Rising Stars: Meet Kristi Koellner of NOCO in Broomfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Koellner.

Hi Kristi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Owning My Next Chapter: From Homemaker to Spa Owner
By Kristi Koellner

My husband and I met and married in Austin, Texas, where I grew up. Before we had kids, I worked as an underwriter in the insurance industry. It was challenging and rewarding work, but when our children came along, I was fortunate to be able to step away from the corporate world and stay home with them full-time. That season of life was incredibly meaningful—full of joy, growth, and a different kind of hard work.

In 2020, we relocated to Broomfield, Colorado, and by 2024, our youngest was getting ready to start kindergarten. For the first time in nearly a decade, both of my kids were heading to school full-time. After years of being a full-time homemaker—and loving that season of life—I found myself at a crossroads. I suddenly would have open space in my days, and with that came a quiet but persistent question: What now?

I already have great causes I support (and still do today) like Meals on Wheels and volunteering at the kids’ school, but I was looking for something more. I considered going back into the corporate world. It was familiar, structured, and steady. But deep down, I didn’t want to go back—I wanted to go forward. I didn’t just want a job. I wanted to own something. Something I could pour myself into. Something that would reflect my values and create meaning for others.

That spark led me down the rabbit hole of franchise ownership. I spent months researching, talking to consultants, and exploring opportunities across a wide variety of industries. I wanted something that offered guidance and proven systems, but that also gave me the chance to lead and grow something of my own.

Eventually, I kept gravitating toward the health and wellness space. The idea of helping people feel better—mind, body, and spirit—just clicked. When I started looking into spas, the fit became even more clear. A spa offers more than pampering. It promotes deep relaxation, stress relief, skin and body rejuvenation, and mental well-being. Those are real needs in people’s lives.

After researching half a dozen spa franchises, I kept coming back to one that stood out: Woodhouse Spa. From the first moment I stepped into one of their locations many years ago, it was always my favorite. It wasn’t just a service. It was an experience—thoughtfully designed to be tranquil, immersive, and deeply restorative. It felt intentional and elegant, not transactional. I confirmed then: This is the one. I went all in.

What came next was a whirlwind—finding the right location. Commercial real estate is a world unto itself, very different from residential. Inventory in Colorado was limited, and we spent months negotiating a Letter of Intent just to get to the starting line of a lease. It was exhausting and eye-opening. But eventually, we found the perfect home for the spa right here in Broomfield.

This location fills a much-needed gap. People shouldn’t have to drive to Boulder or Denver to enjoy a high-end spa experience. Now, they have a luxurious, peaceful alternative right in their own backyard.

Today, the spa is open, beautifully built, and fully staffed. I’m learning what it really means to be a small business owner—and it’s definitely an adventure. But I’m lucky. I have an incredible team that genuinely cares about our guests. And our guests? They’ve been so supportive, generous, and kind. I’ve been blown away by the community’s response.

Looking back, I’m proud of the decision I made to create this small oasis in Broomfield. It’s more than a business. It’s a place of calm in a busy world. A place where people come not just to relax, but to reconnect with themselves.

And for me, it’s been a journey of rediscovery too. I stepped into this next chapter not knowing exactly what it would look like—but knowing I was ready to own it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’ve had some challenges but have been able to work through all of them. Many lessons learned.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started my career off in insurance before moving into the homemaker role and now I’m transitioning into small business ownership.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was generally a very happy adventurous kid who was always interested in trying something new.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://locations.woodhousespas.com/dir/co/broomfield/2255-west-136th-avenue
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodhousebroomfield/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodhousebroomfield
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/woodhouse-spa-broomfield-2?osq=Woodhouse+Spa+Broomfield

Image Credits
Denver Headshot Co
Calum McGee Photography