Aesthetician and massage therapist Daphne Nevels, left, stands with Conversion Salon & Spa owner and lead stylist Lana Carter Hudson.Name: Conversion Salon & Spa
Owner: Lana Carter Hudson, who is also the head stylist. She employs massage therapist and aesthetician Daphne Nevels, and is looking for stylists with personality to add to the staff.
Opened: 2004, in its original location on Frazier Avenue above the former Rock/Creek Outfitters space in North Chattanooga. After the business flooded, Hudson said she had to find a new location for the salon, and while at The Palms with a friend, she met the owner of her current building and moved in 2009. "I like the windows; I like natural light. I don't like to be closed in," she said. The styling, shampoo and waiting rooms all have the signature style of her previous location, with black-and-white checkered floors and red walls. The manicure area boasts a soothing mural and water feature, and the treatment rooms are painted a calming shade of blue.
Services: Body services from head to toe, including body wraps, microdermabrasion, anti-aging and acne facials, chemical peels, massages, natural manicures and pedicures, cosmetic application, lash extensions and tinting, brow tinting and lightening, waxing, ear candling, hair design, color, dimensional highlights and lowlights, dreadlocks, perms, chemical straightening, hair extensions, and hair thinning.
See results: One of the most popular services this time of year is the body wrap, said Nevels. Body wraps work best when done as a series, she said, adding that she has one client who just completed her fourth and has lost 15 pounds. "It's a plus for women trying to get in that dress, to get that look," without having surgery or going through pain, said Hudson. Another popular treatment now is ear candling, which Nevels said is excellent for any upper respiratory issues, including sinus problems, headaches, allergies and migraines.
Conversion Salon & Spa owner and lead stylist Lana Carter Hudson, left, stands with aesthetician and massage therapist Daphne Nevels in the East Brainerd salon.Coming soon: By the end of this year, Hudson plans to offer clients the option of a full day of up to 11 salon and spa services - as well as lunch and pickup from their homes, no matter where they live - which she's calling "Day of Rest." She sees it as a cellphone- and stress-free day that's all about the client, with a little wine, hors d'ouevres and plenty of pampering. "We specialize in customer service," Nevels said. "We specify all our services to the individual and give you the attention you need. You're not going to ever feel rushed."
See for yourself: The business is holding an open house during business hours July 25-27, and people are encouraged to stop by, take a tour and learn about all the services Conversion offers.
Location: 8402 E. Brainerd Road
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
More information: Call 710-3025 or visit conversionsalonspa.com
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.