The secrets of her success really aren't all that secret: Innovation, excellent customer service and giving back to the community are what have helped Kathleen Sather earn the distinction of having maintained a successful Sky Valley business for 25 years.
Kathleen's Day Spa in Monroe (22021 Old Owen Road) offers an extensive variety of customized facial treatments, including microdermabrasion, photo rejuvenation, collagen treatments and facial peels. Sather also specializes in reflexology, waxing, pedicures and manicures, age-management programs and professional makeup application.
In addition to being a certified age-management specialist, Sather is a certified five-star aesthetician, a master nail technician, reflexologist and a professional makeup artist.
To honor the 25-year milestone, which Sather celebrated on Wednesday, April 1, Kathleen's Day Spa will offer retroactive specials throughout the year. During the month of April, she will feature $35 facials, which is what they cost when she first began providing the service.
Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Copple has been a longtime customer.
"I've been a customer since she opened her shop in the Valley,GÇ¥ Copple said. "Kathleen is a great aesthetician and an even better friend.GÇ¥
Copple recalled spending an afternoon at Kathleen's Day Spa many years ago with her daughter Paige. The two had planned a special mother-daughter celebration, which involved getting dressed up and enjoying an afternoon of pampering at the spa, followed by a mother-daughter photo shoot. Paige was about 4 years old at the time.
"It was a really serious occasion to her, and Kathleen made it very special,GÇ¥ Copple said. "She's been a part of many special days in the lives of a lot of beautiful people. Paige and I are happy to wish Kathleen a happy anniversary.GÇ¥
Not only was Sather's facility the first day spa to open in Snohomish County, it was also the first certified anti-aging day spa in Washington state. When Sather first began in the beauty industry, she specialized in nails and waxing. She then worked toward furthering her studies and increasing her credentials, adding services as she went.
"I love learning new things, so I kept adding more stuff,GÇ¥ Sather said.
She learned cosmetic techniques from industry giants like Academy Award-winning makeup artist Maurice Stein and Hollywood makeup professional Marvin Westmore and obtained paramedical training, which enabled her to work with cancer patients and burn victims.
Giving back
In 2006, she served as a volunteer instructor for the "Look Good Feel BetterGÇ¥ program at EvergreenHealth in Monroe, which helped cancer patients care for their skin and combat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Giving back to her community has always been a key part of Sather's business model, whether working with cancer patients or organizing food drives to benefit the Sky Valley Food Bank in Monroe. While serving as a Rotarian, she volunteered at the homeless dinners in Monroe. In 2011, she was voted Ambassador of the Year by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
She is currently a member of both the Monroe and the Sky Valley chambers.
Sather has worked to represent her profession in Olympia by serving on the Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics and Manicuring Advisory Board. Working to craft legislation relevant to the cosmetology industry and help implement new laws, she served on the board from 2007 to 2013, completing two three-year terms.
After 25 years in the business, Sather's No. 1 beauty tip is to stay out of the sun.
"It's not a question of "if' it's going to get you, it's "when' it's going to get you,GÇ¥ Sather said. "And it will give you wrinkles.GÇ¥
Sather explained that there are numerous treatments that can help to reverse sun damage and the effects of aging, including using professional-grade products and getting treatments like facial peels, which are most effective when done in a series of six treatments. Microdermabrasion and hydrating treatments featuring vitamins and collagen can also benefit the skin.
"I've got a bunch of these masques that I mix up fresh for my clients,GÇ¥ Sather said. "I've got one that's made from real pearls and ginseng that is perfect if you've got some special occasion and you want your face to look just absolutely wonderful.GÇ¥
LED light treatments, also known as photo rejuvenation treatments, are another, more contemporary weapon against aging. The healing benefits of LED light were originally discovered by NASA decades ago, while using LED technology to experiment with plant growth in space. Subsequent research has shown that LED light stimulates collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps diminish sun spots and scars and can even help with rosacea. The procedure is pain-free and most effective when done in a series.
Kathleen's Day Spa offers photo rejuvenation and a variety of additional services for both men and women. The facility, which boasts a striking view of the valley, is perched above Woods Creek near Monroe's disc golf course.
For more information on Kathleen's Day Spa, visit www.facebook.com/kathleensdaypa?fref=ts. To schedule an appointment, call 360-794-3395.
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