Staff Highlight: Nathan Hale

 Urban Sanctuary has been voted Athens' Favorite Day Spa 3 times and Athens' Best Day Spa 5 times.

  
Nathan Hale came on staff at Urban Sanctuary during our couples massage rush week in February, this year. He brings many years of experience and professional training to the table. Nathan has worked in Athens as a massage therapist for over 6 years and has enjoyed great success in a medical massage practice as well as another busy spa in town. Nathan is trained in Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Swedish Massage, Hot Stones, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Medical Massage and Body Scrubs. In the  time that he's been with us, several clients have shared with glee at the front desk, "That's the BEST massage I've ever had in my life!"

We love it when clients are absolutely blissed out after a  massage with us. It looks like Nathan has a lot of very happy clients. There is nothing in this world quite like a really good massage. Learn more about Nathan here or on the "Staff" page of our website, where our staff profiles are listed...


Nathan, where are you from and how did you end up in Athens?

I'm originally from New Holland, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. I wound up in Athens because one of my high school drum teachers had moved to Athens with his band and he loved it here. When visiting family in Pennsylvania, he came to check out my band and convinced us that we'd do really well in Athens. We visited in June 1994 and moved here in August that same year.

Tell us what you love about Athens.

I love the Athens community. There really is no place like it. While I was drawn to Athens because of its music scene, there are lots of other things that make Athens very appealing to me. Places like Wuxtry Records, Cozy Yum Yum and Daily Groceries give Athens an atmosphere that I haven't found anywhere else. 

What did you do in town for work before you went to Atlanta School of Massage?

I've always enjoyed the downtown area. Before I began working as a massage therapist, I worked in many different restaurants and clubs downtown, while also playing music in various bands. My longest stint was at the Grit. I also worked at the 40 Watt Club and the old Georgia Theater.

How did you become interested in being a massage therapist?

I first got interested in massage in high school when I received a massage after a wrestling tournament. I was really impressed with the benefits I got from it. It relieved both old injuries and new injuries. That's also how I became interested in physical therapy. Currently, I'm pursuing a BA in Exercise Science at UGA.

Tell us about your wife and your family.

My wife, Jessica, is in the Anthropology doctorate program at UGA. She is an underwater archeologist with an MS in Geology. We are both certified scuba divers. We have a daughter who is 2 1/2 years old and I have an 11 year old step-son. We may not have much free time, but we certainly have a full life!

And your music life?

I stay active in playing music, although my band SVA with whom I moved to Athens, is no longer performing. I play drums for Cosmic Charlie and have been part of that project since its inception in 1999. I used to be an active member of an Athens Haitian folkloric drum and dance group called Dance Dambala. I've studied Haitian music in Manhattan, Brooklyn and briefly in Haiti. I'm fascinated with world music; especially Afro-Cuban and Afro-Haitian folkloric drum and dance.

Mention this blog post and enjoy $5 off your first massage with Nathan. He works on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Urban Sanctuary. Nathan has a special interest in providing massage to people with cancer and in recovery from cancer. View our entire menu of services and our prices online. Call 706-613-3947 to book yourself a service. People love to unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary won a Historic Preservation Award in 2010 and a Beautiful Business Award in 2012 and 2013.

Top 12 Benefits of Natural Microdermabrasion Facials

Garden flowers at Urban Sanctuary in the Historic Boulevard District of Athens, Georgia.

   Natural Microdermabrasion Facials are a great way to turn up your glow. They utilize pure baking soda crystals to evenly abrade the skin and provide a thorough exfoliation and resurfacing of the entire face. Our Natural Microdermabrasion Facials use pure baking soda crystals instead of  aluminum oxide, which is what is used in standard microdermabrasion facials. The Natural Microderm is a great option for people who prefer to go natural; people who have extra-sensitive skin or those who have reactions to aluminum oxide.

    We chose this natural method over the traditional aluminum oxide method for several reasons. One, being that this method is in keeping with our philosophy at Urban Sanctuary. Natural is the easier, softer way, usually, when it comes to choices for skin and body care. Two, organic and natural is our preference, whenever possible. Three, the aluminum oxide is too toxic for use near the eyes and mouth. And finally, some people have adverse reactions to the aluminum. The Natural Microderm facials using baking soda have greater versatility as far as where you can go on the face and who can receive the facials. We love this facial!

