We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sophia Tade. Check out our conversation below.
Sophia , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Beyond Pampering: Where Science Meets Holistic Skin Wellness
One common misconception about spas is that skincare is just about pampering. At Eeyah Holistic Spa, we treat skin from the inside out and the outside in. We address not only surface concerns but also the internal factors that impact skin health. We consider the mind, body, spirit, nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, stress, medical history, etc. Our expert team includes Licensed Estheticians (600 hours), Master Estheticians (1,200 hours), and Paramedical Skincare Specialists (18-month training). We also commit to annual continuing education, advanced certifications, and staying on the cutting edge of research and technology. This dedication ensures that every recommendation, treatment, and product we offer is both evidence-based and results-driven.
At Eeyah Holistic Spa, our signature approach is to unite cutting-edge skincare science, clean, high-performance ingredients, and a whole-person approach to create results that last and nurture healthy, resilient skin and the beauty that radiates from within.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Bonjour! I’m Sophia Tade, Owner and Director of Eeyah Holistic Spa, an award-winning and faith based sanctuary in Columbia, Maryland. We specialize in oncology esthetics, holistic skincare, and advanced, results-driven treatments. We treat the skin from the inside out and the outside in, blending advanced skincare science, clean high-performance ingredients, and a whole-person approach.
We are humbled to be the sole oncology aesthetics partner with the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center. We serve as keynote speaker across the DMV, and host curated client events. This fall, we’re preparing a wellness retreat for high-profile women in the diaspora, and will be a featured vendor at the Pink Pathway annual event with Johns Hopkins. Our mission is simple: to restore, protect, and celebrate the beauty that radiates from within each one of us.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that my life would not amount to anything good. There was no reason for it—I was a studious, polite, and respectful child who stayed out of trouble. But I grew up thinking some people were simply born to shine and be powerful, and others weren’t.
That changed when I encountered Christ and gave my life to Him. The message of hope He carries lifted me up, gave me a greater sense of purpose, and showed me that I, too, can prosper. I now know I have the power through Christ to break any stronghold and walk boldly in my God-given destiny.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I learned to separate my “identity” from an “outcome”. Instead of believing “I am a failure”, I realized “this project simply didn’t yield the expected outcomes”, and that shift changed everything. It gave me the grace to learn from mistakes, forgive myself, rebuild my confidence, and see life as a journey.
I also learned that success is a process. Things may not happen when we expect, like a major partnership that fell through for me in 2024, but every step and investment it required prepared me for my next big opportunity. I know I’ll be ready for it.
Being in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at the time opened my eyes to this truth. As entrepreneurs, we will fail forward, testing, adapting, and refining as we go. Thomas Edison refined his light bulb 10,000 times before it worked; he never called himself a failure, he just stayed resiliently focused on the goal. That’s the mindset I choose, and the one I encourage others to embrace.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies is that skincare is just about pampering or surface-level beauty. The truth is, real skin health goes much deeper, it’s connected to everything, environment, nutrition, sleep, level of exercise, medical history, stress, etc. and overall wellness. Without addressing those factors, no treatment or product will ever deliver lasting results.
Another lie is that trends and influencer hype equal results. Over-the-counter products are often marketed as miracle solutions, but many will never impact the skin at a cellular level, and some can even cause damage. That’s why at Eeyah Holistic Spa, we choose evidence-based treatments and clean, high-performance ingredients that work in harmony with the skin.
The industry also likes to believe that all estheticians offer the same level of expertise. In reality, there’s a world of difference between basic licensure and advanced training. Our team goes beyond the standard and includes continuous education each year. For us, it’s about integrity, science, and delivering results that honor both the skin’s health and the whole person.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I believe our clients would miss the compassionate, wholehearted attention we give to everything that matters to them, and our unwavering care for their long-term well-being.
They would miss the extra touches, in both good and challenging times; how we celebrate their milestones, cry with them in their struggles, and make space for their stories. From birthday cards and personal congratulations to a safe, peaceful sanctuary they call home, to the resources we share beyond skincare. Whether it’s referrals for their children or support for their spouses, our care always extends far beyond the treatment room.
Some clients even call us their therapists, as the treatment table becomes a safe place to unfold their hearts, met not with judgment but with love, understanding, and compassionate honesty. That bond is at the heart of everything we do. As we grow, we’re intentional about protecting it by hiring for the heart first and then training or refining skills. Experience has taught us that expertise, while essential, can never take the place of authentic compassion. Only genuine care touches the soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eeyahholisticspa.com
- Instagram: @eeyahholisticspa
- Facebook: @eeyahholisticspa
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/st3aB641ywU?si=929TY6aZLxOD_9xS
