From Poland to La Grange, Day Spa Offers Caring Service

Do you want star treatment? After being open about one year in La Grange, Dolce Vita Day Spa added an aesthetician who’s worked with the likes of Janet Jackson and Paul Newman in Hollywood. 

Those are big names, but owners Justyna Gamula and Beata Lilja say anyone will walk away from Dolce Vita feeling special—and then return quickly. Tucked away on La Grange Road, just north of Ogden Avenue and away from the key area of foot traffic, Dolce Vita isn’t too noticeable from the street. But it’s the perfect place to escape the rush and relax with the growing services offered, including massages and eyelash extensions. 

“Our goal is to make people look beautiful and feel beautiful,” Lilja said. “We take a little extra care. It’s not mass productive, how quickly we can get people in and out. We take time to talk to people and see where they’re at in life, if they’re stressed out.”

Visibility isn’t the only struggle the business has faced. Gomula’s mother died just after she opened the business, forcing inconsistent hours and a larger focus on family before the spa. Her father died when she was young in Poland, and she said she hopes her experience of building herself back up can relate to other people who come to her looking to relieve stress.

“I’m strong and I want to be strong for others,” Gomula said. “You can always get up. I’ve come through a lot. A lot of people go for the pills, but I really think you just need peace in your life.”

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Finding peace is a big theme for Gomula and Lilja, both Polish immigrants who met through a mutual friend. Gomula came to the U.S. about 12 years ago after finishing college, where she studied physical therapy. She said she always wanted to open a space in La Grange because it reminded her of her hometown in Krakow, Poland. 

“There’s a lot of people who work from the heart, lots of small shops and boutiques,” Gomula said. “If you put heart into what you’re doing, everything is better.” 

That’s certainly evident inside Dolce Vita Day Spa, located at 140 N. La Grange Rd. Gomula remembers clients’ birthdays and will get them small gifts, or bring tea and treats for them.

Lilja also knows all about personal treatment, having worked in Los Angeles doing makeup for movie stars and models, including Martin Sheen and Paula Abdul. She said she was tired of the long hours there and moved to Hinsdale with her family. After taking some time off she wanted to find a space, and eventually teamed with Gomula. 

The growth in services could be just the beginning, they said. Without wanting to give away too many details, Gomula said she would love to grow into a larger space and be able to become a one-stop shop for men and women to get advice in a variety of areas of health and beauty.  In addition to the eyelash extensions, another unique aspect of the business is the steam massage tent and the use of entirely organic products. 

“Everybody is so individual. I think every woman is beautiful,” Lilja said. “I can find whatever it is and make them feel beautiful, too. The confidence, they will receive that here. We want you to look like you’re ready for the red carpet.”

LEARN MORE: Go to Dolce Vita Day Spa's website for a full list of services and more information.