SOHO Wellness Med Spa Brings A South Tampa Experience To Wesley Chapel 

Becky (left) and her mother Debbie Dubikas are the owners of two SOHO Med Spas, including the location in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Long-time former aesthetician Becky Dubikas and her mom, certified hypnotherapist Debbie Dubikas, came up with the idea to collaborate and open a business together in 2014, providing their services to clients in South Tampa at their SOHO Wellness Med Spa on S. Blvd. 

Over the past nine years, they have added services and considered how to make the experience of visiting SOHO Wellness Med Spa more relaxing and sensual as they offer personalized treatments in cosmetics (also known as cosmetic services) for skin and for body. 

Becky and Debbie have lovingly built up their business — even as they have stepped away from providing services at their med spa themselves — so much that they knew they needed to open a second location to keep up with demand. 

They chose Wesley Chapel, opening a new med spa this past May in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off of S.R. 56, between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 

They named their med spa SOHO, for the “South Howard” (Ave.) area of Tampa, a part of the Hyde Park neighborhood that is home to the pair’s original location. Becky and Debbie recognized that areas of large cities also called SOHO are often the most high-end areas of those cities throughout the world, and Becky and Debbie want their clients to know that SOHO Med Spa is a high-quality boutique spa that brings an abundance of services together. 

What started as a mother and daughter merging their specialties together has evolved into a relaxing, luxurious med spa that has any service you need in skin care, cosmetics and body treatments all under one roof. 

“Today we offer a wide range of services from each category,” says Becky, “From injections and Botox to cosmetic machines, body treatments such as wraps and scrubs and basic facials to dermaplaning, microneedling, and peels — even laser hair removal.” 

Becky says clients love that the place they go to get their monthly massage also can be the place they get a facial or even Botox or facial fillers. 

Laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE Platinum machine by Alma is quick and painless.

She says laser hair removal is a new service being rolled out at both locations. Debbie and Becky have held off on offering the service as they were evaluating the very large number of machines available on the market to ensure they chose the very best one for their clients — the Soprano ICE Platinum by Alma. 

“The machine is awesome,” Becky says. “It’s absolutely painless and we’re excited to launch it in both locations.” 

Becky says the Wesley Chapel location of SOHO Wellness Med Spa was designed to create a clean, modern space that is relaxing and calming, while their South Tampa location is a little more “homey.” 

Both locations feature a relaxation lounge, showers and an infrared sauna. Anyone taking advantage of the spa’s packages can use the relaxation lounge to wait between services. 

Anytime a client is scheduled for more than one service, they are given a robe so they don’t have to get dressed and undressed as they move from room to room. 

Use of the infrared sauna is complimentary with the purchase of spa services, along with extras such as champagne, wine or a mimosa, hot tea or coffee, and snacks. 

Amazing Reviews… 

Becky also says the Wesley Chapel location is growing and getting busier, and that people have had wonderful things to say about it when they come in. 

In fact, every Google review posted for SOHO Wellness Wesley Chapel so far has been five out of five stars. 

“I went in for a glow facial, infrared sauna and therapeutic massage and had the most relaxing experience,” says Emmalee Gregory in her Google review. “The spa was beautiful and decorated to perfection. The girls at SOHO all had a great attitude and I can’t wait to go back!” 

A review from Darieliz Lopez echoes Emmalee’s compliments. 

“This new location is so beautiful and I absolutely loved my experience,” Darieliz says. “The front desk staff were very welcoming and made me feel at home before my services. My aesthetician and massage therapist were so sweet and very knowledgeable, too. I can’t wait to book again!” 

Lip fillers are a popular service at the Wesley Chapel location of the SOHO Wellness Med Spa 
(Photo from SOHO-Wellness.com). 

Becky wants everyone who walks through the doors to feel comfortable and have as wonderful an experience as Emmalee and Darieliz did. 

“We want to provide people in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area with excellent services so they will hopefully find their home with us,” Becky says. 

She describes SOHO Wellness as “kind of an oasis of wellness where cosmetics and relaxation combine.” She believes so strongly in this idea that she and her mom made “Where Cosmetics and Relaxation Combine” their tagline for the spa. 

Becky explains that means your cosmetic procedures are provided as part of a spa experience. You won’t be rushed in and out for a 15-minute appointment like you might be at a clinical facility such as a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office. 

All medical procedures are performed by a nurse practitioner and overseen by medical director Joseph Castellano, M.D., a cosmetic surgeon who also has his own practice in Tampa. 

If you have questions about the wide variety of services, discounts and specials, or how to address a specific skin, cosmetic, or body issue, the friendly staff at SOHO Wellness Med Spa is happy to take your phone call and discuss the many options available. 

