POULSBO — Snow white sands, a smooth stone walkway and topaz water as far as the eye can see greet visitors walking in the front door of Spa 101.
Granted, it’s just a mural, but aesthetician Karen Hart said it represents where workers at the new day spa hope to transport their customers.
“It’s very quiet here,” Hart mentioned, walking down the hall and keeping her voice low for the massage therapy taking place next door. “You’ll notice we don’t have any phones ringing or loud talking. It’s all of our goals to make it a happy environment for everybody.”
Hart opened Spa 101 in June at the old Brenda Prowse Properties location off 8th Avenue in Poulsbo Village. The full-service day spa offers skin, nail, foot and body care from one convenient location.
Two and one-half years ago, Hart began leasing space at Joli Visage on Jensen Way where she offered her holistic brand of facials and skin care. Though she lived in Gig Harbor, she worked in Poulsbo because of her ultimate goal.
“The day I stepped in the door I told them, ‘I’m going to have a day spa,’” she recalled.
This year, Hart decided it was time to strike out on her own. She began looking for a larger space to lease and she also found a crew ready and willing to help her out. She had worked with the women of Absolute Nails at Joli Visage and is old friends with Patricia Riley, who owns Agate Pass Massage. They all agreed to join Hart in her new venture.
“So this is really a collaboration of three different businesses,” she explained.
And though the professionals at Spa 101 are essentially separate entities, in that they lease space in the 1,200-square-foot space from Hart, clients can call one number and book multiple appointments for a spa feel.
“Being able to combine all of the services under one roof makes it really convenient for clients,” Hart said. “They can stay all day and have lunch, too. It makes it really nice.”
Customers opting for a day spa experience have lunch delivered by culinary hot spot Michael’s Cafe at the Poulsbo Athletic Club.
Hart, an aesthetician for more than three years, offers a variety of skin care. Treatments include European facials; deep, hydrating collagen; acne treatments; aromatherapy; and Ingrid Millett Beauty treatments. Bridgette Smith, Linda Proudfoot and Nancy Hendy, formerly of Absolute Nails, offer treatments like nail enhancements, gels, manicures, paraffin dips and pedicures. Riley does Swedish and deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy and Trager massage.
Hart offers free skin consultations for teenagers, but said the typical clientele they see are ages 35-70. And though they’re not the biggest group, she added that they do get many male customers.
“Men are very loyal clients,” she said. “They don’t grow up with this stuff so once you get them in the door, they realize it’s not about femininity, it’s about good grooming.”
And so far, business appears to be booming for Spa 101. Hart said all three businesses have had regulars follow them to the new venue and rave about being able to receive all their treatments in one building. She added that clients have enjoyed the serene atmosphere, but also the personalities of the people involved.
“I think one thing people really notice is the camaraderie,” she said. “It’s very real and it’s very entertaining but I think it’s one of the biggest amenities that we all communicate and get along.”
