Mechanicsburg woman switches careers to better mental health in community

Cristina Dunbar

Business Name: Happie Soul Wellness

Years in business: 10 years

Location: Mechanicsburg

Contact: happiesoul.me or text 717-254-7250

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I was drawn to wellness and healing from an early age, feeling a deep pull to help others find peace, relief and empowerment in their lives. My passion is rooted in creating a space where people can shed stress, heal from within and reconnect with themselves, knowing they’re fully supported. Happie Soul Wellness began as my answer to the world’s need for more peace, grounding and holistic care, and it’s only grown from there.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: My journey into wellness began with a wake-up call — a moment when I realized that the job I’d held for seven years was draining my mental health and well-being. Seeking support, I worked with a therapist who encouraged me to take a month off, a life-changing decision. During that time, I experienced a massage that left me feeling truly at peace for the first time in years, sparking the idea of a new path. I enrolled in formal training at the Baltimore School of Massage-York and dove deeply into continuous education to refine my skills in Reiki, massage and holistic therapies.

Since then, I’ve cultivated a unique blend of treatments that resonate with both my clients and my passion for healing. Each new technique and certification has shaped my distinctive approach, giving me the privilege to transform lives not only here in central PA but around the world.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: I offer a comprehensive range of wellness services, including Reiki, massage, facials, energy healing and body contouring. Our specialized treatments blend these techniques to promote mental clarity and physical wellness, and for those seeking deeper transformation, I provide classes in Reiki and life coaching for ongoing self-care and growth.

In addition to our services, I carry carefully selected retail items to support clients’ wellness journeys at home. From luxurious bath soaks, hot/cold neck wraps and skin care products to gemstone water bottles, each item is chosen to enhance relaxation, self-care and mindfulness.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: My biggest challenge is effectively reaching and engaging local community members. While Happie Soul Wellness offers unique services and transformative experiences, getting the word out in a way that truly resonates with the local community requires ongoing effort and creativity. I’m always exploring new ways to connect and communicate with those nearby who would benefit from our services but may not yet know about us.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: I love getting outdoors and hiking the local trails, especially at Kings Gap, and taking mountain drives in the fall to soak in the changing leaves. Bluegrass on the Grass at Dickinson is a favorite event, and I’m always up for exploring the unique shops downtown in Carlisle and Mechanicsburg. Trying out the new restaurants is also a treat — there’s always something exciting on the menu in Cumberland County.