No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Heather Rouse, who is the owner of Sea Level Spa. With 26 years of experience as an aesthetician, Heather is passionate about helping her clients feel beautiful, confident and comfortable in their own skin. She thrives on building meaningful connections and helping people feel their absolute best. Outside of the treatment room, Heather is an avid hiker and backpacker who loves heading to the mountains to take in the views.
HEATHER ROUSE
Sea Level Spa
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I came here in 2015 with my significant other at the time. Although that chapter of my life eventually came to an end, by then I had built a business I loved, formed wonderful friendships and found a community here. I realized the Keys had become my home and at that time I couldn’t imagine leaving.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? Definitely paddleboarding through the crystal-clear water with my Bengal cat along for the ride. I love being able to look down and see the incredible sea life, from colorful fish to sharks and an occasional turtle, swimming by.
What is the most random question someone has asked you at work? Are there sharks in the water?
If you could be one shade of nail color what would it be and why? Definitely a bold, deep teal. It reminds me of the ocean and the outdoors: adventurous, a little unexpected and never boring. It’s strong and independent but still warm and inviting, which is how I try to live my life: facing my fears, embracing new adventures, and always being there for the people.
Describe your most bizarre life experience thus far… Fantasy Fest….. every single time.
What would the title of a movie about your life be and what actor/actress would play you? “Take the Scenic Route,” because life hasn’t necessarily followed an expected path, but I have built a life, found my people, climbed actual mountains, paddled with sharks, and kept going through the scary parts. Scarlett Johansson would play me because she is amazing.
What are three essential items you pack in your suitcase when going on vacation? Face wash, moisturizer and deodorant. Hikes and all.
Which three famous people would you invite to a dinner party and why? Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill and Sam Heughan. The question is not why, but why not?
How would your best friend describe you in three words? Resilient, fierce and selfless.
What are your top three bucket list vacations and why? My travel bucket list is pretty ambitious. I’d love to hike the Pacific Coast Trail and take on the challenge of experiencing that incredible landscape on foot. Ireland is especially meaningful to me because of my heritage, and Italy is calling my name because I would love to attend an authentic Italian cooking class. Thailand is also on the list because, well, it’s Thailand. Ultimately though, I’d love to travel the world, experience different cultures, eat amazing food and have as many adventures as possible.
What is your favorite board game and why? Mexican Train Dominoes. It’s just a fun game I like to play on game nights with good friends.
If you were given $1M, what would you do with it? I would buy a farm and homestead with all my friends.
If you could do one thing every day for the rest of your life, what would you do? I want to be outside without Florida actively trying to kill me.
What is something people don’t know about you? I love tackling home projects. I’ve built my own cabinets, refurbished old furniture, tiled walls, and I’m always looking for the next thing I can figure out how to do myself. I really enjoy the entire process. Learning as I go, working with my hands, and then getting to step back at the end and say, “I made that.”
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
