Spa Renovations at Ashka Salon Spa

After Spa Renovations

I have been working at Ashka Salon Spa for 5 years now. It is super impressive to me how the owners are constantly investing back into the salon. Between updating paint colors, new shampoo bowls, or even just new computers to keep things running smoothly, Lisa and Steve consistently are looking for the best. I have not worked at another place where the owners care that much about the quality of the environment their employees are working in. Recently, they have put these efforts towards new spa renovations! When it was all said and done, the spa looked completely new. The whole team was extremely pleased with the updates. I know I was excited to show it off to my clients.

Before and After Spa Renovations:

Before Spa Renovations
Before Spa Renovations

Ashka Salon Spa was closed for spa appointments for a weekend while the owners, Steve and Lisa, and manager Jozie along with her husband Jay worked like crazy to revamp our spa rooms. They redid counter tops and updated the paint. A beautiful backsplash was put in the pedicure room which really tied everything together. In the massage rooms, there was new paint, and some new shelves added to help open up the rooms. New mirrors make it easier for guests to examine their skin after a facial with one of our incredible estheticians.

After Spa Renovations
After Spa Renovations

All in all, I really think that our spa is now looking “Pinterest worthy”. Al of the details that went into perfecting these spa renovations really came together nicely. I am so appreciative to work for employers who care what our work environment is like.

Take advantage of our Spa Memberships and enjoy the new and improved Ashka Spa. Call today to book your appointment with Sarah, Misty, or Kym. I promise you, you won’t regret it!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

How is Our Natural Hair Products Made?

Natural Hair Products

Something I take great pride in is the fact that I work Aveda products. Aveda’s core values and mission statement aligns with my personal beliefs. It makes me so happy that I am able to represent such amazing products. Aveda makes, in my opinion, the best natural hair products on the market. I was curious about exactly how they go about making them. I did some research and thought it would be fun to share what I found!

How It’s Made: Natural Hair Products

Natural Hair Products
Natural Hair Products

Aveda is the first beauty company to be manufacturing with 100% wind power. Aveda also only uses sustainable ingredients in their products. We source a lot of our ingredients from different countries with different plants. Because we do need certain plants to be able to create our products, if there is a natural disaster in the area that we source from, it can cause Aveda’s production to be put on hold. An example of an ingredient sourced from another country is Brazillian Uruku. It is used in a lot of Aveda’s makeup now.

Aveda finds it really important to celebrate the different cultures from which we source ingredients. You can find multiple “Aveda sourcing stories” on Youtube!

Finally, all of Aveda’s packaging is recyclable! This is just one of the many ways Aveda tries to minimize their carbon footprint. It is nice knowing that I can recycle all of my beauty products rather than it just piling up in our landfills.

Afte reading this, I hope you choose to join me in supporting a company whose main goal is to support our environment. Stop into Ashka Salon Spa today to get your hands on some of the next natural hair products on the market. I know you will love them as much as I do.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Aveda’s Beautifying Radiance Polish

Beautifying Radiance Polish

Nothing feels better than super soft, moisturized skin. I have always had dry skin. No matter what I do, it always seems like my skin prefers to be dry and flaky. Ever since Aveda came out with their Beautifying Radiance Polish, I have been obsessed with it. It had definitely worked it’s way into my “Holy Grail” products. I can honestly say, I haven’t used any other scrub-type product since I’ve gotten my hands on it! My favorite way to use it is in the shower, after shaving, I will scrub my body until it has fully melted into my skin. Instantly, I can tell how much more moisturized my skin is! I have friends who use it now, because I just can’t stop talking about it.

Beautifying Radiance Polish
Beautifying Radiance Polish

What is Beautifying Radiance Polish?

Aveda’s Beautifying Radiance Polish is a moisturizing plant oil blend with mineralized salt crystals. It helps to remove dull, dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Simultaneously, it is moisturizing your skin with certified organic safflower, sunflower, and olive oils. It also smells AMAZING! The best way to describe the “beautifying” smell is uplifting. I always feel brighten after smelling it. It is made with certified organic rosemary, lavender, bergamot and other pure flower and plant essences. The product consistency is thick enough that it seems luxurious, but can be easily spread with just a few drops of water! And of course, like all Aveda products, it is cruelty free. Aveda products are NEVER tested on animals, only on humans.

