Canada Gave Me Everything, So I Built Something for Everyone
From Refugee to Citizen—and Finally, Home
I don’t exactly remember if I arrived in Canada in 2003 or 2005. But I remember that it was April—and that from that moment on, my life changed forever.
After eight years, the years started to blur together. When you’re living in survival mode, time isn’t counted by birthdays or holidays—it becomes one long day filled with learning, growing, and becoming.
I came to Canada as a refugee. No work permit. No community. Just grit.
And by August 2015, after 11 years of fighting, I finally became a Canadian citizen.
It was one of the most emotional, empowering, and joyful days of my life.
A Spa Was Born From My Journey
Today, I sit in the spa I built from that experience:
Royal York Spa, located in the heart of South Etobicoke, near Park Lawn and Lakeshore, just minutes from Humber Bay Shores, the Airbnb corridor, and yes—even Costco.
From the outside, it looks minimal. From the inside, it’s deeply transformational.
Every facial, every skincare product, every massage is a continuation of the life I built—and the lives we now support every day.
Why Etobicoke?
This part of Toronto is filled with brides preparing for weddings, retired professionals, tourists seeking relaxation, and women rebuilding their confidence.
When I first started searching for specialists, I looked into Ukrainian community groups, excited to bring others like me into a space where we could share excellence and vision.
Today, our team is made up of highly trained women from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Canada. We speak multiple languages. We understand your culture. We understand your skin.
What We Offer at Royal York Spa
Whether you’re searching for a luxury experience or practical self-care, our spa offers:
Medical facials + custom skin analysis
Botox & natural injectables
Green Peel & skin peels for glow
IPL (photofacials, pigmentation, rosacea)
Laser hair removal (Brazilian, facial, body)
Natural lip tattoos & permanent makeup
Sculpting massages + lymphatic drainage
Signature facials using RYS Cream (handcrafted)
And our newest love project: the Face of the Future Beauty Club.
Where skincare meets community. Where confidence is built—together.
The Spa Brides Trust—Because I Was One (Twice)
As someone who’s been married twice, in two very different cultures, I know what it’s like to prepare for a wedding with your heart in your hands.
We’ve become a go-to destination for brides staying at nearby Airbnbs, planning luxury Lake Ontario weddings, or simply looking for privacy, trust, and glowing skin.
Our Bridal Glow Programs include sculpting facials, hydration therapy, under-eye lifting, and stress relief treatments—customized by skin type and timeline.
From Belarusian Forests to Canadian Botanicals
My skincare philosophy is rooted in nature—originally from the forests of Belarus.
But in Canada, I discovered powerful ingredients right here:
🍁 Maple leaf antioxidants
🥔 Potato enzyme resurfacing
🌾 Canadian-grown herbal extracts
All of these are now part of our RYS Signature Cream, used in our facials and available for home use. Proudly made by hand. Backed by results.
Giving Back to the Community That Raised Me
After receiving my citizenship, I immediately gave back:
Volunteering with Princess Margaret Hospital (Look Good, Feel Better)
Offering skin workshops at Sistering Shelter
Supporting homeless and abused women with free treatments + guidance
Donating $1 from every book or cream sale to local women’s health
This is what it means to me to be Canadian: to rise and raise others.
...Why Locals and Tourists Choose Us
We are:
5 mins from Park Lawn, Humber Bay Shores, and Palace Pier
Near Lake Shore Airbnbs, wedding venues, and condos
Minutes from Costco, LCBO, and local gyms + salons
Known in Jewish, Eastern European, and LGBTQ+ communities
A top facial spot for tourists, influencers, executives, and new moms
The only spa in Etobicoke that blends clinical skincare + emotional wellness...
One Final Thought…
If you’re still in the middle of your journey—immigrating, starting over, building something—I see you.
Don’t give up. Don’t overthink it.
Be proud of yourself.
This country is what we make it. And my dream is now a spa that makes people feel beautiful, safe, and whole.
Come see us. You belong here.
Just like I finally did.
With love,
Anya Ateachka
Founder | Royal York Spa & Face of the Future Beauty Club
📍 2318 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke
🌐 www.royalyorkspa.com
📱 @ateachka
