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Ilana Alberico, owner, started in the spa industry picking up towels at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Inspired by the environment of wellness, she knew that spa was her career calling and quickly set to work obtaining her massage therapy license and learning all she could. Prior to opening her own business, she worked in virtually all of the available positions a spa has to offer from Front Desk to Massage Therapist to Spa Director. In 2005 she began consulting and met Christina Stratton who would turn out to be a lifelong friend and business partner. Together, they opened Innovative Spa Management, a company that has been twice named to Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest growing companies in the USA and Privai Skincare, a botanically based skin and body care line which has been featured in Allure Magazine, Birchbox.com, and is in the top 10 moisturizers on Ipsy.com.
Ilana received the 2015 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and in 2017 received the Innovate Leadership Award from the International Spa Association. She has led ISM SPA to be recognized as an industry leader in wellness and spa management. Meeting Natalie, the Founder of Spa Space and learning about her vision inspired Ilana to invest in Spa Space. “Natalie’s vision for the spa still resonates 16 years after she founded the company. I’m inspired to champion her vision into the future. Spa Space is a premier day spa in a great location and offers the most convenient, high quality spa services in the city. We have created a comfortable environment for men, women and groups to connect, relax and recharge.” Ilana can be reached at ilana@spaspace.com. |
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Natalie Tessler is the founder of Spa Space. She has a BA from University of Wisconsin-Madison, a law degree from American University and an LL.M. (Master’s of Law degree) in taxation from New York University. Natalie’s professional experience includes working as a tax and estate planning attorney at firms in New York and Chicago. In 1999, she began researching the wellness and day spa industries and developing the business concept for Spa Space, which opened in 2001. She was drawn to the industry through her genuine love for hospitality and entertaining. Natalie also enjoys speaking to students, entrepreneurs and angel investors on the topics of capital-raising, business plan development and entrepreneurship. |
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Jean is an Assistant Manager at Spa Space as well as a licensed massage therapist. Jean has been in the spa industry since 2002 after leaving the corporate world to find an opportunity to further both her own and others’ wellness. She has had the good fortune to work in a variety of settings including luxury resort spas, and brings that attention to detail to Spa Space. Jean’s focus is on the total guest experience and ensuring our staff has the tools and training needed to exceed our guests’ expectations. You can reach Jean at Jean@spaspace.com. |
Julie – Massage Therapist:
Originally from the St. Louis area, Julie is a licensed Massage Therapist with over 12 years of professional experience. She is a graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. To create your individual massage, Julie seamlessly blends her deep muscle therapy with Swedish Massage, Myofascial techniques and elements of Zen Shiatsu. With this combination, she delivers the strength her clients desire without sacrificing the calming aspects, she believes, are vital to a complete and mindful, therapeutic massage experience. In the past several years, she has gained experience working with clients who live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Julie was proud to receive a 5-star review for her Indian Head Massage from the Chicago Tribune and has been a member of the Spa Space team since 2003.
Deanna – Massage Therapist:
Deanna has been a licensed Massage/Shiatsu therapist, as well as a certified Reflexologist, for 15 years. She has extensive experience working with chronic neck and shoulder pain, Indian Head being a favorite modality for relief. Reflexology is her passion, whether on a runner, someone with a migraine, or just a client with sore feet, she enjoys introducing this ancient art. Her education in healing is an ongoing process, and she enjoys sharing what she has learned during the Art of Touch classes, which she tailors to the couple’s lifestyle. Her goal is for each client to walk away feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and pain-free.
Lisa – Massage Therapist:
Lisa graduated from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2004 and has also studied Cranio Sacral therapy with the Upledger Institute. Her style of massage is a blending of Swedish strokes with therapeutic techniques to create the ultimate relaxing experience while relieving chronic pain. She also enjoys doing body treatments and Indian Head massage.
Kat – Massage Therapist:
Kat is a licensed massage therapist with over 14 years of professional experience. She has been trained in numerous modalities including pre-natal, pain management, deep tissue, myofacial, and deep relaxation, and has extensive experience in each. She believes in approaching each person as a puzzle. One massage most certainly does not fit everyone, and Kat’s goal is always to provide you with the massage that best suits your individual needs. Kat believes that massage is truly a necessity, and not just a luxury, to those that want to be at their best physically and mentally.
