Stefanie Palko, Copperfalls Spa
Natural beauty and nature
By Susan Helton; photo courtesy of Stefanie Palko
Copperfalls Aveda Spa and Salon owner Stefanie Palko with her husband of 41 years, Tom.
Stefanie Palko, owner and president of Copperfalls Aveda Spa and Salon, founded the company roughly 20 years ago. “Downtown Castle Rock was just starting to bloom, and the timing was perfect,” stated Stefanie. “Day spas were becoming a thing and I knew I had to be a part of it.”
A suggestion from her stylist led Stefanie toward the beauty industry. “Twenty-five years ago, I left an industry that was not environmentally friendly, not sure which direction I would go. I had to find something that would allow me to give back to the Earth,” Stefanie stated. “I loved Aveda because it was made from plants and flowers, and a green company on the forefront of environmental leadership. The first thing I noticed when I walked into the building was the beautiful aroma. I was hooked.”
Stefanie’s parents have been a big inspiration in her life. “Their legacy of life’s lessons have a direct influence on decisions I make and how I live my life,” she stated. “The team that surrounds me at Copperfalls inspires me today; they’re all so different.”
For Stefanie, the best part of her business “is watching our service providers blossom. We’ve been blessed as many of our team members have been here 10-plus years.” Stefanie loves seeing arriving guests “take that deep breath, smell and experience the aroma of Copperfalls, and leave in a state of relaxation. That’s truly the most special.” And the business has taught her to not take anything or anyone for granted.
Away from the business, Stefanie enjoys spending time with her family and training her 15-month-old Golden Retriever, whom she adores. She and Tom, her husband of 41 years, have a daughter, Tara, who is a federal officer. They moved to Douglas County three years ago. “We love the abundance of wildlife we’re exposed to here,” stated Stefanie. “One of the most beautiful sights was coming across a beautiful white owl. It took my breath away.”
Stefanie loves spending time outdoors. “Walking and enjoying the abundant beauty in Douglas County is something I do to reset. Parker has amazing trails – but Steamboat Mountain is my favorite,” she stated. “Organic gardening vegetables, herbs and flowers are what drew me to the product line we’re aligned with. I love cooking vegetables.”
Some years ago, Stefanie was one of the participants in the Sassy Soiree fashion show. “I had the pleasure of meeting Terri Wiebold, The Connection editor and publisher, while we were volunteering for the [then] Douglas/Elbert Task Force. We were models in the Sassy Soiree and had so much fun together,” stated Stefanie. “Copperfalls did the hair and makeup and we walked the runway. We both hoped we would still be doing that into our 80s. Unfortunately, the program isn’t around, but gosh what fun!”