Stop in to the salon today to pick up your very own Radiance Polish! Anyone you ask at Ashka Salon Spa will tell you how much they love it. I know you won’t be able to live without it once you’ve tried it yourself.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Tulasara Purification Treatment

tulasara purification Treatment

The older I get, the more I realize how important skin care truly is. I remember being in high school and being blessed with clear skin that I didn’t even wash daily. (Eeek, you live and you learn!) Now if I don’t wash my makeup off the night before, I will wake up with a blemish. As I have traveled down the path to find my perfect skin care routine, I have discovered how truly personal it is. Everyone’s skin in different and react differently to products, even if they have the same “skin type”. Ashka Salon Spa offers a service called Tulasara Purification Treatment. I believe that if you are wanting to dive into the world of skincare, but it seems a little too daunting on your own, you need this service.

tulasara purification Treatment

Tulasara Purification Treatment – What is it?

A Tulasara Purification Treatment is a basic purification, dry-brushing exfoliation, facial massage and treatment plan. This basic treatment is a professional skin cleaning. It does not include manual removal of congestion or intensive work on skin concerns.You get to receive an amazing, relaxing service with a licensed esthetician and you will also be able to ask questions specific to your skin. You will be able to see how Aveda products react with your skin and our amazing estheticians will be able to guide you in the right direction for a good at home skin care routine.

Right now, until March 4th 2018, we are running a special that if you come in for a hair appointment, you will receive a coupon for a FREE Tulasara Purification Treatment. Another added bonus is that when you come in for the treatment, you also receive 20% off AVEDA products. You must have the coupon with you to take advantage of this $50 steal!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Love Your Face – Valentine’s Day 2018

Valentine's Day 2018

Valentine’s Day 2018 is seriously coming up so fast. It doesn’t help that the grocery stores have had Valentine’s candy out since January 2nd, making it feel like it’s been right around the corner for a minutes now. This year for Valentine’s Day 2018 at Ashka Salon Spa, we are running a Love Your Face deal!

Valentine's Day 2018
Valentine’s Day 2018 – Love Your Face Deals

Valentine’s Day 2018 – Love Your Face

This Valentine’s Day it’s all about lashes. With eyelash extensions, tint, and lifts being all the rage lately, why not get yours done up for your big Valentine’s Day plans. We have 4 different deals that we are offering until February 17, 2018.

$50 OFF Full Glamour Lash Extensions

$35 OFF Lash Lifting & Semi Permanent Mascara

$40 OFF Airbrush Makeup Application & False Lashes

FREE AVEDA Trial Size w/ Eyebrow Wax

If I were you, I would take full advantage of these deals. When I had my eyelash extensions, I loved how my look felt complete even when I didn’t have a lot of makeup on. My lash lift and tint was a total game changer when I wore mascara. I still cannot believe the difference it made. If you are looking for a less permanent lash transformation, schedule an appointment for an Airbrush Makeup and False Lash Application. And finally, everyone can use an eyebrow wax. And who doesn’t love free product? I think a fresh eyebrow wax can completely change how your makeup appears.

Guys if you’re looking for a creative, but for sure loved, Valentine’s Day gift idea look no further. You can stop in today to pick up a gift card for your girl to recieve a little bit of pampering. She will be ecstatic to try out a new, fun, service and you’ll be able to see her flirty lashes when she’s done!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

Benefits of Drinking Water

Drinking Water

I found myself thinking “water is life” earlier this week. With my new year resolution this year being to really focus on drinking water, it has been on my mind a lot lately. While I have always been told that drinking water is amazing for you, I realized that I have never actually looked into it myself. I did a little bit of research and this is what I found:

