Whos the women behind the curtain? The Great and Powerful Duo of Dare! Meet the ladies behind the mystery of the simple spa. The everyday spa for the everyday gal. A perfect compliment to each other, Fuchsia co-founders Erin Owens and Lisa Vukonich have shared a special bond since they first met while working together at previous jobs. The two recognized a mutual love and admiration for entrepreneurship—both knowing that the “corporate life” was not their dream future. Combining Lisa’s passion for the beauty industry and Erin’s knack for business operations, the two blended the perfect concept—a playful spa paradise that brings tantalizing facials and therapeutic massages to the everyday gal.

The vision for Fuchsia comes from the idea that today’s women are consumed with an endless ‘to-do’ list—from pursing successful careers to family planning and finding the time for relaxation and rejuvenation is usually last on the list. Lisa and Erin realize the hectic lives of women today require a little sanity via monthly pampering—but also at an affordable price. The founders of Fuchsia designed a place where you’ll leave glowing with energy and confidence—a place to put anxiety to rest and return to your personal best.

Lisa Vukonich
Managing Partner and Co-founder of Fuchsia

A serial product junkie since birth, Lisa Vukonich knows the ins-and-outs of every cosmetic, beauty line and hair trend out there. And yes, at one time, she was the girl you saw with purple-streaked hair and bright yellow eye shadow—all in the name of staying hip with the latest craze, of course. Her obsession with beauty products serves her well in her role at Fuchsia: Lisa is Fuchsia’s authority on market research and the company’s merchandising and product guru. 

Following her passion for beauty products and chic hairstyles, Lisa entered Cosmetology School and spent the next several years as a hairstylist. While Lisa loved cutting, styling and coloring hair, she desired to pursue another passion of hers—helping unfortunate children better their lives. Graduating with a BS in Social Work from Arizona State University, Lisa soon worked tirelessly for a year to fight against the system and help as many children as she could. While working in social work was rewarding, the vigorous hours started to take a toll. Lisa decided to make a career change and became a recruiter in higher education programs at a nationally recognized college. 

In the next five years, Lisa was busy having completed her Master’s Degree in Education and gave birth to her second child. Soon after, Lisa was at the height of her career when she ultimately recognized that her priorities were shifting—corporate life was taking over and her life was out of balance. At that time for her young family, spending time with family was where her focus should be.

With her passion for cosmetology and beauty products coupled with the love for indulging in facials and massages, Lisa took the first step in the path back into the business world by exploring the idea for a skin and beauty-related franchise. Recognizing the exploding spa market as a ripe opportunity for something new, Lisa connected with Owens in 2005 to fully develop the unique elements for Fuchsia.

Erin Owens
Managing Partner and Co-founder of Fuchsia

Erin Owens was considered more of a “tomboy” growing up. With interests in competitive sports, you were likely to find Erin on a softball field rather than a beauty salon. The leadership and team-oriented nature of sports helped mold her confidence and skills that she would carry with her in the next stages of life.

Pursuing a passion she shared with her family interest of racing Thoroughbred’s, Erin took some time off of college to pursue a full-time career in the Thoroughbred racing industry. For the next 11 years, Erin went on tour around the country; traveling from state to state. Although still very passionate in the racing industry, she wanted to be more involved with her family who were back at home. At 31, she made the move back to Phoenix and finished her college degree.

Entering into the private sector of higher education, Erin realized her greatest fulfillment came from the opportunity to help others grow to their highest potential. She made a 10-year career of developing students and staff to become confident to take risks and face challenges in order to reach their goals. She took her own advice and received her MBA with an emphasis on Electronic Business. 

While helping others achieve their personal best was rewarding, Erin found that the years behind a desk, juggling back-to-back meetings and late nights at the office started to take a toll on her own personal best. Seeking the guidance of her father, a self-made man who she deeply admired, Erin knew that it was time to pursue her own goals and go into business for herself.

Lisa approached Erin in 2005 with the idea to become a franchise owner in the spa industry. Lisa recognized a good opportunity to partner with someone she respected personally and professionally.  Intrigued by the franchise concept, but not wanting to be constrained by limitations of existing spa franchises, the two launched the Fuchsia concept in 2006.