It’s really hard to know where to begin with a blog. Do I tell you all about myself, my spa, my reasons for starting a blog, my family, my favorite TV shows, whether I believe in the existence of aliens?

The Beginning (of this part of the journey)

One day I just had to have a facial. I know it was around my birthday and I’m sure I was stressed out beyond all measure. So, I got a facial. That night I stayed up until midnight researching ways to quit my job and go back to school.

Then my company offered a Voluntary Lay Off and low and behold my job was one of those on offer. I took it, and my severance, sold my house, moved into my dad’s garage and embarked on 6 months of time suck known as Esthetician school. Well, 7 months after the time I took off for the concussion (but that’s another story).

Graduation, state testing (again, that’s another story), Christmas, New Year and searching for a new job I came across a space for rent inside an established salon. Using the rest of my meager savings I jumped in with both feet and opened Athena’s Oasis.

From first facial to doors opening it took 18 months. I have never been happier and I know that this is where I need to be.

What makes Athena’s Oasis different?

My age, my passion and my constant drive to delight my customer.

I earned my license at 38 years old after 11 years as an analyst and project manager for a huge company in Everett (rhymes with mowing). I knew what made me succeed (doing things my way) and what made me fail (doing things their way). What made me happy (knowing who my customer is and working with them to give them what they’re paying for) and what drove me out of my mind (not knowing who or what was expected of me until after I did it wrong 4 times and changed managers 8 times). And I strive to bring that self-awareness to my business.

Every customer is precious to me. Whether you’re here for the complimentary skin analysis or you want a full day spa package, you are my number one focus and I will do everything within my power to have you walking out of here delighted with the service you received and the information, samples or products you’re taking home with you.

And so on…

I plan to be around for a while. In fact, someday I hope that you’ll be able to walk into an Athena’s Oasis in your hometown. But for now I’m going to concentrate on you, my customers and see just how far I can take this little spa.

But what about the purpose of this blog, and aliens, and tv? I’ll get around to answering that at some point I’m sure.

Thanks for reading. – Athena