Spas look for separate niches to lure customers
Opening a spa at a time when consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending can be rough.
The owners of two separate suburban spas have launched their businesses aimed at setting themselves apart, each with a special niche.
The thrust of Mariola's Organic Spa & Retreat in Long Grove is to use and sell organic products while Facelogic Essential Skincare Spa in South Barrington is marketing affordable luxury.
Anna Phan of West Chicago launched a Facelogic franchise several months ago in the Arboretum of South Barrington. The business motto is to offer facials at an affordable price.
The signature facial is $49 for a 50-minute customized treatment. The business promotes monthly memberships so customers can maintain their skin care needs at a lower cost. The spa also offers an array of facials including the Peter Thomas Roth unwrinkle treatment for $99. Other salons charge up to $300 for this treatment, Phan said.
She started the business based on personal needs. The mother of a 6-year-old daughter said she suffered with hormonal facial cysts for years. She tried a facial and that helped tremendously.
Her husband then found Facelogic online. Phan laughs that she thought her husband was finding a new location for her to have a facial. But instead, he suggested that she launch a franchise location. He now assists with the business.
The franchise is growing across the United States. Locally, another Facelogic franchise, with different owners, operates in Naperville at 1316 N. Route 59. For more, check out facelogicspa.com.
Meanwhile, the spa in Long Grove is attempting to capture the customer who is conscious about the products they apply on their body.
"It's all healthy," said Mariola Makowka, owner of Mariola's Organic Spa & Retreat at 3976 Route 22.
The business owner who resides in Hawthorn Woods said organic products are ideal for people who want only natural products on their skin. She said that the skin absorbs lotions and stressing the importance of using healthy alternatives. She often sees cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The spa offers facials that range in price from $85 to $125. Hourlong massages range in price from $80 to $105.
Originally from Poland, Makowka worked as an esthetician for the past 10 years at a nearby salon before launching her business. In addition, she added that she only uses organic cleaning product at the spa and features the use of bamboo towels and sheets.
Makowka says she enjoys helping and educating people. For more, check out mariolasorganicspa.com.
Kim Mikus covers small busines and retail. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.