Staff Highlight: Kela Griffith

Kela Griffith

     Kela Griffith was the very first person to do a pedicure at Urban Sanctuary in the summer of 2010, when we first opened the nail department at our new Boulevard location. We were a little worried that the hustle and bustle of nail services might compromise our otherwise serene spa atmosphere, but Kela set the tone perfectly from the start. Her clients get to enjoy the most peaceful, pampering and relaxing manicures and pedicures you could imagine. She is extraordinary! We've struck gold...

Here's a little Q&A so you can find out even more about Kela!

Kela, where did you grow up?

     Green County

How long have you been here?
     10 years

Is there anything you want to share about yourself?
     My Dad taught my brother and I how to lay a foundation, literally! Our family owned a restaurant and night club when we were growing up, and we actually built it from the ground up. My Dad had his own construction company, too. Dad also used to have a pair of alligator shoes in each and every color! He was very debonaire... He has always been a very sharp dresser and still is.    

What do you do in your free time?

Kela's Dad

     I write poetry and spoken word, and I workout.

Do you like music?
     I like blues, jazz, R&B, some hip-hop and oldies

Do you have any favorite movies?
     Yes, The Green Mile and Book of Eli

What are your favorite TV shows?
     Family Feud is my favorite game show, and I like to watch cooking shows, game shows and reality television.


Kela is a gem and a real breath of fresh air... She has a little boy and a girl and she's an all around positive person! We are still trying to to figure out how she finds the time to workout with two young children and a dog at home!

Book a pedicure or a manicure with Kela soon. You will love it!
To schedule call 706-613-3047.

Staff Highlight: Suzy Fiorentino

Suzy Fiorentino

     Suzy Fiorentino has been giving massages at Urban Sanctuary for more than half a decade. From the beginning, she has delighted our clients with her extraordinary massages. She has certainly exceeded our expectations in a number of ways. For one, Suzy has endless creative energy, which she channels into both beautiful and bizarre things, such as: sock puppets, handmade bath teas, paintings, hand-drawn comic strips for our staff announcement board, elaborate doodles on the daily spa schedule or anything she can find in the break room, and lots of other amazing creations... Suzy has surprised us at many turns. She has an amazing sense of humor and she is also very sweet and extremely reliable. What can I say? At this point, I'm just blatantly bragging about her... Might as well just continue to do so!


Where did you grow up?

     Spartanburg, South Carolina

What are some of your favorite things about Athens?
     The food, the quirkiness, and the community.

Where do you like to hang out here?
     Hobby Lobby and my couch

Where do you like to eat?
     Hobby Lobby (just kidding), White Tiger, Agua Linda and Trappeze

Do you have any fun tidbits about where you grew up?
     Spartanburg had two Ostriches 10 years ago... (Wow!)

What kind of things do you do when you are not at work?
     Wii bowling (I'm pretty good at it), drawing, eating cereal

What are your favorite TV shows?
     Tosh.0 and Seinfeld

     Suzy works every weekend and some weekdays at Urban Sanctuary. She loves giving Asian foot massages, the headache massage and aromatherapy massage. Treat yourself to a "thank God it's Friday massage" with Suzy soon, by calling 706-613-3947.

Staff Highlight: Rachel Krych Watkins

     Rachel Krych Watkins moved to Athens, Georgia during the summer of 2011 to get hitched. She married one of Athens' own finest and somewhat famous musicians--lucky for him and definitely lucky for us! Rachel has lived in California, Texas and Pennsylvania. We are so glad that she decided to make Athens her home...

     Rachel gives manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary. She loves giving foot massage and recently got special training in our Asian foot massage. She is really easy to be with and I'd consider getting my nails done twice a week, just so we could hang out together more!

Find out more about Rachel...

What do you think is one of your strengths?
     I think being a mother is my greatest strength... I have a 7-year-old daughter. She keeps me very very busy. She is a joy!

What do you think is one of Athens' greatest strengths?
     The great sense of community--and there's lots to do here.

What are some of your passions?
     I love to read: I am ALWAYS working on a book! I also absolutely love to travel and have been many places in the world.

Where is your favorite hangout in Athens?
     My back deck

What else do you like to do with your free time when you're not relaxing on your back deck?
     I like to cook and to go thrift shopping. I also like watching Mad Men and Downton Abbey.

What is your favorite movie?
     Amelie

How about favorite music?
     I love Radiohead, Dead Confederate (husband's band), Futurebirds and Tori Amos

What, in your opinion, are Athens' greatest restaurants?
     DePalma's and Sr. Sol

Anything else you'd like to share about your family?
     We have a dog named Eddy Spaghetti. Also, my parents have been married since they were 19 years old! That's 42 years...


