Inspiring Conversations with Marissa Maka of Opulence Wellness Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Maka

Hi Marissa , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Long Beach and raised in Downey, but I began my journey in esthetics in the Inland Empire, where I first honed my skills before moving back to Long Beach to further my career. Throughout my journey, I’ve always loved learning, though I never quite fit into the traditional educational mold. When I discovered esthetics, it felt like a perfect match—a field that captivated me and offered endless opportunities for growth.

In many of my first jobs, I was one of the only Black estheticians, which motivated me to create a more inclusive space in my practice. The ever-evolving nature of skincare and wellness keeps me inspired and engaged. Building most of my practice here in Long Beach has allowed me to cultivate a loyal client base, and their support has truly shaped who I am as a business owner today. My clients are my motivation, and they’re what keep me passionate about my work.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been far from a smooth road, but each challenge has shaped Opulence Wellness Spa into what it is today. From the beginning, finding staff who shared my commitment to client-centered care has been a journey. Just a few months after opening, our first location flooded, right after we’d invested in a complete remodel. After three years of growth, we found a second location, only to face the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Despite these obstacles, my focus has remained on serving my clients, with my trusted team—my dad and long-time colleague, Kathleen—by my side. Their dedication and support have kept me grounded, making it possible to keep my vision alive and thriving.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Opulence Wellness Spa, we’re a cozy, three-room spa here in Long Beach, dedicated to giving our clients a high-quality, personalized experience. We’re all about meeting you where you are in your skincare journey—our most popular treatment, The Opulent Facial, is customized from start to finish, with advanced skincare solutions for all skin types, especially skin of color. With a decade of experience and plenty of advanced training, we can treat every skin type and concern with real expertise.

One thing we’re incredibly proud of is our custom product line, Falekainga, which means “home and family” in Tongan. I created it as a love letter to my clients, making a line that’s convenient, easy to use, and feels like a bit of self-care you can take home with you.

We don’t stop at skincare, either. Kathleen Kennedy, our massage therapist, has a special touch and uses Himalayan salt stones that are not only super clean but also packed with minerals to help with muscle pain. And Harges Pittman, our stretching coach with over 30 years in sports therapy, brings a level of knowledge and experience that’s invaluable for mobility and wellness. He’s all about helping you make stretching a regular part of your self-care routine.

Here at Opulence, our goal is to make every client feel at ease, cared for, and fully supported on their wellness journey. We’re all about creating a relaxing, trust-filled atmosphere where you get the attention and expertise you deserve.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m truly passionate about esthetics, and the ability to cater to my clients in a space that I’ve carefully tailored brings me immense pride. Having my dedicated team by my side for so long gives me reassurance that what we do here at Opulence Wellness Spa positively impacts our community and surrounding areas. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors, where love and compassion guide our services. I invite everyone to experience the unique care we offer and look forward to continuing to serve our clients with excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Opulencewellnessspa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulencewellnessspa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Opolencewellnessspa/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/opulence-wellness-spa-long-beach

Image Credits
They are all done by me on a cell phone