Twenty years ago, it was difficult to find a massage therapist in Chattanooga, much less a full-fledged day spa. Such a thing was practically, if not entirely, nonexistent in the city - a void which Chattanoogan Kelly Brock noticed and filled with Natural Body, a day spa and shop selling natural products which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Within six months of opening in Riverview, Natural Body had become so popular that Brock decided to open another location downtown on Market Street.
At first, Natural Body's offerings were limited to relatively basic massages, facials, pedicures and manicures, as well as a few detoxifying body wraps. But the eight-time winner of the Chattanooga Times Free Press' Best of the Best Awards has greatly expanded since then.
Natural Body now has 15 different massage options, including heated stone therapy, sleep therapy and, the newest additions to the offerings, reiki and muscle-relaxing CBD, or cannabidiol, oil massages. Reiki is a Japanese technique that aims to move energy through the body. CBD is a derivative of the cannabis plant which is said to have medical benefits for everything from seizures to anxiety, but does not contain THC, the chemical that leads to a "high."
The shop now also offers additional wraps, such as seaweed, and more facial options including dermaplaning and microdermabrasion.
"We're not a medical spa at all, but a spa about relaxation, healthy living and striving to be as green and organic as we can be," said Brock. "Besides making the body feel good, our focus is on customer service and education. I'm so thankful for my staff and grateful for all they've given over the years."
Natural Body is an area franchise, but the Chattanooga stores are locally owned and family-run, with Kelly's daughter Mary Alice Brock managing both locations.
Both stores are toasting the spa's 20 years with a special all-day celebration Thursday, March 17. Guests can enjoy Champagne and green cookies in honor of the shared holiday, St. Patrick's Day, as well as the spa's green, environmentally friendly practices; and products made with natural and organic ingredients. Additionally, customers who receive or book services or make a retail purchase that day will get a $20 Natural Body gift card.
"We want to say 'thank you' to our customers," Kelly Brock said. "We're grateful to them for keeping us here for 20 years and we want to share our celebration."
Natural Body Riverview is at 1202 Hixson Pike and can be reached at 756-2639. The downtown location is at 300 Broad St. and can be reached at 266-6288. Learn more at naturalbody.com.