If you'd like to enjoy the pleasure of Rachel's company, call us at 706-613-3947 to schedule yourself a manicure or pedicure with her. She will take good care of you!

Prenatal Massage: Benefits and What You Need to Know

   
  Relaxing massage can be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Throughout each trimester, women undergo a series of physical and emotional changes. As the baby grows, Mom's center of gravity changes, increasing the strain put on her back and leg muscles as well as other body parts. This can lead to daily aches and pains.

     A multitude of factors can create quite a bit of discomfort and fatigue for women who are with child. Achy low backs, swollen ankles, problems sleeping at night and sinus trouble top the list of most common complaints.

     Many women report that they feel terrific throughout the entire pregnancy. They glow, they're energized, they are rested and excited about the baby's arrival! For those lucky souls, a prenatal massage is still a great idea. After all, massage isn't just for solving problems and relieving chronic pains. A massage is a good idea even when nothing is "wrong," so to speak. Massage creates a pause in your day, an hour of quiet, the opportunity to feel nurturing touch, put your feet up and be completely taken care of. And it's healthy!

     Whether you would categorize yourself as a woman experiencing a super "easy" pregnancy, one who's absolutely worn out or you're somewhere in the middle; consider having prenatal massage to take care of yourself throughout this very special time...

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

• eases backaches
• settles the nerves
• relaxes tense muscles
• boosts circulation all over
• reduces swollen ankles
• relieves low back and hip pain
• stimulates sluggish circulation in the legs
• helps with numbness in the feet & hands
• reduces sinus pressure
• reduces tension headaches
• relieves sore feet and sore knees
• moisturizes and hydrates your skin
• reduces irritability
• calms mood
• rejuvenates

     The above list of benefits is not all-inclusive, but touches on the main benefits of massage during pregnancy. Some women have experienced improved sleep, decreased anxiety and decreased chronic pain as a result of regular massages received during their pregnancies. Others notice much more subtle benefits.

What You Need to Know

--Let the spa know that you are pregnant when you call to book your appointment. Do not wait until later. Not all massage therapists perform prenatal massage. The spa needs to be sure to book you with one of the people who specializes in prenatal massage.

--If you have trouble climbing stairs or would rather not, request a service room on the ground floor at the time of booking. It may be hard to switch rooms once you arrive, if the spa is busy.

--If you have any concerns about the safety of getting prenatal massage for yourself, talk to your doctor. If you have any medical challenges or questions, please, bring them to your doctor. We cannot give medical advice at the spa. It is not our place to do so.

--We offer side lying massage with lots of special body pillows for pregnant women at Urban Sanctuary... It's really quite comfortable! The pillows can bolster the chest, belly, knees and so on. If you are still comfortable laying supine (on your back), that's okay, too.

--You can get up to relieve your bladder halfway through the massage, if you need to. Anyone can, but we know that this is something that pregnant women might especially need with more pressure on the bladder. We understand!

--Lavender aromatherapy has a reputation for being wonderful for pregnancy and very safe. We avoid using other essential oils for the most part to err on the conservative side. Inform us if you'd prefer we do otherwise for you.

--Things that you enjoy during your "usual" spa visits may not agree with your system during pregnancy. It's amazing how the body changes and adjusts for the baby.

--There are a few services we avoid with pregnant clients. We do not usually offer much heat, deep tissue massage, hot stones, scrubs, muds or seaweeds to pregnant women... They seem to be too taxing to the system and tend to be very detoxifying services.

--If you prefer very firm pressure during your prenatal massages, that is something to request ahead of time when booking. We do not want you to be disappointed with your massage therapist. Not all massage therapists are comfortable giving firm pressure during prenatal massages, but some are. We trust that you know your body and you know what you want. Provided that you've cleared it with your doctor, we will strive to give you just what you want, as long as you let us know in advance what that is.

--Lastly, please arrive early and please linger after if you have time! We have created a beautiful space for you to enjoy a nice pause in your day to regroup... Please accept our invitation to be kind to yourself and unwind at Urban Sanctuary!

**Call 706-613-3947 for a personal consultation to match you up with the best services and the right massage therapist to suit your unique needs and preferences. Or write to us at info@urbansanctuaryspa.com with questions and suggestions.

