New Beginnings

“Closing Time. Every new beginning is some other beginning’s end”. (Semisonic)

To my Valued Clients, Vendors and Friends,

It is with both sadness and hope that I announce that The Philocalist will be closing at the end of May. I feel privileged for the amazing clients, staff and suppliers who have supported my journey and feel so honoured to have been part of something so special. 

Only 18 months before Covid I was thrilled to finally have a home of my own to curate clean conscious beauty and continue to help women feel good about theirs. When Covid hit, like so many of us, it brought many obstacles to my business and personal life that have made running the business, as it was intended, impossible.

It hasn’t been easy as a sole founder running a growing company. Along with being a makeup artist and servicing clients, I've been wearing most of the behind-the-scenes hats as well. I worked tirelessly, loving most aspects of running a business and thriving on the many new challenges. And then Covid hit. On top of those challenges, my focus had instantaneously included my parents - one suddenly on life support and one home with dementia. The past 3 years of my life have included 5 moves between my parents and my business, the loss of my father (who was also my greatest cheerleader), and caring for and placing my mother in an appropriate facility. Throw 6 kids, a dog and a cat in the mix and you’ve got yourself a shit show.

It hasn’t stopped. So I must. 

My circumstances have caused my health to suffer. If you took the time to read this letter I don’t mind sharing that I recently received a diagnosis of Collagenous Colitis. And after years of increasing pain due to osteoarthritis I am also out of options and in a few months will be having a total bilateral hip replacement (both sides at the same time)!  I am excited to deal with the issues and for the opportunity to live pain free with my mobility back.

As such, I will be announcing a huge closing sale and will continue to do in-studio makeup applications and personalized lessons until May 30th - I will also continue Lash lifts and tints, brow tints and spray tans. However, I will no longer be taking on weddings or fashion shows at this point.  

Our resident skin specialist, Natalia, will be available most Mondays until the last Monday in May. Natalia’s abundant  knowledge, brilliant hands and great skill have been an invaluable part of The Philocalist’s success. She had people come from far and wide for her services and will continue to be available privately. I am forever appreciative for Natalia’s talent, loyalty and friendship.

I am proud to be the first in Toronto to have opened a much needed full-service clean beauty space, being awarded Toronto’s Best Vegan Spa in 2022 from Luxlife and chosen as one of the Canadian Business Review Board's Best Businesses In Canada 2022, despite our challenges. I am also grateful for the many experiences such as becoming a key makeup artist in various high-end fashion shows, as well as being invited to speak on many panels and shows.

It has all led me to where I am supposed to be right now.

So as I slow down and close one door I will open another…

I am creating an eco-friendly luxury boutique cottage retreat on 8 acres of heaven in Lake of Bays, Muskoka. It is a place to gather, experience and heal. The four season retreat only 2 hours from Toronto will feature both indoor and outdoor multi-purpose studios, a 650 foot private waterfront playground with yoga dock, gourmet chefs kitchen, groomed hiking trails and hot tub. The unparalleled lake view property is being designed with the wellness community in mind - perfect for intimate retreats of all sorts, even family reunions. 

The perfect sunrises, full moons, fireflies and fresh air make my soul shine and I want to share that feeling.

I do hope to see you over these next few weeks. Come get that lesson you’ve been meaning to have or take advantage of the awesome closing sale coming up. Or just come say Hi! But if you can’t make it, that’s ok too. Because it’s not goodbye, it’s just, “see you soon!”.

As I refocus on my health, family and new beginnings, I will do my best to keep you all updated so please continue to follow my journey @ThePhilocalist.ca and @pamelacassmua. For more info and updates on the retreat contact us at info@soulshineretreat.ca. 

Until then, continue finding the beauty in yourself and the world around you.

With Much Love and Gratitude,

XO

Pamela