Regina – Massage Therapist:
Regina has been a certified and licensed massage therapist for 12 years. She holds her certificate in massage therapy and hydrotherapy from Florida School of Massage, one of the oldest and most respected schools in the country. She works in most modalities, but specializes in neuromuscular and sports massage. She believes that working with her clients, as opposed to on them, is the most effective way to acheive results. She is also a professional actor and musician.
Adina – Massage Therapist:
Adina graduated top of her class from the Soma Institute in 2008 and also from their Masters of Clinical Massage Therapy program in 2009. This extensive education has broadened her techniques to allow greater customization for each client, often combining myofascial techniques, acupressure, trigger point release, movement therapy, deep tissue and light touch techniques. Adina believes strongly in educating and empowering her clients to become a part of the healing process.
Lauren – Massage Therapist:
Lauren has over twelve years experience as a massage therapist. In 2004, she graduated from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. She is also a professional member the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). As an avid cyclist, Lauren understands the physiology of the active person. Her top modalities are Deep Tissue and Hot Stone, but she also likes the relaxing treatments of Swedish and Indian Head Massage. Before Spa Space, she was a massage therapy instructor for 2 years and makes The Art of Touch class fun and informative for her ”students.”
Wilson – Massage Therapist:
After a decade of interest in the massage field and being trained in reflexology, Wilson graduated from The Atlanta School of Massage in March of 1991. Wilson’s philosophy is that if it is muscle related it can be fixed and he specializes in getting results for his clients.
Letitia – Massage Therapist:
Letitia is a graduate of the Alexandria School of Scientific Therapeutics and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Letitia primarily uses a blend of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Zen Shiatsu to create customized sessions according to the needs of her clients. She is a level 1 Reflexologist in the Ingham Method through the International Institute of Reflexology and invites you to experience the grounding, healing nature of this therapy. She has also had training in Body Treatments, as well as Prenatal, Hot Stone, and Sports Massage.
Jen – Massage Therapist:
In 2005, Jen graduated from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Her main specialty is a Swedish-Deep Tissue combination massage which can be customized to her client’s needs.
Indira – Esthetician:
Indira combines an extensive American education with European experience and approach. She is renowned for her clinical-style facials, during which she performs deeply thorough extractions for maximum effectiveness, and relaxing massage for a completely nurturing experience. Indira has also become famous at Spa Space for her fast and perfect Brazilian-style bikini wax.
Gina – Esthetician:
Trained in Lithuania, Gina went to medical school, followed by Esthetics school. She has her dual diplomas as a licensed Esthetician and doctor’s assistant. She believes that the key to her great deep clean facials are her thorough extractions – they make the biggest difference in post-facial skin. She also is known for her soothing touch; clients claim to forget about everything, doze off, even have their headaches cured after a service with Gina.
Angie – Esthetician:
Angie is a graduate of Pivot Point International, and has been practicing aesthetics at Spa Space since 2007. She specializes in result orientated skincare. She especially enjoys working with aging and problematic skin types. Her treatments are clinical, but still incredibly relaxing.
Sam – Esthetician:
Sam believes that touch is healing. She gives relaxing, stress-relieving facials while deeply cleansing and treating the skin. She believes regular facials are essential for clear, beautiful skin. She also loves to wax and has a huge following of loyal regulars. She is very thorough, but fast! She is fun to be around and has been a Licensed Esthetician since 2005.
Maxine – Esthetician:
Maxine graduated from Hair and Skin Professionals in West Dundee, IL. With a family history of esthetics and makeup artistry, she specializes in waxing, primarily Brazilians and brows. Maxine is known for her speedy and thorough style, which she performs while keeping her clients entertained.
Yvette – Nail Technician:
B.Sc.Pod., Podologist- Yvette achieved her Bachelor of Science in Podology (natural health science) from the Open International University of Complementary Medicines. As a podolgist, she deals with the examination, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the feet and their related structures. Yvette has extensive knowledge in diabetic, and geriatric foot care, corn and callus maintenance, ingrown toe nail relief and detection of fungal infections of the feet and nails. She also acts as a liaison between client and physician. Yvette is also a certified podiatric assistant, and a certified medical and advanced nail technician. She is also responsible for the development of Spa Space’s Sports Pedicure, Vanilla-Almond Manicure & Pedicure, and the Whipped Chocolate Manicure & Pedicure. Yvette has been with Spa Space for nearly 12 years, and is the most senior staff member of the nail department.
Monika – Nail Technician:
Monika is a perfectionist – she excels at giving an absolutely flawless polish job and shaping the nails to complement the hands. Her positive energy and intense focus on the quality of her work will leave you looking and feeling your best!