Christmas Reflections from Stephanies Founder, Stephanie Shepherd

As the year gently draws to a close and Christmas approaches, I find myself reflecting not only on the year we have shared together at Stephanies, but also on the journey that brought us here.

This December has been especially meaningful for me, as I was incredibly proud to share a personal story close to my heart. Miner’s Daughter, recently published in Rasp & Sturt (Issue 5, December 2025), offers a small window into my Broken Hill beginnings, a place of grit, heart, resilience, and yes, always a little lipstick. It’s a story of regional Australia and the path that eventually led to building Stephanies Luxury Spas.

In many ways, that story mirrors what this season represents. Christmas is a time for looking back with gratitude, honouring where we have come from, and acknowledging the people who have walked alongside us on the journey.
As we come to the close of another year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, our valued guests, for your continued trust, loyalty, and support of Stephanies. One of the greatest joys of what we do is seeing your lovely faces throughout the year. Every visit truly feels like catching up with an old friend, and those moments of connection are a big part of what makes Stephanies so special.

I also want to honour our beautiful team. Their care, skill, and dedication are the heart of every guest experience, and I’m so proud of the warmth and excellence they bring to each treatment, each detail, and each moment of connection. Des, our CEO, and I feel incredibly grateful to lead a business built on genuine care, for our guests, our teams, and the community that has supported Stephanies for so many years.

This year has been an exciting one, with wonderful new additions introduced to our professional treatment offerings. As I reflect on the year gone by, my focus has been on intention, ensuring everything we do remains thoughtful, purposeful, and truly aligned with the care you come to Stephanies for. And as we look ahead, I’m already feeling excited as we quietly prepare for something very special launching in 2026.

Christmas is also a season of giving, of meaningful moments rather than things, and if you are still searching for the perfect gift, a Stephanies Spa Gift Card offers the gift of rest, care, and connection, long after the festive season has passed.

If you’re nearby, I also invite you to visit Stephanies Vintage Spa Cleveland, where our beautiful gift shop is filled with thoughtfully curated treasures, perfect for Christmas gifting or a little indulgence for yourself.

And for those in need of some last-minute calm before the festivities begin, our seasonal spa promotions are a beautiful way to pause, breathe, and restore before Christmas arrives.

This holiday season, I hope you and your loved one’s can find moments of rest, joy, and meaningful connection. May your Christmas be filled with warmth, laughter, and well-deserved relaxation.

Thank you again for being such an important part of the Stephanies family. 

From our hearts, Merry Christmas.