May 2017 CentralBeat / BeautyEntrepreneurs Page 5
Spa Paradis – a spa for the discerning client
By Marissa Badall
Ten years ago , I had my very first spa treatment . My eldest brother was getting married and after weeks of “ gentle encouragement ” ( more like pestering ) from my mother , I agreed to at least try out a facial . Personally , I did not see the point – I ’ d never suffered from bad skin , and attending an all-girls ’ school in the nineties instilled a drive to attain clear , healthy , dewy skin .
With some misgivings about pain and redness , and not knowing what to expect , I tried out the most well-known spa in San Fernando at the time … and I was hooked .
Last year , I found out about Spa Paradis , owned and operated by Priscilla Gobin , whom I ’ d met a few times through friends . After pursuing studies and training in the field of aesthetics , in 2014 Priscilla began offering spa services at her home in Caroni , operating as Sanus Per Aquam ( loosely translated as ‘ health through water ’). This was appropriate as her spa featured the Repêchage line of products , which are based on natural ingredients from the sea . In 2015 , with growing demand and with a reputation for excellence , Priscilla expanded her business and opened a new spa at Plaza de Montrose , Chaguanas Main Road . Spa Paradis was born .
Given that I ’ d been experiencing declining service coupled with increasing prices at my usual spa , I agreed to try out Spa Paradis as a friendly gesture … and I have not looked back since !
From my very first impression of Spa Paradis , I was pleased to be in a relaxing ,
comfortable and soothing environment , which had none of the usual spa accoutrements – there were no cascading ( maddening ) waterfalls , no overbearing aromas and no crowded waiting areas .
I was ushered in on time for my appointment and Priscilla began her examination of my skin , explaining what was good or not-so-good about it every step of the way . For the first time , I had an aesthetician who seemed to actually understand what she was seeing and could answer my questions . For instance , for years I ’ d been plagued by miniscule white spots on certain parts of my face – they were not whiteheads or possible cholesterol deposits ( which was the explanation given by everyone else ) but something called milia . Priscilla did not only identify
The mani-pedi stations at Spa Paradis , Rodney Road , Chaguanas .
them and explain what they were instantly , but she also went on to remove them with the use of a specialised tool .
I was dumbfounded and very , very impressed .
For me , this is what stands out about Spa Paradis . Priscilla continues to grow her knowledge in the field by attending training workshops and conferences abroad , in addition to supplementing her skills at classes locally – she is currently learning hair care and hairdressing . As a result , compared to other aestheticians , she does not mindlessly parrot treatment steps while delivering the service ; rather , she speaks with the confidence and knowledge of someone who has devoted time to honing their craft and therefore understands skin health . It is no wonder then that she
received the Shining Star Award from the CEO and Founder of Repêchage , Lydia Sarfati in 2015 – a notable achievement for someone who was only 26 at the time .
In addition to skin treatment services , Spa Paradis offers a range of manicures , pedicures , wraps , waxing and massages . Again , you see Priscilla ’ s experience when she waxes as she takes the time to examine the direction of hair growth to be as effective as possible while minimising pain . At the same time , she advises on details such as which eyebrow shape is best suited to your facial structure , but she walks the line on advising while fitting in with what her clients want .
My husband went for a massage some months ago and he has been plotting a return ever since . Unbelievably , compared to what I was accustomed to paying for services , the prices at Spa Paradis are extremely competitive , especially when compared to other spas which use the same line of products . I am literally getting twice the results for almost half the costs . This extends to the products which are on sale at affordable prices .
Spa Paradis has been through its share of changes , culminating in a recent move to Rodney Road Plaza , # 4 Rodney Road , Endeavour . This places it squarely out of the Chaguanas Main Road traffic , with accessible parking .
So what ’ s next for Spa Paradis ? Priscilla is currently working out the details of introducing a hair salon , but her future plan is to branch into medical aesthetics , ultimately transforming Spa Paradis into a one-stop medical spa and salon . I , for one , cannot wait !
Smoother Skin
Stronger Nails
Silkier Hair
A more beautiful you
Feel l nat n t ur rar al , be natut ur rar al , ch hoose s e
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