Welcome, Cat!  You are our very first Spa Owner in the Spotlight, and we're delighted to find out more about you and your all-natural spa.  Please tell us about yourself, and what your early influences were in going a more natural way.

     It all started in 1992 when my mom decided to make jam from the fruit at the family citrus ranch here in Santa Barbara.  At the height of our business we were making 36 flavors. (My mom is making a cookbook now)  After my dad passed away 9 years ago, my mom slowly converted the farm to an organic farm to let all the beneficial insects and birds take care of the orchard.  With the use of mulch and natural fertilizers there is less irrigation (water) needed as well.  At this time we realized how much our population is neglecting our earth. On a whole people rely on corporate farming and massive packaging production and we didn’t feel comfortable about that. Now we are organic and part of the “slow food movement” which means we take care to eat fresh, we support our local farmers and we make as much food by hand as possible thereby not filling up our landfill with plastic and packaging and at the same time not supporting chemical fertilizers, corporate farming, GMO, or pollution.  Of course, I had to convert my philosophy to my salon!

What inspired you to open Adagio?

     About five years ago I noticed that I felt nauseous every time I’d mix color and if I did more than 3 facials in a row I’d get contact dermatitis (red rash) between my fingers.  Then one day after coloring my hair I noticed red patches on my scalp and my hair had fallen out in chunks in some areas. (of course I freaked out! I had long hair) I started investigating and found out that people are starting to become allergic to hair color because of the intensely strong chemical formulas.  I knew then that if I wanted a career in the beauty business I’d have to open my own organic salon. I was only thinking of myself, but silly me I realized right away that there are women just like me that need a salon like Adagio. Now I have people coming to me from all over the world.  I am so glad, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What makes your spa unique, and what standards do you maintain in running it?

     We are 100% chemical-free except for one nail hardener in the nail polish and trace amounts in our non-toxic permanent hair color.  We strive for healing from within and from the outside through the skin.  After years of research we are using high performance natural products to achieve the same results as regular salons.  Our gals complain that they can’t be walking advertisements because they look naturally beautiful and no one can tell.  We do LOTS of highlighting because our natural bleach never ruins the hair.  I don’t know why every salon on the planet isn’t organic!

What products have you chosen to use (and sell), and why?

      We sell organic, all-natural and non-toxic products depending on the type of product it is.  Quality, purity and performance are all necessary when it comes to customer satisfaction.  A lot of “organic” companies come to me with their products, but after I take a look at the ingredient list I often see 30% chemicals.  This is allowed by our FDA, but to me it is not acceptable.  I’d rather sell 100% natural at that point because it is safer than 70% organic with chemicals.

What treatments do you provide there, and what would you say is the most requested treatment?

     We do 100% organic European facials, organic hair including non-toxic coloring and highlighting, organic massage and all-natural waxing with a special secret wax.  Our most popular facials are the Cleopatra’s Beauty Secret Facial and the Ultrasound Facelift Facial.  The most popular service in the salon is the non-toxic permanent hair color.  Although highlighting isn‘t far behind.  On Fridays we have Fab Friday specials that are $25.  Fab Friday’s keep us busy!!

What advice would you give other spa owners that are still using potentially harmful chemicals on their clients regularly?

     The products I use in my salon are better than the chemical products plus my salon smells great!  So, re-think!  What about our health, our land, our water, our planet…..

What advice would you give someone that is running, or wants to open their own all-natural spa or salon?

     I get calls from around the globe asking me to help them open an organic salon.  It takes research and a commitment to educate people.  It is extremely rewarding compared to having a regular spa/salon because you know you are improving people’s health while making them beautiful.  Plus you are helping to save our planet.  (If anyone is interested in a franchise opportunity for an organic salon please contact me.)

What do you like to do for fun when you are not busy running your spa?

     I love to hike, bike ride and swim.  I generally tend to get outside because I work indoors most of the time.  Picnics and BBQs with friends are another favorite pastime.  My boyfriend is from Greece and loves to cook.  I thinks it’s really romantic to cook and eat together.  We like movies, too.  We feel spoiled with Netflix at our fingertips.

Please tell us what your perfect pampering session would be like (and please don't skip anything, we want to live vicariously through your dreams!).

     I’m guessing this question is for me and not what I would suggest in my salon?  Doesn’t everyone like a nice bubble bath or Jacuzzi with maybe a little champagne or organic wine from Frey Wineries?  That to me is soooo relaxing.  Then a little foot massage from the sweetie or there are some great massaging foot baths.  It’s one of the most relaxing things you can do for yourself because your feet are connected to every part of your body.  Then I like to have dinner or snacks outside at the covered patio and watch the sun go down.  That can make you feel like you’re on vacation everyday.  One of my favorite things is falling asleep in my guys arms while we’re watching a movie and waking up to his soft kisses.  That to me is being pampered!

Any funny or interesting stories to share about your spa?

     The funniest part about having my salon in a quiet part of town is that my celebrity clients say “Thank goodness you are tucked away because I can come here so easily!”  And other people say “Why are you off the beaten track, you should be on State St.!”  It makes me laugh….you can’t please everyone!

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All views expressed in this Spotlight are those of the various participants, they are presented here for your enjoyment and enlightenment.  These views do not necessarily represent the views of SharAmbrosia or the "all natural beauty" website.