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Waterloo spa gives clients a taste of Pompeii --" without the pizza The cmpluyt-cs of the Pumpcii Day Spa wear an Malian haulcshivld crest on their chests that repre» 50m: solace. life and promo (inn. Owner», Sharon Nagel and Maurizio Ianni. offer thaw aspects to their cliettts. as well as their full- day spa and salon sauces. which has already generated them more than 4.000 cus- tomers since opening in December 2002. Their patrons range in age from pre-teens to those in their eighties. Both said they strive to give their customers a relief from stress. starting the moment they walk through the doors that lead into their spacious spa. After visiting Pompeii, Italy 18 years ago. Ianni dreamed of opening a spa that was themed after the first Roman resort, where at one time Caesar sent his sol- diers to regenerate after fierce battles. They relaxed by taking therapeutic baths and indulging in the hot mineral springs that the leg- endary volcano offered. "When I went to Italy. I specifically visited Pompeii. learned the history of it and studied that in depth." said lanni enthusiastically. He said his passion was always to become a hairsty4- ist and dreamed of combin- ing his interest with Pompeii and his trade, lanni is also a glass designer and an archi- Icclural draftsmam A tour through his spa reveals many personal touches, Filth room is decorated and themed after Pompeii, with historical descriptions out- m Luann Not: but lhe ( 'Immu'le' Crrtaro (ondnm, Wham-or“ and cuduunns apply Not 0mm wrll qualify For side each doorway lanni explained that one of their biggest challenges when they conceived the idea. was for the business to be recognized as a full sec um day spa and um jusl a salon. Looking around the remodelled interior today, it's hard to imagine it as a former liquor store stocked with aisles of beer and wine. "it was just a huge big open space that was very dirty," said Nagel about when they first moved in. Once they opened for business. the spa initially had six employees. which has now increased to II. to better provide clients with their many services. These include, professional hair care treatments. aromather- apy hair and scalp mas- sages, body care, day spa therapy and facials, body therapies, holistic and hand therapy. pedicures and elec- uolysis. Plus. they offer full skin and hair care product lines. as well as an insane cafe' which sells a range of teas. espressos, cappuccinos and café mochas to make their clients feel more comfort- able and relaxed, "Our concept is we (Nagel and Iannil don't want In be the business. we want everybody and the business to be the business," said lanni. "We've been dubbed a hidden gem among clients." Their customers have come from as far as the Yukon. Alberta. Toronto, Peterborough and Hurling» ton, Once an entire dental office from Collingwood callmd on the Waterloo spa. "Our arms are reaching." said Ianni. "It's flattering." "In have also had own BUSINESS ers of a bed and breakfast from Niagara»On-The-lake spend the entire day at their spa, which both owners see as a privilege because of the amount of spas that sur- round the Niagara region. Currently, Nagel is excit- ed about her new massage service using heated stones, which begins in June. "R's when you're using natural polished salt stone." she said, "It's extremely relaxing for the client and it helps to give them some inner peace." The stones are heated. then glided over a persun's body. with the heat extend- ing deep within sore "tur a phone or mime quote BuAvldia-d represerNts the Nova-x "19"“? i runway of (and. "It's'wonderful for people who can't have pressure," said Nagel. - _ _ des and helping to soothe or relieve pain. - - _ _ _ She has been an estheti- cian for the past 21 years and now wants to focus on the holistic side of the industry. with stone mas- sage beinga part ofit. . Also, Nagel has consulted with various health boards and can't stress enough the importance of cleanliness in the spa and esthetics indus- try _ "We are exposed to that very intimate aspect of the hndv." she said. y,hc has spoken on the issue before 135 health inspectors at the Ministry of Health headquarters and also lectured at a seminar for Region of Waterloo health inspectors when their Spa first opened. Recently. she has spoken at the Waters loo Ministry of Health for inspectors from the regions of Halton and Peel. "I really appreciate the relationship I have with them." said Nagel. _ - Both nwners are proud of their reputation and are adamant about cleanliness when they are performing their services, "Customers should look at cleanliness." said Ianni, AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE "The environment that they walk into will say a lot about the esthetician performing the service." They are also excited for the future and are looking forward to the potential endless growth as word-of- mouth spreads about their business. Both have even thought about the possibility ofturrr ing their day spa into an overnight destination as their services and clientele expands even further. "We Vncwr rest our minds about the business. It comm often before anything else." "This is our passion,' said Nagel.