Here are the top 12 benefits that our clients experience from
NATURAL MICRODERMABRASION FACIALS:

1. bring out your natural glow
2. treat inflammation and redness with natural baking soda crystals, which are anti-inflammatory
3. oxygenate the skin
4. plump up the skin by stimulating collagen production
5. revive devitalized skin
6. smooth and tone uneven skin color
7. refine the pores
8. increase circulation and elasticity
9. treat dark circles under the eyes
10. detox blemished and congested skin
11. smooth fine lines, scars and wrinkles
12. safe for many reactive skin types and safe for exfoliating the lips

  We include a fifteen minute consultation with every first Advanced Microdermabrasion Facial at Urban Sanctuary to ensure that this is an appropriate choice for your skin. Microdermabrasion cannot be performed on sunburned skin or open wounds. Some people elect to have it performed only on concentrated areas like the chin, forehead, neck or decollete only. We have lots of choices for you.

  For more about how it works refer to our November blog post. To schedule your consultation and Advanced Microdermabrasion Facial call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947. You may view our entire menu of services online. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary. We are open 7 days a week to make it easy for you.

Foods That Boost Happiness

Urban Sanctuary won a Beautiful Business award in Athens, Georgia.

  Being in the "feel good" business, we often have the opportunity to recommend happiness enhancing foods and other terrific well-being practices to clients. Massage, Body Scrubs and Body Brushing have an incredibly uplifting effect on people, partly because of the resulting boost of endorphins and seratonin. Yoga, exercise and aromatherapy spike endorphin production as well. Endorphins and seratonin are known as the "feel good" hormones.They improve mood and decrease pain and stress levels for people. There are many foods and spices that have the capacity to improve your mood and overall happiness levels over time. Here are just a few:

• ARUGULA-nutrient dense with many nutrients and several that protect us from depression. High in magnesium, calcium, folate and fiber.
• GARLIC-influences the brain's regulation of serotonin, a happiness chemical. Garlic is very rich in chromium which protects the brain.
• RED POTATOES-can lower blood pressure and protect the brain with kukoamines. Potatoes are iodine and folate rich; both nutrients help prevent depression.
• BEETS-are a high Vitamin B source with betaine, a natural anti-depressant.
• CHILE PEPPERS-contain a fat-soluble molecule called capsaicin which causes rapid endorphin release in the brain.
• TOMATOES-help your brain produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
• GRAPEFRUIT-contains essential oils that uplift mood and balance the nerves. Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C and good natural sugars.
• GINGER-is a natural aspirin impersonator, stomach soother and pain remedy. Fresh ginger releases endorphins and boosts energy.

Surveys show that regular trips to Urban Sanctuary for services improve overall happiness levels for many people. We've been voted Best Day Spa and Favorite Day Spa in Athens for 7 years in a row. Call us at 706-613-3947 or view our entire menu of services online.

Purchase Urban Sanctuary gift certificates online.

Staff Highlight: Terra Johnson

A rose petal foot bath and pedicure top off a Queen for a Day Spa Day at Urban Sanctuary.

Terra Johnson does manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary .   She specializes in the Asian Foot Massage Pedicure and gives an amazing foot massage. We are really happy to have her with us. Thanks to Terra, you now have many more options to choose from in the evenings and on the weekends when scheduling your manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary. These additional options include Sundays from 1:00-6:00. Hooray!

Terra's favorite services are the Asian Foot Massage Pedicure, the Urban Pedicure and the Urban Manicure. She gives a great hand and foot massage and is truly a good listener. Have a service with Terra and you'll have an opportunity to talk about your day, decompress and just completely unwind....


Terra, what got you interested in studying cosmetology and doing nails?

I have been painting other peoples' nails since I was seven years old. I used to love watching my mom do her make-up and hair. I have always been a "girly" girl, myself. I just love it all. Nail polish, make up, accessories--you name it! I think it's fun!

Tell us about your family.

I've been married for seven years and have two great step kids. Elizabeth is 12 (not at all into my nail polish and make up!) and Sloan is 17. We have two very spoiled dogs.

Tell us about life in your hometown.

Elberton is where I grew up and I still live there. It's about 45 minutes outside of Athens. In Elberton, you mostly have granite companies. I have worked for two of them. Once in a granite slab house and another time working with people designing custom kitchen counters. Everybody knows everybody in Elberton.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love planting flowers and doing yard work. I take great pride in my yard and really enjoy finding rare and unusual plants to display. I get that from my father. I also like cooking, entertaining friends and family, and listening to music. Our favorite restaurant is called Moogy's. It's in Tacoa.

Any favorite movies or TV shows?

I'm completely addicted to all of the Housewives shows! Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Orange County, New York and the list goes on. I'm a junky. I also love the Food Network. Pretty Woman is my all time favorite movie!

Terra is really fun. Whether you just love dishing about reality television or not, you'll find her company to be delightful. Book a manicure or pedicure with Terra today by calling 706-613-3947. View our entire menu of spa services online at Urban Sanctuary Spa.

Photo taken during a little girls' spa party at Urban Sanctuary.