Drinking Water

What I Found to be the Top Benefits of Drinking Water

  1. Improves Skin Complexion
    – Another one of my New Year Resolutions is that I want to be more consistent with my skin care. As an esthetician, I recommend drinking water to my guests regularly. While I knew that water is great for your skin, to hear that it helps get rid of wrinkles and is “the best anti aging treatment around” sold me.
  2. Puts You in a Good Mood
    –  How can anyone be mad about this benefit? If all I have to do is drink more water to be in a better mood; sign me up! No one wants to be a Debbie Downer and this could be a simple solution!
  3. Increases Energy and Relieves Fatigue
    – One of the sources I found brought up the point that our brain is made mostly of water. When we are fully hydrated, we are able to focus better. This is something that I can personally struggle with since I have been diagnosed with ADHD. If this will help me buckle down on what I need to, I am 100% down to try it.
  4. It’s FREE!
    – Have you ever noticed how much of a difference that coke or wine makes on your bill at the end of night? If you are only drinking water, you will definitely notice it in your wallet over time. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather spend my money on other things.

And there is multiple more benefits! All in all, drink more water! You, your esthetician, and your wallet will thank me later.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Shake those Winter Blues at Ashka Salon Spa

Winter Blues

Everyone can agree that we have been having the most beautiful winter weather this past week here in Michigan! I can’t get enough of these 60 degree sunny days. It is going to hit me really hard if it doesn’t last. As someone who definitely suffers every year from the “Winter Blues”, Michigan winters can be long and hard for me. I know I cannot be the only one who gets a little more pep in their step at the first signs of spring.

Winter Blues
Winter Blues

What Are the Winter Blues Exactly?

The winter blues is something a lot of people of experience. Even in my own friend group I feel like I have this conversation multiple times a year with many different people! Of course everyone experiences this differently but I lose a lot drive during the winter months. The rest of the year I am more likely to want to try new things, work longer hours, and just overall be in a better mood. I am definitely guilty of packing on my winter layer with carbs, even more than I normally do. 😉

The more official term for winter blues is “seasonal depression“. From my research, I found that the farther away you live from the equator the more likely you will suffer from seasonal depression. With the lack of vitamin d from the sun in the winter months, our brains are forced to work extra hard to produce melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that helps to regulate your sleep pattern and also is linked to depression.

To help regulate your seasonal depression, there are “sunbox” lights that replicate the beneficial effects of the sun!

Luckily the actual sun starts coming around more often just in time for spring!

What Helps Me Shake the Winter Blues in Time for Spring?

Once the sun starts to break through the clouds on a regular basis, I try to start focusing on myself. I try to get exercise into my daily routine in someway. I always get on a “I need to drink more water” kick right around springtime too. Last, but not least, I almost always need a hair change! 🙂

My favorite thing to do in the spring is start to lighten up my hair again for the summer. I love that it can be subtle, or dramatic depending on how I’m feeling that year. And how big of a pick me up I might need. 😉 As a stylist, spring hair is one of my favorite yearly transformations as well. I just cannot get enough of it.

Winter Blues

Highlights and Balayage all around! Call today to set up your appointment.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Tulasara Facial Treatment Update

Tulasara Facial Treatment

Good skin care is so incredibly important. It will help you age gracefully, allows you to apply make up more flawlessly, and in general gives you more confidence over all. As you all know, AVEDA has launched the new skincare line “Tulasara“. With this launch, AVEDA has also updated their facials to a Tulasara Facial Treatment.

Tulasara Facial Treatment
Tulasara Facial Treatment coming February 2017 to Ashka Salon Spa

One of the many perks of an AVEDA facial is that they are completely customizable. One of the updates that continues to follow this motto is that you now are able to customize your Tulasara Facial Treatment aroma. Following “tulasara” we believe that everything, including aroma, affects how you feel and how your body acts. We offer you a choice of 2 to 3 aromas that is meant for whatever your skin type is. You will close your eyes and take a deep breath of each aroma. From there you choose which one you like best! I have done a sensory journey with someone using an aroma for their skin type and one that doesn’t match, and they still picked the one that aligns with them. I think it is crazy to see that first hand.

Tulasara Facial Treatment
Some of the aromas used in the Tulasara Facial Treatment.

