SOOTHING SPACES
Men have their ways of pampering themselves: the soothing scent of fresh cut grass, the sound of water lapping against the fishing boat, a garage full of tools, a cold beer, the History Channel, and other simple manly pleasures.
A woman, on the other hand, might occasionally find the time to count to 10, or take a relaxing stroll but even then, her duties call. The thought that “I need to take time out for myself” crosses her mind but then she forgets, an easy thing to do in this fast-paced world.
“Women are naturally giving and eventually they are going to run dry or freak out,” said Tahleigha Aitchison, who owns Mosaic SalonSpa, along with her husband, Nelson. “They need to treat themselves like they would a friend, or even their cars.”
Spokane Valley is known for a lot of things, but spas? There are a few in our area, including Mosaic SalonSpa, 2918 N. Argonne Road, and The BrickHouse Massage and Coffee Bar, 14222 E. Sprague Ave. Though they offer similar services, they are different in their approaches.
Nelson Aitchison, 55, began his career in hairdressing 34 years ago in California. Tahleigha Aitchison, 53, has been an esthetician for 14 years. She is also certified in aromatherapy and as a Reiki Master.
Married for 30 years, the two have run several salons in Spokane, including one on the South Hill. The South Side business was so successful, they decided to start a larger facility and opened the Spokane Valley location about a year ago.
The spa is pleasing to the senses, with lush landscaping and a large koi pond. Leaning toward Tuscan style, the ambiance in the spa area is soothing, and the individual rooms have deep rich colors speckled with sand and quartz crystals. Speakers surround visitors with sounds of nature or soft music as they receive a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure or haircut. Massages range from $50 to $115
When speaking with the Aitchisons, one cannot help but notice their calm demeanors. They believe in what they do, as do their employees. “Whether it’s a haircut that the client raves about, or the client who says she’s never felt so wonderful and relaxed after her facial,” said Tahleigha Aitchison, “it is a heady feeling to know that you were instrumental in creating that person’s joy.”
The BrickHouse, smaller and more homey than Mosaic, does not do hair but offers a coffee bar, small gift shop, and a sunroom with bistro seating. Local art hangs on the walls. The atmosphere is more urban and stimulating. A room in the back can accommodate large groups. A tiki bar and tropical theme decorate the room in the summer and earthy tapestries adorn the walls during the cooler seasons.
Owner Carrie Magruder opened the BrickHouse almost two years ago. Magruder, 37, is a first-time entrepreneur with no previous spa experience. After many years in the corporate world, she went back to school to become a massage therapist. Then she put her business into motion.
“We have had some phenomenal growth this year. I attribute our success to a truly great staff,” she said, “It’s my goal to provide a rewarding job opportunity for them, but it’s their job to provide an amazing experience for our clients.”
Massages range from $35 for a 30 minute table massage up to $110 for a two-hour scrub, wrap and massage.
“Who was the last person you can remember who touched your face? When was the last time someone, other than your hairdresser, brushed your hair or tucked you under the covers?” asked Tahleigha.
“People have shut off their senses, shutting out the harshness of the world … we know that the shortest route to relaxation and ‘reconnecting’ people to themselves, their desires, their loved ones, and their purpose is to re-establish those sensory links.”
Women everywhere are sighing.