About The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (March 28, 2024)
BUSINESS THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2024 • PAGE 13 Husband and wife duo say their newly opened spa has special meaning for them Cassandra and Vaughn Irons, third and fourth from left, are flanked by staff members at their newly opened spa in Stonecrest. Photo provided BY KATHY MITCHELL FREELANCE REPORTER Husband-and-wife business team Vaughn and Cassandra Irons said their recently launched enterprise in Stonecrest is more than another business venture. "We live in Stonecrest, and we're delighted at how well its business community is developing, and we are proud to be part of it," Vaughn said. The couple recently held the grand opening of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in the Privi area of the Mall at Stonecrest on Mall Parkway. Vaughn described Privi as a "mall within a mall." It's a development focused on lifestyle, he explained, with entertainment, food and beverages, health services, art, education, and gathering spaces. "People who live in this area have in the past had to go miles to receive first- class spa services. That's why we decided to bring Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a luxury massage and facial spa franchise, to our own community," he continued. "Our confidence in the decision to invest in this franchise was bolstered by the spa's exceptional health and wellness offerings, its premium spa services, and our belief in the community's willingness to embrace the business." The couple noted that Hand & Stone is among the fastest-growing spa franchises in the country, and that it was named No. 1 in the spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2023, 2021, and 2020 and was ranked No. 8 on Forbes' Best Franchises to Buy list in the high investment category. Vaughn said his and his wife's new spa is also a community asset in that it provides quality employment for people living in the area. "We're really proud of our staff. Everyone we've hired is working out well," he said, noting that some staff members previously worked at other franchise locations. He added that he and his wife were impressed by "the brand's commitment to best-in-class training and ongoing education resources," assuring "exceptional skincare and massage treatments in a tranquil, relaxing, and comfortable environment." Cassandra said that in addition to the quality of spa services they liked that there were products and services that are suitable for all skin and body types. "We serve people of all ethnic backgrounds and we wanted to have a franchise that could serve them equally well," she said. The spa offers professional massage services, including Swedish, Himalayan salt, sports, deep tissue, oncology, and prenatal massages as well as its signature hot stone massage and facial and hair removal treatments "tailored to each individual's needs or skin concerns, with a wide range of services available for women, men and teens," the business's promotional materials note. Although he is a seasoned entrepreneur, Vaughn said he took a special interest in wellness after personally facing serious health challenges. Diagnosed with stage- five kidney disease, he underwent a kidney transplant made possible by his wife's willingness to donate her kidney to a stranger, setting off a chain of organ donations that solved the problem of finding a compatible donor, ultimately saving Vaughn's life. The experience, they said, opened a passion for health and wellness. In an atmosphere designed for relaxation from the decor to the music to the water flowing across the lobby logo, the facility features private treatment rooms, including one set up for couple massages. "This is something we especially wanted to do," Cassandra said. "Couples can come for a side-by-side massage on Valentine's Day, their anniversary, or anytime they feel like having a special time together." The facility offers memberships, she said, but also welcomes singular appointments. "There are several nearby hotels and those in town for a few days may decide they would like to relax with a massage or facial; they are welcome as well. It's a great gift for such occasions as birthdays or Mother's Day. We have had groups such as sororities express interest in scheduling a spa day for members." Although Hand & Stone has only been open a few weeks, it has been "booked and busy," according to Cassandra. 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If you would like more infor mation about Begonia or if you have questions about adopting, fostering or volunteering please email adoption@ dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Begonia goes to a good home. The shelter is full; save a life and meet your new furry friend, stop by DeKalb County Animal Services. Give us a call at 404-294-2996. No appoint ment necessary. m m 7s