Staff Highlight: Lizzy Mettler

About Lizzy

     Lizzy Mettler was the very first esthetician to join our facial department at Urban Sanctuary when we were still in our infancy. Alan gave all of the facials and did all of the waxing for the first year or so until we found Lizzy. Actually, I think she found us... with her husband Murphy's help. (I met Murphy at Tasty World back when Lizzy was studying esthetics). Lizzy and Murphy owned and operated Athens' much loved Tasty World for over 13 years, an Athens favorite downtown bar and nightclub, on the corner of Jackson and Broad Street.

     What a game changer it was to have Lizzy join us at the spa! She really has been instrumental in shaping and selecting what we have to offer you all at Urban Sanctuary today... Lizzy participated in researching, weeding out and testing many organic facial product lines, hoping to find the best and purest products for your services. She helped us find both the Suki and Naturopathica lines for retail after much searching. We have thoroughly benefited from Lizzy's high standards, as does anyone who has a service with her. It continues to be a real pleasure to have Lizzy on staff. Here you can read a few more tidbits about Lizzy:

Where are you originally from?
     Atlanta, Georgia

What brought you to Athens?
     I came here to go to UGA.

How long have you lived in town?
     I've been here for 20 years. (Wow)

Obviously, you like it here... What do you enjoy most about living in Athens? 
     I like the sense of community here.

What are some of your favorite places to hang out in town?
     The Botanical Gardens, Yoguri, Helix and the Athens Clarke County Library

Johnny Rotten

Favorite restaurants?
     Taquiera Del Sol and Last Resort

Music?
     The Glands, Holly Golightly and The Shins

Movies?
     Wes Anderson & Fellini films

What kind of things do you like to do for a creative outlet?
     I like to make arts and crafts, paint and garden. (Lizzy has her BFA in painting and recently had a painting on exhibit at the Lyndon house.)

Last question: Do you have any pets?
     Yes! We have Johnny Rotten the cat, Rosencrantz our fish and Daphne is our puppy.


     Lizzy offers threading, waxing and facials four days a week at Urban Sanctuary. Her department has grown to almost three times the size it was when she joined us years ago. We are so glad she's stayed with us over the years. If you haven't had a facial with Lizzy yet, be sure to have one. She is a treat.

     If you'd like to enjoy one of Lizzy's specialties, call us at 706-613-3947 to schedule one of her services. She will take good care of you!

Your First Massage: How To Choose and How Long It Should Be

Urban Sanctuary is nestled in the historic Boulevard district of Athens, Georgia.

     Massage is the most popular of all types of spa services. Massage therapists use various techniques to heal and relax both mind and body. There are many types of massage to choose from. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the massages we offer at Urban Sanctuary.

What kind of massage should I get? 
     There is no short answer to this question. It all depends on your personal likes and dislikes. Here are a few to consider:

• Swedish Massage-- is a safe bet for a first time client who would just like to relax. It is the most well-known type of massage and incorporates lots of kneading and long gliding strokes.
• Our Signature Massage-- we recommend for clients who want to experience a sampling of several  techniques and massage styles during one massage. It's a good way to help you learn what your preferences are. Our Signature Massage rolls Hot Stones, Dry Brushing, Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue techniques into one graceful treatment.
• Back, Neck and Shoulder-- this massage targets where many people ache the most. A good choice for a first timer.
• Deep Tissue or Sports Massage-- are perfect for you if you'd like to work out a few specific areas of your body or prepare yourself for strenuous activity. Both massage styles target the client's goals in a very productive, result-oriented way. The focused and directed attention to detail makes a lot of people feel very satisfied. If that sounds good to you, choose either deep tissue or sports massage for your first time. Both modalities appeal to people who prefer deeper pressure.
• Prenatal Massage-- addresses the special needs of an expecting mother. We perform prenatal massages in the side lying position and incorporate special techniques to address swollen ankles, legs and sinuses. Extra time and attention is devoted to the low back and hip area as well. We avoid using extra heat, very deep pressure and most aromatherapy during prenatal massages.
• Aromatherapy Massage-- focuses on incorporating essential oils in the massage and working the aromatherapy into your system. Lots of wave-like and rhythmical strokes orchestrate this very graceful, mood-altering massage. A great choice if you like aromatherapy. Not for pregnant women or people craving deep tissue work.

Want to try something other than the massages described above?
     We also offer Hot Stones, Thai massage, Foot Massages and Scalp Treatments to name a few. Read about the massages that aren't described here, on our website www.urbansanctuaryspa.com or  call us for help choosing which one to schedule... Your massage therapist will be a good person to help you decide which massage style will best serve your needs.

How long should my massage be?
     

