Right in the heart of Manotick, Lume Club is more than a boutique or studio — it’s a modern wellness space that brings people together through connection, creativity, and community. What started as a long-held dream has now become a gathering place that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in village life.

How It All Began

Kristen’s vision for Lume Club began in her early twenties, inspired by her family’s retreat home — a space where her mom’s friends hosted guests for four years before passing it along. People gathered there to stay overnight, share meals, and connect, leaving a lasting impression. When the historic building in Manotick came up for sale, it felt like a now-or-never moment. With her experience as a therapeutic coach, Kristen saw the opportunity to create a modern wellness space that combined self-development with community.

The Meaning Behind the Name

“Lume” comes from lumens, a measure of how far light can reach — a fitting symbol for the way connection spreads. Paired with “Club,” it speaks to belonging. Kristen has found that people who walk through the doors often feel like they were meant to be there, and even practitioners who arrive on their own have gone on to partner with each other to host collaborative events.

Curated for Everyday Rituals

Stepping inside, and you’ll find shelves curated with intention. Every product connects back to the foundation of Kristen’s coaching practice: supporting the nervous system, setting routines, and making space for quiet daily rituals.

From tea for slowing down, to journals for reflection, to candles that mark a moment of pause, the items are chosen with care. They become tools for personal growth and reminders to take time for ourselves, while also shining a light on the creativity of local makers. They resonate especially with Lume Club’s core community — those in their 20s through 50s looking for hobbies, connection, and mindful ways to enhance everyday life.

Creating Community Through Creation

From the beginning, Lume Club was designed to be more than a shop. It’s a space where people can set aside time for themselves — whether that means joining a sound bath, exploring somatic therapy, or taking part in a creative workshop.

What started with women’s gatherings has quickly grown to include couples, families, and groups of friends. Pottery classes have turned into date nights, and hands-on sessions have become chances to connect in new ways. Often, the atmosphere is so warm that workshops linger long past their scheduled end time, with guests laughing, sharing stories, and forming new friendships late into the night.

Facilitators tend to find their way to Lume just as naturally. Many come through community connections or word of mouth, and each is thoughtfully welcomed in to ensure their offerings are the right fit for the space.

Illuminating Life in the Village

Like many new ventures, Lume Club began quietly as the community got curious about what the space might become. Over time, with encouragement from local businesses and the Manotick BIA, the shop and studio found their footing and have been embraced with open arms.

Partnerships have continued to grow — from Peppermint Organic Spa recommending the Be Kind nail polish sold at Lume Club and sending new faces through the door, to longtime locals stopping in with stories of the building’s past. The home itself has always been a place for gathering; even Vincent Massey once lived here and hosted family dinners in the very same layout now used for creative workshops. Today, that legacy carries on in a fresh way, bridging past and present while keeping connection at the heart of it all.

Looking Ahead at Lume Club

The future is unfolding upstairs at Lume Club. The space will soon include art therapy, along with one-on-one sessions and unique approaches to psychotherapy and therapeutic coaching, all with an emphasis on nervous system regulation. Every new offering is rooted in practices Kristen has personally experienced and found meaningful.

The shop, too, is becoming a bigger piece of the puzzle, with more curated goods arriving and a growing schedule of regular workshops that will keep connection at the heart of everything Lume Club offers.

Life in the Village

Outside of Lume Club, Kristen’s life in Manotick is just as full. Her days are spent walking through the neighbourhood with her kids and the family dog in tow, stopping for ice cream, or taking photos at the Mill. Hosting friends at home and gathering in local restaurants are all part of the rhythm of daily life — weaving family, community, and creativity together.

With its blend of wellness, creativity, and connection, Lume Club is a place where light truly spreads — and where Manotick shines just a little brighter because of it.