Exploring Life & Business with Juliana Cortes Nogueira of Detox & Relax by Juliana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Cortes Nogueira.

Hi Juliana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in wellness began in Brazil, where I specialized in post-operative care and the art of Brazilian lymphatic drainage. When I moved to the United States in 2018, I carried a deep-seated mission with me: to build a sanctuary where women could feel truly seen, nurtured, and empowered.

While attending massage school in California to obtain my state license and working at a local spa, the world slowed down due to the pandemic. In that period of stillness and reflection, the vision for Detox & Relax by Juliana was born. The name, the brand, and the ethos didn’t feel like a business idea I came up with, it felt like a calling that had finally found its moment.

I started small in 2021 inside a single, intimate suite in Hermosa Beach. Driven by client word-of-mouth and a relentless commitment to individualized care, we expanded into a larger suite in 2022, opened our flagship dedicated spa location in 2024, and recently celebrated the grand opening of our second location in Tarzana in 2026.

What started as an intuitive vision has grown into a thriving wellness brand built on therapeutic precision, human connection, and the belief that self-care isn’t a luxury, it is essential healing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a brand from the ground up in a new country brings challenges that go far beyond business operations. My main obstacle was navigating the language barrier and overcoming the public communication fear that came with it. While I connected effortlessly with my clients one-on-one during treatments, the thought of stepping in front of a camera or speaking publicly in English felt intimidating. I worried my accent would hide the heart of my brand.

However, pushing through that vulnerability became my biggest catalyst for personal growth. It taught me that true human connection isn’t about perfect grammar or flawless delivery; it’s about presence, authenticity, and empathy. Energy speaks louder than language. Embracing my authentic voice allowed me to build deeper trust with my clients, showing them that vulnerability is actually a strength.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Detox & Relax by Juliana?
Known as “The House of Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage,” Detox & Relax by Juliana is a boutique wellness spa specializing in authentic Brazilian lymphatic drainage, custom body sculpting, and specialized post-operative care.

While our technical expertise and physical results set the industry standard, what truly differentiates us is our heart-centered approach to emotional and physical well-being. We embrace the philosophy of “Slow Beauty” – the belief that true aesthetics stem from emotional regulation, internal detoxification, and intentional self-care. Life moves at an overwhelming pace, and women spend so much energy caring for everyone else. We created a safe haven where they can drop their armor.

We frequently welcome women navigating major life transitions, post-surgery recovery, or periods of intense emotional stress. I am most proud of the healing atmosphere we’ve cultivated – a space where high-touch clinical skill meets unconditional compassion. As we expand across Los Angeles, my priority remains unchanged: keeping our signature warmth and bespoke, individualized attention at the core of every treatment. When a woman walks out of our doors, I want her to feel renewed, restored, and genuinely cared for.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Earlier in my life, I measured success through conventional metrics – material milestones, titles, and external signs of accomplishment. Building a business takes immense discipline, and while I am deeply proud of our growth, my definition of success has evolved into something far more profound.

Today, success means living in total alignment with my core purpose, holding inner peace, and knowing my life’s work creates a meaningful impact on others.

That purpose is driving our next chapter. I am currently in the development stages of launching a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting women facing financial and social vulnerability. By offering specialized wellness education, body care therapy, and professional training in the spa space, my goal is to help underserved women heal while equipping them with tools for financial independence.

To me, true success isn’t about how many locations bear your name; it’s about how many lives are lifted because your business exists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.detoxandrelaxla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detoxandrelaxbyjuliana/