Amber Smith believes that wellness comes in a variety of different packages and is unique to each individual. As a Licensed & Board Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master, she studies many modalities and cultural backgrounds of healing to assist those that walk through her doors at Carpe Diem Holistic Wellness.
But it was a near-fatal motorcycle accident more than a decade ago that directed her towards a lifetime of seeking pain management.
“My husband and I suffered extensive injuries with multiple surgeries and painful therapy. Even though that accident was horrific, it forged me into the therapist I am today,” she said.
Smith understands from her own experiences the frustration that comes from the healthcare system and having to learn to cope in a society that doesn’t understand PTSD or chronic pain behavior.
“Carpe Diem is a safe space [to explore] well-rounded options to care for ourselves to maintain a quality of life,” Smith said.
Coming from a long line of healthcare workers, anatomy always fascinated Smith, however, the western idea of healthcare never did. After serving in the Army Reserves as a Military Police Officer, she made the decision to go to massage school.
Though in practice under Carpe Diem for 11 years, Smith opened her doors in Coraopolis last year in what she calls a twist of fate that landed her family in the maiden city, her husband’s hometown. Previously, the business operated in Crescent for eight years and Sewickley for two.
“Universal design dropped an opportunity onto our path and we purchased a home here. A month later I saw an adorable store front available and with all the positive revitalizations that are happening within the community and business district, it was a no-brainer to move Carpe Diem from Sewickley to Cory,” she said.
Smith says that Coraopolis’ unique design makes it the right place for her business. She continued, “We truly are very diverse in people, culture and demographics. To me, that is something to celebrate because we all have something to contribute in a positive way that can make this community rich and vibrant, we just need to choose to do so. And you can really see people trying.”
Smith attributes her growing clientele to word of mouth, social media, and community partnerships.
“It’s really awesome that we have a community organization that tries to promote our businesses and make citizens aware of what we have to offer. Not many communities have such an ally,” she said.
Amber and her family have integrated themselves into the Coraopolis community and she plans to stay. Her younger daughter is in junior high school at Cornell School District, and her older daughter goes to college for graphic design. Her husband, Chris, now works with the Locks and Dams after serving in the Army and is active with the VFW 402.
Carpe Diem Holistic Wellness is located at 1016 5th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis and offers healing through Reiki, Integrative Massage, Infrared Biomat Therapy, along with retail items to help you maintain balance....mind, body and spirit.