Every service starts with a consultation to make sure the staff understands each client’s goals and is ready to meet his or her expectations. 

There also is a variety of packages that are designed to help clients save money, or you can “buy and bank” services, such as purchasing a package of five services, for example, and get one free. 

Appointments can be made quickly and easily online at SOHO-wellness.com. Also, be sure to check the website for specials, which change every month. 

For those who read this article, Becky and Debbie are offering a new client special of $10 off any service at the Wesley Chapel location if you mention that you saw this story in the Neighborhood News. 

To make an appointment or for more information about SOHO Wellness Med Spa’s Wesley Chapel location (2008 Ashley Oaks Cir.)., call (813) 512-6920 or visit SOHO-wellness.com. 

Winners Grabbing “Big Game Squares” Prizes!

Since the Kansas City Chiefs won the “Big Game,” four of the six winners in our “Big Game Squares” contest have already claimed their prizes, including both of our $100 gift card winners — Carrie Frump of Easton Park, who grabbed a gift card to the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, and Meadow Pointe resident Jim Headley (photo), who took a PopStroke gift card. 

Also already claiming their prizes are $75 winner John Sousa of Lake Jovita (who also teaches at Cypress Creek High), who is getting a $75 gift card to Bonefish Grill, and Maggie Rich of West Meadows, who is getting a $25 gift certificate to Taste of New York Pizza.

Still to claim their prizes are $75 gift card winner Pamela Smith of Meadow Pointe & $25 gift card winner Daniela Quintana of Heritage Isles. 

Thanks to all 195 people who submitted a valid entry form! Better luck next year to those who didn’t win a prize!

Señor Tequila — New Menu Items Add To Already Authentic Flavors 

The pollo Tapatio (top), ceviche (below right), Elote (Mexican street corn) (below left) and Xango (fried cheesecake) (Bottom right) dessert are all among our editor’s favorites at Señor Tequila in The Shoppes at New Tampa Plaza on BBD Blvd. south of S.R. 56. (All photos by Charmaine George) 

If it’s been a while since you first visited Señor Tequila — the Mexican restaurant that took over the former Bonefish Grill space in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza (on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., south of S.R. 56) in May of 2021 — you should probably give it another try. 

Wesley Chapel Señor Tequila owner Alvaro Mellado and his family have opened and been operating all five of the restaurant’s locations — the original of which opened in Winter Springs (in the Orlando area) ten years ago, although Mellado also owns the location on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood and opened a new one a year ago in Clearwater. Even so, the Wesley Chapel location recently got an impressive menu upgrade that likely will have it moving up in our readers’ rankings in the 2024 Dining Survey. 

Every restaurant these days seems to have — and many people love — Mexican street corn (“Elote” in Spanish), but photographer Charmaine George and I really enjoyed Señor Tequila’s new version, which covers corn on the cob sections on skewers with mayo, cotija cheese and queso sauce, cilantro and tajin seasoning. 

My favorite new appetizer, however (which should come as a surprise to no one) is the ceviché, which is a new item normally served as a trio of lime-marinated fresh fish, shrimp and octopus, but I had to get mine with fish only, since I’m allergic to the shrimp. Señor Tequila’s version of this favorite adds fresh tomatoes, red onions, avocado and tajin. The fish was tilapia, which isn’t always my favorite, but the flavor was delicate and tangy and the tomatoes and avocadoes were a nice touch, too. 

We also sampled the super-tasty pollo Tapatio (Tapatio is the name given to people from Guadalajara, Mexico, as well as a brand of hot sauce). The dish features grilled chicken breast sauteéd with onions, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and poblano peppers and is served with rice and the Mexican bandera salad (guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo) and your choice of tortillas. The chicken was tender and tasty, but not at all spicy, and the sautéed veggies were excellent. 

Although I’m still more partial to the sizzling chicken and steak fajitas at Señor Tequila, Wesley Chapel marketing rep (and sometime server and weekend bartender) Dafne Dominguez says that among the most popular dishes are the brochetas — skewered steak, chicken, bacon, onions, and bell peppers that are marinated in a special house sauce with chile guajillo (a sweet type of pepper) and is served with rice. Please note that the brochetas are slow-cooked for 20 minutes and since everything at Señor Tequila is made fresh to order, you will wait for it. Please also take into account that if you prefer your steak medium rare to rare, it is hard have it that way on the same skewers as chicken, which has to be cooked all the way through. But, the flavor was excellent. 

