Imagine walking into a salon for a pedicure and getting a neck and shoulder rub along with it. This is what happens at La Choza Day Spa.
The nearly nine-year old spa is tucked away in the Foxworthy Shopping Center. The storefront visage gives way to an island of calm with soft music, warmth and relaxation. It offers everything from facials to massages, from body treatments to spa packages, from manicures and pedicures to happy hour pedicures as well as teen services, waxing and make-up applications.
Angelica Carr opened La Choza after designing the place from its tile floors to its curtains and ceilings. “I wanted to design something that will make people feel relaxed and welcoming as soon as they walk in,” she says.
Although she has since married and has a 5-year old son, Carr opened the spa as a single mother and someone who knew the value of women having just an hour to themselves.
“In order to have quality time with my child, I knew that just a little bit of time to myself makes a big difference,” she says.
Carr also suffers from fibromyalgia, she says. “I know the value of releasing tension, not just in massage but also in providing healing relief. I’m passionate about that. We take our time and know that everyone is different, and so we treat each customer differently.”
All four employees have been certified as massage therapists, cosmetologists, aestheticians and nail technologists, she says. They include Carr, her daughter Kristen McCoy, Rosa Radillo and Clara Banachie. Two receptionists, Theresa Chiaramonte and Ruby Rais, round out the staff.
McCoy started out at the spa as a part-time receptionist after school and on weekends. After high school she received her certifications and now is amajoring in nursing at college. She still works part time.
Carr’s first job was at Hayes Mansion as an aesthetician and nail technician. All the work done there was under Preston Wynne, who trained the spa staff for facials, massages and manicures because they were selling his products. When Hayes Mansion began having financial problems, Carr decided to strike out on her own.
“I went in blind, and at times it was bad and ugly until it turned good. I wanted to build something and offer something different to clients. Business started booming after the website went up and people discovered us,” she says.
The day spa is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday services require a reservation, but walk-ins are accepted during the week. Seniors 55 and over receive a 15 percent discount on Wednesdays. The spa offers a wide variety of services and price ranges.
La Choza is located at 1451 Foxworthy Ave., at the junction of Foxworthy and Cherry avenues. Call 408.448.0573 for an appointment.