• Half Hour Massages-- work great for attending to a specific area, like a face and scalp massage, foot massage,or back,neck and shoulder massage. A Headache Massage, sinus massage, or TMJ Massage fit into 30 minutes nicely. It's not long enough for a full body massage, but it is long enough to turn your day around. Tess Wilson and Alan McArthur both enjoy giving thirty minute massages.

• 1 Hour Massages-- are the most common length booked. Full body massages and massages for specific areas of tension work very well in an hour's time. Our Signature Massage starts at an hour because it combines three techniques. The Aromatherapy Massage and Full Body Hot Stone Massages are booked at an hour and up. Elizabeth, Suzy and Becca love to give 60 minute massages.
• 1.5 Hour Massages-- work best for tension and knots all over,  for deep relaxation and for people who need a combination of several different massages. Some of our clients with high-stress jobs like to get a 1.5 hour Swedish so they can completely unwind and turn off their racing minds. My'leka, Jen Berry and Nathan enjoy giving 90 minute massages.
• 2 Hour Massages-- are best if you need complete transformation. Do you need thorough coverage of a chronic pain area with plenty of time left over for a full body massage? Would you enjoy Reflexology,Scalp Massage and a Deep Tissue Massage all combined in one visit? Two hour massages are very transformative. Nina Paterson, David Williams, Candice and Krista Kramer each love to give 2 hour massages at Urban Sanctuary. 

  We can help you determine which massage type will best address your needs. We can also pair you with a massage therapist who will be a nice fit for you. Send your inquiries about massage by e-mail or call us. Our email is info@urbansanctuaryspa.com and our phone number is 706-613-3947.

Staff Highlight: Layne Lasseter

     Layne started working at Urban Sanctuary as an esthetician during the winter of 2011, just before spring. It's been only a year and a half that she's been with us, but it is impossible to imagine life at Urban Sanctuary without her. She is very sweet and nurturing to all of her co-workers as well as our clients! She absolutely loves doing make-up, waxing and giving facials. Her passion comes through, especially in her facials. Layne gives one of the best face and scalp massages ever!

Here's a little bit about Layne:

Where are you from?
     Dothan, Alabama

Why did you move to Athens?
     My fiancé, Dudley, wanted to attend UGA for graduate school.

How long have you lived here?
     11 years

Wow, that's a long time. What are some of the things you like about Athens?
     Athens manages to have all of the best qualities of a small town and the open minded culture of a big city.

Where are some of your favorite hang-outs?
     Jittery Joe's Coffee, 283 Bar (RIP) and North Campus

Places to Shop?
     Dynamite Clothing, Kum's Fashions--I have a thing for sunglasses

Places to eat?
     Love, love, love The National!

Any fun tidbits about where you grew up?
     Dothan is the peanut capital of the world. Its only claim to fame is that it's the last stop before Panama City Beach. Chances are you've been pulled over or stopped for fast food there...

What are some of the things you enjoy when you're not working?
     I've drawn & painted most of my life; I play most of the woodwind instruments; I love to read historical fiction and Victorian English literature, and I am a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan.

What in your opinion are some of the best TV shows?
     Doctor Who, Downtown Abbey, The Walking Dead and The Colbert Report

Do you have a favorite movie?
     Oh Brother Where Art Thou 

Do you have any pets?
     We have two Himalayans, Bleu  and Oliver. Best lap cats ever!

Anything you would like to share about your family?
     Yes. My mom started dating my dad because she thought he looked like George Harrison. So, in a way, I owe my life to the Beatles...



     Layne gives facials, waxing services and make-up applications five days a week at Urban Sanctuary. If you haven't already, have a service with Layne - call 706-613-3947. She will make you feel like one of the most special people in the world!

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Benefits Of Using Aromatherapy

    A wide range of benefits  can be achieved by using aromatherapy. Essential oils are profoundly healing and fortifying physically and emotionally. One inhalation can bring a remarkable change to your head space. The beauty benefits are plenty as well...

     Some essential oils will agree with your system beautifully and some just simply will not. This is completely natural. Every person has many parts that come into play causing some scents to delight, while others repel... These factors include body chemistry, body temperature, memory and association, gender, skin type and other much more subtle factors than all of the above. What you choose to use in your home, on your skin and in your bath should depend on what appeals you and which effects you are aiming to create...