Other top sellers at Señor Tequila include the steak Monterrey (skirt steak with a poblano pepper stuffed with shrimp and veggies, topped with creamy habanero pesto sauce), the birria tacos and the monster super burrito with your choice of beef or chicken. 

Save room for dessert, because not only does Señor Tequila serve delicious lava chocolate cake and flan, but also the ever-popular fried ice cream (with vanilla ice cream rolled in corn flakes, topped with caramel), as well as mine and Charmaine’s new favorite — the Xango (pronounced “Chang-o”), which is creamy cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla and fried until golden brown, covered with cinnamon and caramel. Decadent! 

Señor Tequila’s full, premium liquor bar also is now featuring new bartender-created drinks, including a “True Blue” organic margarita, an Añejo old fashioned, sangritas (house frozen margarita with a sangria floater) and many more. The bar features a huge selection of tequilas and mezcals, from the usual favorites to top shelf and even many rare finds — and Happy Hour is Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m.-5 p.m.. 

Señor Tequila (1640 BBD Blvd.) is open every day for lunch & dinner and delivery through Doordash is available. For reservations (not required), orders or more info, call (813) 428-5411, visit TheSenorTequila.com. 

Meet Award-Winning Realtor® Dee Strom Of Florida Executive Realty 

Let Realtor® Dee Strom (left) of Florida Executive Realty in Tampa Palms, who lives in New Tampa and specializes in homes in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’Lakes and Odessa, help you buy or sell a home. (Photos provided by Dee Strom) 

Dee Strom, a multi-award-winning Realtor® at Florida Executive Realty (FER) in Tampa Palms since 2014, says she transitioned from hospitality management at the suggestion of her husband, Michael. She sought guidance and turned to Debbie Pearson, a friend and seasoned realtor at FER with 25 years of experience, who became her invaluable mentor. 

Dee expresses gratitude to Debbie, stating, “I have yet to work with an agent as wonderful and knowledgeable as she is. I am blessed to have learned from the best mentor and company.” 

In a unique move, Dee interviewed with FER Broker (Doug Loyd) before obtaining her real estate license and became the first agent he brought on who didn’t yet have a license. A USF business graduate, she initially entered the real estate field as, “a driven individual who saw nothing but success.” Marriage and motherhood followed, transforming Dee into one of the busiest working moms at the company. Dee commends Florida Executive Realty for its family-friendly environment, allowing children in the workplace and enabling moms like her to run successful businesses. 

Highlighting her experience and commitment, Dee asserts, “I have been a Realtor for over a decade, selling more than $20 million of real estate annually, placing me in the top 1% of the nation. My real estate business knowledge and experience put me far above most other agents.” 

In fact, Dee has been named FER’s “Agent of the year” each of the last three years. She says that building a solid relationship and chemistry with your Realtor is key in the real estate business. Both buyers and sellers should collaborate with a Realtor they genuinely connect with, like and trust. Dee’s work schedule is based on her client’s availability, not the other way around. 

“With me, you get me, and it’s a one-stop shop. As a Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRE) member, I market my listings locally and globally and receive relocation clients who move to our local area. I also assist my clients who move out of state and refer them to a Realtor they can trust in all parts of the world.” 

What To Expect… 
Let Realtor® Dee Strom help you find the home — and the living room — of your dreams, too. 

As for what she expects the local real estate market to be like in 2024, Dee notes that recent interest rate decreases, have improved affordability for prospective buyers. She predicts an uptick in local real estate sales later in the year and a return to more moderate growth in pricing compared with the post-Covid period. Although she covers all of Hillsborough and Pasco counties, Dee says her primary focus is on New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Odessa. 

Here is one recent trend Dee has noticed: As new construction continues to grow, younger Millennial buyers are seeking homes featuring wellness amenities like lap pools and gyms, with proximity to healthy restaurants. 

She takes pride in offering clients a substantial referral network for lenders, insurance providers and vendors. 

“I always say my clients are in good hands, not only with the real estate transaction but everything in preparation before selling or purchasing their home,” Dee says. “For example, packing and moving aren’t easy, so I have them focus on that, and I take care of the rest, literally.” 

Devoted to her clients, Dee shares her husband’s favorite anecdote about her: 

“Pregnant with my first daughter, Sloane (4), I had my computer in my lap negotiating in the hospital bed. After she was born, as soon as I was released from the hospital, I asked him if it was OK to go show a property, and off I went. As you can see, I am dedicated to my clients….” 

Dee uses a restaurant analogy to describe why someone should work with an experienced, well-rounded Realtor for buying and selling. She explains that selecting the right Realtor is like choosing a steakhouse. Going to an average chain restaurant, there’s only about a 50/50 chance your steak will be cooked correctly. One time may be good, while another is an awful experience — both the meal and the customer service. 