I have gone on and on about how much I have been loving my dry brush at home. So much so, that I’m sure you guys are sick of hearing about it! But I am so incredibly happy to tell you about how AVEDA has incorporated dry brushing into our Tulasara Facial Treatment. I know that you will love the feeling of these brushes on your skin and you love how your skin feels afterwards even more!

Sarah, Emily, Adrianne, and I have been training hard to perfect these new techniques for all of our wonderful guests. We are ecstatic about these new products! We cannot wait to share it with all of you. Expect to see the new Tulasara Facial Treatment on our menu starting in February 2017.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Holiday Promotion 2016 at Ashka Salon Spa

Holiday Promotion 2016

The holiday promotion 2016, Season of Savings, has started everybody! Ashka Salon Spa has a different deal everyday for the rest of the year. There is something for everyone on here! I am going to talk about a few of my favorites.

 

Holiday Promotion 2016 – Product Deals

Holiday Promotion 2016
Holiday Promotion 2016

For the remaining Sundays in November you will receive 20% off all products with an appointment. Get freshened  up for the holidays and also save on some gifts for your loved ones (or maybe just yourself ;]). If you are going to be traveling at all this year for the holidays, it is important to be able to bring your favorite AVEDA products with you! November 18th, you will receive 30% off all AVEDA travel. On November 29th, you will receive a free, full size AVEDA hairspray of your choice will you spend $175.

We will be kicking off December with a buy 2 styling products, get 1 free deal on the first! Perfect for any holiday gifts. December Sundays, 4th, 11th, 18th, all give you 15% off products with an appointment. Later in the month on December 22nd, receive a free pair of Ashka Salon Spa tech gloves with a $150 purchase. There is so many more product deals that you just have to take advantage of. What an amazing holiday promotion 2016.

Holiday Promotion 2016

Holiday Promotion 2016 – Service Deals

Holiday Promotion 2016

There is an endless amount of deals on services this season! Whether you want your nails, or hair done we have something for you. Some of the deals include: $25 off a Pure Brazilian Blowdry, free Lip Wax with Eyebrow Wax, $20 off a Full Highlight, and free Haircut with Ombre color! No matter what your favorite service is, I am sure you can find a day where there is some kind of deal associated with it. Every Saturday from now until the end of the year, buy a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus card. Our Season of Savings calendar is absolutely incredible and you need to take advantage of it this holiday season!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show Part 2

hair show

Last week I talked about the first part of AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show! I wanted to finish telling you all about my wonderful experience this week. Hair shows are one of my favorite ways to find inspiration because of how intense they can be. I did not think it would be fair to try to squeeze all of that amazing-ness into just one blog post. Here it goes!

AVEDA’s Hair Show – Barbering

Hair Show
Dusty Rhode at the Hair Show

Dusty Rhode came on stage to talk about AVEDA’s barbering world. He talked a lot about different hair textures and how we, as stylists and artists, need to do what we think is best based on the hair type. For instance, using AVEDA’s Grooming Cream is great for longer textured hair. Some new products that Dusty talked about were the Men’s Thickening Paste, and the Men’s 5 minute Grey Blending Color! There are a lot of new and exciting things in the barbering world.

AVEDA’s Hair Show – Haircutting

 

Ricardo Dinis is the Global Artistic Director of Haircutting. When he came on stage at the Mid America Hair Show, he said that he recently has been extremely inspired by the art world. A powerful quote from Ricardo that I can’t stop thinking about is, “When you see something beautiful, you have to stop and stare”. He was talking about how we have the power to create a look for our clients that causes people to stop and stare.  I have been striving to create a look like this for each one of my clients.

AVEDA’s Hair Show – Texture

hair show
Tippi Shorter with her team and models at the hair show.

Tippi Shorter works with all kinds of textured hair. She is AVEDA’s Global Artistic Director of Texture. She talked a lot about a new class she is designing called “Architexture”. This is a class on how to properly cut curly hair. Tippi mentioned how when she is working with her celebrity clientele, she works with a lot of wigs. She wanted to give us tips for working with wigs. Although I personally do not work with wigs all that often, it was still very interesting.

AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show was absolutely incredible. I am counting down the days until Congress 2017.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