09 July 2010 4:19PM Virginian-Pilot
It's not a knead, but maybe it's a want
It sounds a little like a restaurant with no food: A massage business with no touching?
That’s how Relax bills itself. The spa opened in May in a suite on the 5th floor of Dominion Tower in Norfolk, offering “an alternative method for relaxation and wellness.”
Instead of kneading by human hands on skin, a Relax treatment lets customers remain fully clothed while laying on a bed with heated jade rollers and infrared light doing the work.
That saves clients the time and potential discomfort of disrobing and getting oiled up for a hands-on massage, said Heather Parsons, the spa’s owner.
Parsons said she found no one else in Hampton Roads offering this kind of service. A 30-minute session costs $35, and an hour costs $50.
She introduced the concept from Dominion Tower, on Waterside Drive, because it houses plenty of potential customers who have little free time but a willingness to spend on stress relief.
“I have brokers, I have bankers, I have VPs, I have people stressed to the gills,” particularly with the economy in turmoil, Parsons said. “I wanted to test it in a high-stress market with the kind of clientele that could use it.”
– Carolyn Shapiro
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-----Original Message-----
From: Alyta M.
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 9:35 AM
To: HEATHER PARSONS
Subject: RE: We will See you at 11:30 at Relax,,,,
Heather,
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the experience. My
friends are an eclectic mix but they all enjoyed the experience. Your
place's greatest asset is you! Your kindness and willingness to take care
of us during our visit created the perfect environment for a girls day out.
My 45 - 60 year old group of women were renewed. Money well spent.
Alyta M.
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Hi Heather,
I want to take this opportunity to Thank You for a wonderful massage at "Relax". I also would like you to use this memo as a review for future customers who may not know what to expect with this unique massage.
As you know I had my third massage on Friday,October 14,2011 and have purchased several more for the future. My advice to those who are considering coming to "Relax" is this: This is not only a massage,this can be an hour of complete solace that you never realized before which is why the name "Relax" is so appropriate. It is not a hands on massage given by a professional. It is an experience whereby you enter a private room that is serene and you lay on a bed which massages you while you listen to soft music.
My first visit was for therapy to relieve pain in my lower back and of course I felt better when I left.
My second visit turned out to be one of the best days of my life. My mother had died about five weeks prior and while laying there thinking of her I had some beautiful spiritual moments,which by the way continued throughout the day.
My Third visit ,I went knowing that I was going to visualize beautiful places and just be alone for one hour to relax.
The point of my review is to tell you that it is up to you to decide how you will enjoy this hour,as they say "You are the Designer of your own Destiny"
It is a wonderful place and Heather Parsons is an Angel who was meant to do this Service so Thanks again Heather for my wonderful experience at "Relax"
Irene Fox
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Heather,
Thank you so much for a great massage session for my mom on Saturday. She couldn't stop raving about how great the massage felt and how wonderful you had the place set up for relaxation. She loved everything from the mood of your office, to the music and aromatherapy you had in the session room. She even mentioned how you had made her tea perfect! She will definitely be spreading the word in her office among other women with lower back pain due to lifting children with special needs.
Thanks again!
Christina and Janice
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Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 12:30 PM
To: 'goRelax@verizon.net'
Subject: Sessions
Heather,
I so enjoyed my session! It was amazing how refreshed and renewed I felt the rest of the weekend and how peacefully I slept that night. I have told some people here about the experience and so far I know of one that will be purchasing a session from you today. Take care and thank you for bringing such a wonderful product to Hampton Roads....it was truly amazing! And your charm and welcoming personality makes the experience so wonderful!
Angie V.
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Clientele Experiences
Terri M. from Norfolk, VA. was quoted as saying, " I have never experienced such a unique method of massage in my life. I loved it!"
Marian from Chuckatuck, VA. "I did not want it to end"
Michele K. from Norfolk stated, "I wish my chiropractor had this available before my adjustment."
Daniel B. from Norfolk, VA. stated, " It reminded me of a day at the beach. Rolling waves and the warm sifting sand"
Eileen T. from Suffolk, VA. said "it was so nice to be massaged without an audience. So much more relaxing"
Tyler C. from Norfolk, VA. stated, "it's like a happy hour without the alcohol. Fantastic for the work week!"
Tara M. from Va. Beach stated, " I am so glad Relax has introduced this light therapy to Hamptonroads. I have been hearing wonderful things from my west coast friends about this wellness technique."
Markus G. from Va. Beach, VA. was quoted as saying, "perfect for the business executive that has very little time to spare, like myself, but need to recharge during the work week."
Michelle L. from Chesapeake, VA. stated, "My lower back has never felt so relieved. It was instant."
David R. from Norfolk, VA. stated, "There is a significant difference in my golf game after a session. Would highly recommend"
Denise M. from Norfolk explained, "WOW, this is NO shiatsu like my nail salon. A Completely different animal. That was magnificent!"
Katie E. from Va. Beach said, "I felt so relaxed I wanted to go to sleep ,but it felt so good I didn't want to miss it"
Amy H. from Smithfield, VA. was quoted as saying, "Relax is the best kept secret in Hamptonroads!"
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