As I get closer to 50, I am especially irritated by the game of trying to look younger. I totally buy into it, don’t get me wrong, but I’m trying to unlearn it. Maybe we can help each other.
I am weary of the idea that women are supposed to feel flattered when someone says they “don’t look their age”.
We look our age because it is our age.
That said… I can’t help but share that this radiant human is 57. No Botox, filters, just consistent, good products, regular facials and whatever else she is doing right.
Today we did a @mederskincareus Biofacial + @lymalife Laser, myofascial work, craniosacral therapy.
Working with clients over years is one of the greatest honors of this work. We do not take it for granted.
Thank you, Larissa 🤍
“Do small things with great love”.
—Mother Teresa
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Our work is humble and simple.
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Tending to the details like plants, shelves, energy, and yes, even the never ending laundry 😆 is all part of our offering.
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Everything in this space is intentional, so that when you walk through the doors, you feel transported and cared for in a sincere way.
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Thank you for making this space possible!
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Yowzah! Glowing skin and knocking out a migraine—that’s Lydia for you! She has two facial appointments open tomorrow/Saturday. What are you waiting for?
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Reviews mean the world to us. We don’t take gratuity, but if you want to offer appreciation this is like tipping $200, seriously! 🥰
We always make time for the neck in our facials—if we only had 15 minutes, we’d probably spend most of it there.
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tension and rigidity through the cervical fascia can create compression and limit circulation, and softening it is key for the face to truly open and breathe.
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your lymphatic system drains just above the collarbones, so this work isn’t extra—it’s essential.
and you know we love a little cupping 💫
@monasterymade facial with @angelmittens__ 🪽 A facial that works beyond the skin—
releasing tension, moving lymph, and inviting you back into your body.
Today, Vena Cava turns 7 years old! 🎉🎊🙌🏻🎈
I never set out to own a business — I just wanted a good job, which—as we all know, can be hard to find. Somehow, that search turned into this living, breathing thing. I honestly didn’t think I could make a living doing bodywork—I was like, who is going to come see me? But wow… here we are. I feel so blessed.
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I wanted to create a sacred space where women and queers could soften, reconnect with their own inner wisdom, and feel seen, supported, and beautiful. I wanted to help elevate the profession of esthetics — work generally undervalued because it is done primarily by and for women — despite how deeply therapeutic and meaningful it truly is.
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It has also been one of the great honors of my career to welcome Lydia, a master esthetician whose care, skill, and presence have shaped this space in profound ways.
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But truly, the heart of Vena Cava is our clients. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning (some of you have followed me through no fewer than five spaces!), or have only visited once — we bow to you. We learn from you every day. Caring for you is a joy and a responsibility we hold with real reverence.
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This space exists because of you. We are always learning, always evolving, and we will never take your trust for granted.
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Thank you for seven beautiful years (except for 2020, that was just the worst). 🤍
I am also so thankful to partner with the best of the best in skincare lines. I trust them deeply and am so proud to work with: @twelvebeauty_int@mederskincareus@monasterymade@activistmanuka@wildgraceapothecary
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xo
jessi
Late stage capitalism means there are lots of stuff you can buy. May I humbly suggest starting with simple homecare that you can build into your daily or weekly routine?
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️gentle inversions, drink water, move your body. And also, receiving a MLD treatment from a body worker is 👌🏻. 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
We bring a lymph work into sessions always but if you want to book a full body session, we have recommendations in Portland. What do you think?
The English language lacks adequate descriptors to convey feelings of intensity. Some of us, especially if our personal fascia make-up is particularly high in collagen, do best with a lot of pressure. For those of us with this kind of tissue, myofascial release can feel fairly intense, but we know when a sensation-rich experience is beneficial or not. Trust your body, don’t overthink it.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️Others get the most benefit working more subtly with superficial layers of fascia. Your personal history and structure deserve to be seen and understood by your practitioner.
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions! When we are receiving bodywork, we want to always be in a regulated state—breathing, not bracing or withdrawing. When we experience pain, we shut down—that’s not what we are going for!
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So, listen to your body. It is important that you feel witnessed, safe and supported in this work.