     Not all essential oils have the same emotional, medicinal or cosmetic properties. They are each extracted from the roots, fruit, seeds, bark, leaves and flowers of a great number of plants around the world. That being said, it makes the task of writing an all-inclusive list of benefits nearly impossible. Some oils are more medicinal than others. Here is a general list of the benefits that are often experienced when using good quality aromatherapy oils for health, beauty and relaxation. Aromatherapy can:

 
  1) boost circulation
  2) strengthen the immune system
  3) repair damaged skin
  4) improve overall complexion
  5) help to purge the body of toxins
  6) ease muscle and joint pain
  7) clear and relax the mind
  8)  ease headaches
  9) act as a hormone and mood regulator
 10) regulate appetite
 11) stimulate digestion
 12) act as a sleep aid
 13) combat depression and fatigue
 14) relieve cold and flu symptoms
 15) improve stamina and concentration
 16) promote relaxation and well-being
 17) strengthen a feeble mind and improve focus

     This is not an all-inclusive list by any means. These are benefits that we most come across with our clients, as we use aromatherapy in our facials, massages and pedicures. There are many more. However, this list should be enough to inspire. Also, at Urban Sanctuary we carry skin, bath and body products in our boutique with over seventy different essential oils.

     Methods of delivering essential oils into the body vary. Inhalation most rapidly brings about emotional and mood changes, while massage or soaking will create the more systemic benefits, such as pain relief and detoxification.

     For suggestions and directions on how to use aromatherapy go to our July 30th article on how to use essential oils. Feel free to contact us at Urban Sanctuary for more information at 706-613-3947 or email candice@urbansanctuary.com.

The Benefits of Massage

     The benefits of massage are too many to name all in one place.While massage therapy is not a "cure all," its health impact is often greatly underestimated. When used in conjunction with other good practices, massage therapy can act as powerful preventative medicine... Here's a list of the benefits that our clients mention most often.

Massage Therapy 

• quiets and clears the mind 
• decreases frequency of headaches
• improves circulation
• increases flexibility
• eases joint pain
• eases muscle pain 
• relieves cramps
• releases overall tension
• improves confidence and esteem
• increases range of motion
• decreases recovery time
• helps to heal injuries and scar tissue
• decreases chronic pain
• enhances overall energy levels
• improves physical performance
• improves quality of sleep
• soothes frayed nerves
• strengthens the immune system
• improves ability to breathe deeply
• detoxifies the body
• improves body awareness
• helps people through times of grief and loss
• improves one's ability to cope with the everyday stresses of life
• enhances overall sense of well-being

 
     The healing properties of touch are immeasurable. They can be felt by both the giver and the receiver. Specific techniques can be employed by our massage therapists to achieve very specific results.General relaxation techniques can be employed to help your body let go of stress and tension. Both specific and non-specific massage techniques work to recharge all of the body's systems... This has a great impact on a person's overall energy level and sense of well-being.

     Massages scheduled at regular intervals tend to yield more noticeable long-term results. Putting an hour aside every 2-4 weeks to provide something nourishing for your body is one of the best gifts you could give yourself.

--Urban Sanctuary has very attractive massage series rates available to make having massage at regular intervals much more affordable. With a spa series you'll save $45-$145 for every 6 services you purchase. Inquire by calling us at 706-613-3947.
     

Staff Highlight: David Williams

David's therapeutic style includes use of his palms and forearms.

     David Williams has been a massage therapist for 12 years. He joined Urban Sanctuary staff this spring. We are really happy to have him! David and Alan are pretty much outnumbered at Urban Sanctuary by a predominantly female staff. It's great to have a few guys with us to balance things out!

     David's two greatest passions in life are massage and music, and he is glad to have found a home where he can express both.

     David and his wife Emily recently welcomed their first son into the world. His name is Gibson and one look at that baby will melt your heart...

Where are you from originally? 

     Jacksonville, Florida 

What brought you to Athens?
     Music
 

How long have you lived here?
     On and off for 12 years
 

What are some of your favorite things about living in Athens?
     The music, and my brother lives here... everything!
 

Favorite hang-outs? 
     Home -- I'm old.

Favorite places to eat?
     Ru-San's

Baby Gibson at 4 months

Do you have any fun facts to share about your life?

     I've been to film school.

On cooking...

     I went to culinary school, and my family owns restaurants. I cook everything.

Do you speak any foreign  languages? 

     I speak Florida and I'm learning Georgia.

 

On music...

     I play guitar. Visit my bands on Myspace -- The Shrinks and Commander Chameleon. I like listening to Pavement and The Pixies.

 

Do you have a favorite TV show? 

     House, MD, Dexter, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Do you have any pets?
     Three very fat cats.

We hear you are a family man...
     My parents and little brother are my best friends, along with my wife and son.


Have you had a massage with David?  He loves to do therapeutic massage. Japanese Foot Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports massage and Hot Stones are his favorites. Book an hour or 90 minutes with him on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Call us to book your next appointment with David, at 706-612-3947.