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 🙂

Aveda’s Stress Fix Line at Ashka Salon Spa

Stress Fix

As much as I would love to say I am completely calm, 100% of the time, I’m not. Stress is inevitable no matter how much we try to avoid it. The only thing we can do is learn how to manage our stress. Everyone has different ways that work best for them. Lately, going to the gym has been a huge stress reliever for me. Another way that I have been able to help manage my stress is with a bath bomb and a face mask. However, some days are so filled that I may not have the time to do either of these things. When this happens, sometimes deep breaths with some of Aveda’s Stress Fix aroma does the trick.

Stress Fix

What’s the Deal with Stress Fix?

Aveda’s Stress Fix line is a wonderful addition to anyone’s at home spa routine. The aroma is proven to reduce the feelings of stress with certified organic lavender, lavandin,  and clary sage formulated using the power of pure essential oils.

The products included in Aveda’s Stress Fix line are:

  • Composition Oil
  • Creme Cleansing Oil
  • Body Creme
  • Body Lotion
  • Soaking Salts

Stress Fix Special Offer

stress fix

Now until April 28, 2018, we have a couple of specials going on involving Aveda’s Stress Fix line. When you purchase two Aveda haircare products, you will receive a FREE Aveda Travel Stress Fix Composition Oil. This is a great way to try out this aroma and see how much you love it.

If you are already a fan of this line, when you purchase one or more Stress Fix Bodycare products, you will receive 20% your entire Aveda purchase!

Stop in before April 28, 2018, to take advantage of these great offers. We’d love to help you find the product that would work best for you! I know you will love adding this to your at home self-care routine.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Self Care Savings at Ashka Salon Spa

Self Care

Self care has been a huge topic of thought for me lately. As I have gotten older, I have realized the importance of self care. You cannot give, if your basket is empty. Everyone needs to take time to replenish themselves so that they are in the best state of mind to keep moving through life. Ashka Salon Spa believes this as well, and we are happy to provide a space that you can focus on that self care. Until April 28th, 2018, we are running a special called the #SelfCare Savings Package so that you can focus on yourself for once.

What’s Included in the Self Care Savings Package?

Self Care

Self care doesn’t have to break the bank. This spring Ashka Salon Spa is running a special so that you can enjoy multiple services for a discounted package price. Take a minute to take care of your skin and hair with the #SelfCare Savings Package.

For $100 you will receive:

• Fifty-Minute Tulasara Facial Treatment
• Paraffin Hand Dip
• Shampoo & Blowdry
• AVEDA’s NEW Shine Treatment

These services ala carte are normally a $160 value. You will get approximately two hours of peaceful alone time to center yourself. Think of it almost as mental spring cleaning.

Misty actually just gave me a Fifty-Minute Tulasara Facial Treatment today and I am always amazed at how much that deep cleansing makes me feel better. An hour of peace and quiet, while a trained esthetician takes care of my skin, is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Last week, I was giving my guest an 80 minute pedicure. This service includes a Paraffin Foot Dip. We both agreed that we love the difference the paraffin makes when it comes to moisturizing our skin. My skin personally has been so dry this winter. I know I can use any bit of moisture that I can get.

Aveda‘s New Shine Treatment is amazing! It came out recently and I have been loving adding it to any guest who is interested in it. My hair has never looked or felt better since I’ve been using it on my own head as well!

Call the salon today to book your #SelfCare Savings Package today while we still have availability.

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 🙂

Rosemary Mint – Feel Invigorated

Aveda believes that aroma plays such a huge part in experiences. I think certain smells can totally change the atmosphere from stressful to relaxing or even nostalgic. There are four main aroma categories that Aveda promotes: Beautifying, Stress-Fix, Shampure, and Rosemary Mint. In this blog we are going to focus on Rosemary Mint. Keep reading to learn more!

Rosemary Mint

What is Rosemary Mint?

Rosemary Mint’s keynotes are certified organic rosemary and peppermint with other pure flower and plant essences. Aveda claims this smell to be “invigorating”. To be completely honest, when I first heard this phrase, I was not entirely sure what it meant. I googled what the definition of invigorating was and what came up was:

adjective
  1. making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.

After reading the definition, I totally agree that it is epitome of invigorating. It is just such a fresh smell that I really cannot get enough of it!

What Products Can I Get That Are Rosemary Mint?

There are so many different Rosemary Mint products available! You can get shampoo and conditioner. There is also body lotion. Aveda’s only bar of soap has this aroma. But if you prefer to use an actually body wash, Aveda has that too! When I use any of the Rosemary Mint line, I love the almost tingly sensation you get from the peppermint in the products.

Recent Ashka Salon Spa has invested in diffusers for around the salon and spa. We have been use the Rosemary Mint Composition Oil in them to spread that amazing Aveda scent.

Rosemary Mint
Aroma Ingredients

One of my favorite compliments I ever receive is that I “smell like Aveda”. I can promise you that you will get that with this aroma. Stop into Ashka Salon Spa today to pick some up for yourself!

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 🙂

Wellness: Vision Boards, Intention, Breath, Sound

Sound Healing Wellness

As I have said in the past, one of my new year resolutions is to be very tuned into my yoga practice. An overall sense of wellness throughout my life has become super important to me. Shardae Sanchez from West End Yoga Company held a workshop called Art of Intention, Breath, and Sound Bath in mid January. I challenged myself to sign up for it. I knew this would help to push myself in the right direction of achieve my goal. In the workshop we were going to make vision boards and learn about the importance of intention.

Vision Boards Wellness

We started our workshop with talking about the importance of intention. There is scientific proof that by thinking about something, you are sending that out into the universe. I believe what you send out into the world is what you receive. This is the exact point of making a vision board. It has been proven that you are more likely to achieve your goals, if they are written down.

Wellness

We used water colors to paint an “I AM” circle to put on our vision boards. Once it dried, we wrote “I AM” in the center with positive adjectives around it. I choose words like: strong, caring, and enough. You can put any adjectives you want, whether you think you encompass that trait or not. Fake it till you make it! 😉

After we made our “I AM” circles, we went through magazines to create our vision boards. I found things eluding to accepting that I am not perfect, my desire to travel, and my need to wellness.

Breath and Sound Wellness

After we got done doing our vision boards, we did two different breathing techniques. The first one that we did was called the “Bee Breath”. This one is good to help empty your brain. If you are anything like me, you never have an “empty mind”. I really felt the benefits from this breathe immediately. We also did alternating  nostril breathing. This is meant to help balance the left and right sides of the brain.

We also did a short session of sound healing. It was very interesting. I don’t know a lot about it so I am definitely interested in learning more about it. All I really know as of now is that there are 7 bowls that are all specifically designed to create the sound associated with the 7 chakras. We meditated while listening to the bowls.

If you are interested in any of this definitely check out the West End Yoga Company website as well as Shardae’s website Gaia Love. You can also follow both of them on instagram: @westendyogis and @gaia_love_yoga.

Sound Healing Wellness
Sound Healing Wellness

At Ashka Salon Spa we are required to do at least 2 different “personal growth” things in order to receive our bonus. This workshop was the first thing I have down for the year for my personal growth! All in all, I loved every second of it. I look at my vision board daily to help keep me on track.

 

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 🙂