“But, when you dine at a high-end steakhouse, like Ruth’s Chris,” she says, “the steak is perfect every single time and the customer service is always excellent. We frequent Ruth’s Chris; we have had the same server for over 10 years. Real estate, like dining out, is about developing relationships.” 

She adds, “My clients are like family! Without the proper knowledge, experience and resources, many agents out there do not know what should be known. We are working for buyers and sellers completing the largest purchase or sale of their lives.” 

Dee is proud that the majority of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals. She highlights a recent review she received out of the blue from a repeat client. 

The review said, “You will always be part of our family in the Tampa area, as everyone loves ‘Dee,’ the person and mom. I truly admire your work ethic and professionalism in handling your real estate business while juggling a growing family. You set high standards for others to emulate and follow, but only a select few can accomplish. By now, it should be paying off for you. In the business world, you are very rare… I now call it ‘The Dee Factor’ — a balanced combination of real-estate knowledge, professionalism, elegance, poise, perseverance, hard work, sales techniques, great attitude, well-spoken and charming. And, on top of that, someone who is more interested in the well-being of a satisfied customer than a simple commission check. That’s a major key to success. Well done.” 

“This is why my job is so fulfilling,” Dee says. “and I will do it a thousand times over.” 

Dee values the connections she makes with her clients, emphasizing her commitment to their lives well beyond the closing. Her overarching goal is to redefine and elevate the real estate profession and eliminate some of the horror stories of low-level representation. 

“We, Realtors, can change the public’s perception and reality of what real estate agents and brokers do for their clients to match other highly respected professions,” she says. “One client at a time.” 

Dee lives in New Tampa with her husband Michael, a Tampa Police Officer for 20 years, and daughters Sloane and Stella. When not surpassing client expectations, she and her family enjoy swimming and cooking out. 

Realtor® Dee Strom is based at Florida Executive Realty’s Tampa Palms office (15802 Amberly Dr.) For more information, visit DStrom.floridaexecutiverealty.com, search “DeeStromRealty” on Facebook, call (813) 525-7851.

Double The ‘Big Game’ Squares, Double The Fun! 

We had so many entries so quickly for this year’s “Big Game” Squares contest that I decided to add a second grid of 100 squares for the “Big Game” between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, February 11! That means we will have two $100 prizes, two $50 prizes and four $25 prizes, all to be awarded as gift certificates to the restaurants of each winner’s choice! And, best of all, there is no purchase necessary to enter or win any of our prizes!

As of today, we have fewer than 40 squares left out of the 200 total between the two grids, so either completely fill out the entry form by clicking HERE or email your entry with your Name, Street Address, the Community You Live In (Tampa Palms, Seven Oaks, etc.), your Daytime Phone Number & your Valid Email Address and email your entry to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com by no later than this Friday, February 9, to be eligible. 

Please note that NO entries sent by U.S. Mail will be accepted for this contest!

We will continue to accept entries until all 200 squares are taken. Once both grids have been filled, I will email you your square, so you can have a little added excitement when you watch the Big Game! Good luck to all! 

Official Neighborhood News ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest Rules! 

1. No purchase of any kind is necessary to enter or to win. 

2. To enter, completely fill out the entry form by clicking HERE.

*Note—Entries sent by U.S. mail will NOT be accepted. 

3. Only one entry per person, whether online or by email, not both. 

4. All entries must be received by Friday, February 9, to be eligible. 

5. Entrants will NOT get to choose their squares. 

6. The first 200 properly filled out entries we receive will receive one of the 200 available squares. 

7. The publisher will assign squares at random on both grids on Saturday, February 10. 

8. If we receive fewer than 200 entries, those spaces will have no name entered in them and no one will be eligible to win a prize for any of those spaces. It doesn’t appear that this will be a problem, based on the overwhelming response so far. 

9. After all eligible names have been entered, the publisher will assign numbers 0-9 at random in both the top row and the far left column of the grid. 

10. The contest has been posted at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net since January 9. The filled-out grids will be posted before kickoff on Feb. 11. 

11. Prizes to be awarded (one prize per quarter per grid): 1Q-$25; Half-$50; 3Q- $25; 4Q or OT-$100. ALL prizes will be gift cards to the restaurant of each winner’s choice. Winners must submit the name of the restaurant of their choice or no prize will be awarded. 

12. Contest results will be posted at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net by Feb. 14 & in our Feb. 20 Wesley Chapel & March 5 New Tampa issues.