Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (May 13/02) - Diane Bellefeuille wants people to relax.

In fact, the Hay River woman has built a business around relaxation and the health benefits that can result from less stress in people's lives.

Diane Bellefeuille is the owner of L'Eskal, a health and relaxation service in Hay River. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"I try to promote health and relaxation services, because stress is one of the biggest health-related problems that we have," says the owner of L'Eskal, a home-based, part-time business in Old Town.

Bellefeuille says people have such busy lives these days that they never take time to stop and relax.

"It can do a world of good," she says of the services she offers.

Her relaxation, health and beauty techniques include pedicures, manicures, facials, electrolysis and back treatments, along with reflexology and reiki (Reflexology uses pressure points on the feet to promote relaxation and healing, while reiki is a form of holistic healing.)

Appropriately, L'Eskal is a variation of the French word meaning to stop and rest.

In her full-time job, Bellefeuille has worked at the Canadian Coast Guard in purchasing and shipping and receiving for 15 years.

And she laughs as she explains her part-time work is not in any way like her full-time career. "It's not in the same line, at all."

In addition, she is the full-time mom to a 13-year-old son.

Bellefeuille, who is originally from a small farming community in Quebec, has lived in Hay River since 1983.

Asked why she came north, she answers with one word, "Curiosity." In fact, it was supposed to be a two-week visit to see two of her brothers.

But she found Hay River interesting and decided to stay. "It's a great place to live."

Bellefeuille's business has its origins a year-and-a-half ago when she went to Edmonton for a four-month course in electrolysis. She then continued her studies in other areas.

She says she learned the skills because she likes to receive the relaxation treatments herself. "This town needed something like this."

Bellefeuille says people have to deal with stress everyday, either a lot or a little. "It's the accumulation you have to watch for."

In fact, she says that a reasonable level of stress does not have to be harmful. "It's how you control it."