply restorative care. Woodhouse Spa is one of our most trusted wellness sanctuaries—and yes, they’re also long-term partners of ours, which makes sense because we genuinely love what they offer. Every experience here feels elevated, grounded, and deeply nourishing. My recent favorite was the Glo2 facial, and we’re also regulars for massages. The salt room and infrared sauna add-ons are incredible, and we always linger in the quiet retreat room before and after treatments.

Their therapists are kind, experienced, gentle, and intuitive and they take time to consult with you, so the experience truly matches what your body and nervous system need.

The Nail Lab of Cary

Where quality, care, and longevity truly shine. The Nail Lab of Cary is one of my regular, non-negotiable self-care spots. I’m heading there again today for a fill—and taking my eldest daughter for a fresh set before she heads back to college tomorrow. When my sister visited from Australia, we all went together for pedicures. Months later, she was still commenting (from back in Australia) on how long her nail color lasted—and honestly, I say the same thing every time.

The Nail Lab of Cary is consistent, calming, and meticulous. It’s clean, relaxing, and you can feel the care in their work. Hot Tip – Order a complimentary iced Vietnamese Coffee and enjoy it in the pedicure massage chairs – they are exceptionally good.

YMCA of the Triangle

Wellness for the whole family. We’ve had a family YMCA membership for years, and it continues to be one of the most cost-effective, flexible wellness choices we’ve made. We love that you can use any YMCA location. Craig recently tried the Hillsborough Street Y and loved it, and I’m eyeing the downtown Raleigh location for their hot yoga. Our youngest goes regularly with friends to use the equipment, Craig lifts weights and uses the sauna often, and I’m there a few times a week for yoga and mat Pilates.

Our home location also has a fantastic pool with a retractable roof—which is everything in the summer. And we love the heat therapy dry sauna and steam room. May I request a cold plunge please? Nordic spa hot-cold therapy is a new found obsession after our recent Nova Scotia Road trip (which included 4 Nordic spas).

Pura Vida Studio

Saturday yoga + community connection. Even with my YMCA membership, I make it a point (when I can) to attend free Saturday yoga at Downtown Cary Park, led by teachers from Pura Vida Studio. These are true yoga teachers with years of practice, guiding beautiful, accessible sessions for all levels. It’s an empowering, grounding way to start the weekend, especially in warmer months when classes move outdoors.

And the setting? Perfection. The Cary Farmers Market is right there, making it easy to grab a coffee and linger in the park afterward. Downtown Cary Park also hosts breathwork and sound healing sessions—though fair warning, spots fill fast (I’m still trying to snag one!).

Wellness isn’t just about movement or relaxation — it also includes the professionals who help keep our bodies healthy in other ways, including dental care.

Trusted Dental Care for Our Family

Dental health is a huge part of overall wellness, and over the years we’ve been incredibly grateful to find dental professionals in the Triangle who truly care about their patients and go the extra mile. These are the practices that have supported our family and helped keep our smiles healthy.

West Cary Pediatric Dentistry

Our daughters have received exceptional care from Pediatric Dentistry at West Cary, and we couldn’t recommend them more highly. From routine cleanings to more complex situations, their team always takes the time to ensure treatment plans are thoughtfully tailored to each child.

Savannah, for example, has had some unique dental challenges over the years — delayed tooth development, missing baby teeth, and even a tooth growing sideways in her mouth! Through it all, the team at West Cary Pediatric Dentistry has been incredibly patient, thorough, and supportive, helping guide us through the right next steps and coordinating with orthodontists when needed.

Today their dental health is in great shape, and we’re so grateful for the care they’ve received there.

Gladwell Orthodontics

When it came time to address Savannah’s orthodontic needs, Gladwell Orthodontics has been fantastic. They’ve worked carefully with her unique situation to move that sideways tooth back into place and gradually straighten everything else. Her treatment has included both braces and Invisalign, and we’ve been impressed with how thoughtful and personalized their approach has been. Orthodontics can be a long journey, but their team makes the process feel manageable and supportive.

Read our review of Gladwell Orthodontics and mention THIS IS RALEIGH for free teeth whitening with any treatment

Zen Dentistry (Cary) & Tar Heel Periodontics

For my own dental care, I’ve had wonderful experiences with Zen Dentistry in Cary. True to the name, their office really does bring a sense of calm to something that can often feel stressful or intimidating.

They’ve helped me navigate dental work with patience and care, and alongside the team at Tar Heel Periodontics, they’ve also supported me in addressing gum disease — which thankfully is now doing really well thanks to their treatment and guidance. Having dental professionals you trust makes such a difference, and we feel lucky to have these practices helping our family stay healthy.

Harmony Life Reiki

Monthly energetic reset and emotional clarity. Marina Lando, my reiki healer, is my monthly non-negotiable. I have been her client now I think for about 8 years. (She’s currently taking new clients). I know when it’s time to see her—when I start feeling blocked, anxious, or energetically heavy. I always walk out feeling clearer, more empowered, deeply rested, and ready to step into a more elevated month.

Releasing blocked or negative energy on your own is hard. Marina is a powerful healer with deep training across multiple modalities, and I love how she weaves in Ayurvedic philosophy—helping clear doshas and offering thoughtful guidance around food, supplements, and emotional processing. She helps me understand my emotions as signposts for growth, rather than things to suppress or carry alone.

CrowdHealth

A non-traditional option for healthcare costs. CrowdHealth isn’t local, but we discovered it through a local entrepreneur—and it’s been a gamechanger for us. When traditional health insurance premiums became unaffordable, we found ourselves in a scary place. CrowdHealth offered an alternative—not traditional insurance, but a crowd-funded healthcare model where your monthly membership helps others in need.

You pay monthly membership per person, plus a voluntary monthly contribution that never exceeds a capped amount. So far, ours has been very low, we’re paying significantly less than we ever did for traditional insurance, AND I’m not blocked in by in-network requirements. So far, our average per month (for 3 of us) is $300, whereas the marketplace wanted us to pay $1,800!!

For healthcare needs, we cover the first $500 (similar to a deductible), and the rest is eligible for crowd funded coverage. For non-emergency services, CrowdHealth helps negotiate fair self-pay prices—opening our eyes to just how inflated insurance-based billing can be. I’m paying way less for self-pay than the difference I had to pay AFTER my insurance covered their part of the bill. #goFigure

This may not be for everyone, and we absolutely encourage doing your own research. We’re not offering financial or insurance advice—just sharing an option that’s currently working well for us.

We have a special referral deal. Use our link or code CAZMAK to join CrowdHealth and have your maximum crowdfunding request reduced to $39 for the first three months.

A final note

These businesses have become part of the rhythm of our lives. They’ve supported us through growth, stress, celebration, healing, and everyday care—and that’s why we’re sharing them. If you’re ready to elevate your body, mind, and soul, these are beautiful places to begin. Have a favorite wellness spot we should try next? Let us know—we’re always listening.