Laura Lara is a former teacher who spent seven years teaching at a high school and was preparing to become a principal. After the pandemic, she decided to change careers and discovered paramedical tattooing. That marked the beginning of Lala Blush, and now she is bringing her biggest project yet to South Austin: Soleyah Med Spa and Wellness.
Soleyah, a new medical spa and wellness destination, plans to open at 5601 Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley, with an opening targeted for November 2026.
What Now Austin spoke with Lara, the founder behind the concept, who shared insights into this new project, unlike anything she has built before. “This is gonna be my biggest location thus far, and it’s gonna be a combination of everything,” she said, noting that the space will offer Botox, fillers, laser treatments, facials, peptides, weight-loss injections, red light therapy, and retail; all under one roof.
The 12,000-square-foot space is currently under construction and will mark the fifth location for Lara, whose professional brand, Lala Blush, has become synonymous with paramedical tattooing, skin restoration, and confidence-driven aesthetics in the Texas beauty community.
“I firsthand saw how insecurities from acne scars, surgical scars, aging, and simply not feeling like yourself could affect the way people show up in the world,” Lara told What Now Austin.
Each client will undergo a personalized skin analysis using advanced diagnostic technology, and treatment plans will be customized to their individual needs. “We focus on long-term relationships and customized treatment plans rather than one-time appointments. Every recommendation is going to be tailored to the individual,” Lara said.
The design will reflect that same intentionality. Soleyah will feature neutral tones, natural textures, soft lighting, heated toilets, warm lavender-scented towels, and nutritious welcome drinks upon arrival. “I want people to walk in there and be like, ‘Wow, that was an experience.’ My idea is for luxury to feel more welcoming rather than intimidating,” Lara told What Now Austin.
The story behind Soleyah is as compelling as the concept itself. Lara grew up in El Paso in a household where her immigrant parents from Mexico sacrificed everything for their children’s future.
While working as a high school business teacher, she found herself challenged by her students. “Miss Lara, you’re always making us do projects about building businesses, but you’ve never built one,” they’d say.
During the pandemic, she listened.
“Five years ago, I was a high school teacher making $39,000 a year,” she said. “I never thought I would be a business owner making six figures, live in a big city, or be opening a location next to a Sephora and a Nordstrom Rack.” She chose Sunset Valley deliberately.
“I didn’t see a med spa there that was going to offer everything we’re going to offer or one that felt more welcoming,” she said.
The location fills a gap she identified in a neighborhood she describes as diverse, warm, and continuously growing. Soleyah was designed from the beginning to become a franchise. “I want Soleyah to be a nationwide brand. When people see our brand in other areas, they’re going to say: ‘That’s an Austin original.'”
For now, Sunset Valley is just the beginning. Lara is optimistic about the future and proud of everything she has built.
Closing the interview, she left readers with a message for women: “I want to tell other women that the world is yours. Anything you’re envisioning in your head, envision it 10 times bigger, because it will happen.”
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For more information about the upcoming opening, follow Soleyah on Instagram for updates.
