East Village Spa continues to require masks at all times (except when receiving a facial or lip/chin wax) if you are not vaccinated.
Effective Tuesday August 3rd, masks will again be required in common areas including the nail room. These are occasionally close quarters and we have mixed vaccine-status of individuals sharing these spaces.
Masks are required for unvaccinated massage guests and preferred for vaccinated massage guests. If you are vaccinated and prefer to remove your mask in the treatment space during your massage, you may need to provide proof of vaccination.
If guests are unvaccinated or are masked for any reason, rest assured your provider will also mask (even if vaccinated.) If a guest who is fully vaccinated opts to unmask during a massage, we’re permitting a fully-vaccinated provider to have the same option in that service. Otherwise, masking will be our default, regardless of provider vaccine status.
All estheticians will mask to provide facials, regardless of their vaccine status. Guests will obviously be able to unmask during facials, lip and chin waxing regardless of vaccine status.
While we respect employee privacy, we are beyond happy to honor your request for a vaccinated provider. We won’t disclose a list of “who is and isn’t” but call and Kelly and I can schedule you with someone who has signed a consent to disclose that they are vaccinated. Frankly, if you’re concerned about COVID19 transmission or have higher risk factors, this is a wise option.
As health and wellness providers, it is our job to improve community health. The situaion in Polk County is concerning and we don’t want to contribute to strain on our healthcare system. Thank you for your cooperation and kindness as we navigate an unfortunate situation that doesn’t have a “great” answer to fit every guest.
It takes a team of bright humans to help my scattered self look oranized and professional! I’m thankful for the East Village Spa Administrative Team. L-R Cassie (me!) Spa Owner, Anne, Assistant Spa Director, Vianey, Guest Experience Assistant, Kelly, Spa Director.
Do you have a person or team of people at work that you couldn’t manage without? I definitely do! Administrative Professionals’ Day is April 21st, 2021. Normally, Administrative Professionals are the ones on top of important dates, but this one is all you!
Need some ideas beyond flowers, donuts or lunch? We’ve got you!
Gift cards
We offer gift cards in-spa and online for any dollar amount. Gift cards are good for 5 years on retail and services. If you’re shopping at the spa, we can help you select a fun little gift to include for immediate enjoyment.
Thinking of planning a surprise spa day for your team? We strongly suggest going the gift card route instead and giving them plenty of notice to enjoy a day or half day off to select the services they most enjoy on a day they can truly relax and get the full benefit of a spa day.
I love combinging a thoughtful small indulgence like a coffee (or tea…we have that too!) scented body scrub with a gift card to someone’s favorite local coffee or tea shop.
Handwashing repair kit: Our best selling gift set!
This value-priced set includes 3 must-haves for people who are constantly washing their hands and using sanitizer. A hydrating shea butter hand cream, cuticle oil, and a honey mask that works great overnight or anytime dry skin becomes too much. These are available in several scents and have been very popular workplace gifts! These are great for remote teams and we’ll include chocolates and a note for shipping!
This is a perfect “thank you” for people in high stress positions. The shower mist is a top seller for men and women to make mornings a bit brighter, and the bath soaks help ease the tension of a long day or a challenging project.
These are great for shipping to remote team members and we always include a note and chocolates!
Let us help you shop! Call (515) 309-2904 and let us know what you need for your administrative team. We’ll ask a few questions and help put together customized gifts for everyone in your group from the person with the fully stocked candy dish to the weekend warrior. We’ll wrap and prepare them for pick up or fast shipping.
Many of our guests have waited until they were able to be fully vaccinated to return to the spa. We understand that people with higher risk factors are rightfully anxious about returning to close-contact situations. We strive to balance our guests’ understandable desire to do everything they can to feel safe and secure returning to the spa with our employees’ right to health privacy.
As a business owner, licensed massage therapist (and former Public Health student!) I understand. I’m on the cautious end myself. Spending 4 months with my business shuttered in 2020, I believe so strongly in vaccines as a way forward that I jumped at the change to participate in a research trial. Despite my personal enthusiasm and desire to share about my own COVID19 vaccine, the pandemic has also brought up interesting challenges regarding maintaining employee health privacy among questions from guests.
I was thrilled to do my (very small part) to contribute to a way out of this pandemic. I learned that I received the actual vaccine during the trial, and I will continue to be monitored for antibodies for the entire two year trial period.
If you wish to book with an employee who is fully vaccinated against COVID19, please call the spa. Most of our employees have been able to receive their COVID19 vaccinations and have granted the spa written consent to let their guests know, upon request, that they’ve been vaccinated. We respect the wishes of those who have not granted this written consent to disclose vaccine status and ask our guests to do so as well. For your comfort, we are happy to assist you in booking with someone who has provided consent to share that they’re vaccinated.
East Village Spa has always operated with utmost care and caution to keep our service providers and guests as safe and healthy as possible, before and during the pandemic and we are eager to continue to do our part to advance the health and wellness of central Iowans, whatever the future brings!
This post is written by Cassie Sampson, BA, LMT. Cassie owns East Village Spa in Des Moines, IA.
Transgender individuals may experience a wide array of skin changes, sometimes quite abruptly, during gender affirming hormone treatments. In addition to breakouts or changes in skin texture, hair changes can cause in-growns. Gender affirming surgeries also have a risk of scarring. Licensed estheticians are able to help with these challenges to assist their transgender guests to transition more comfortably.
Solutions for Acne:
Acne vulgaris is a common and chronic skin disease characterized by the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Androgen hormones can lead to acne, as well as increased sebum (oil) production and clogged hair follicles. Acne may present on the face, back, and chest.
Often, people attack acne with overly aggressive scrubs which can spread bacteria and further inflame pustules. Another common mistake is using harsh drug store ingredients like skin drying wipes, or skipping essential hydration which then leads to an increase in oil production as skin tries to compensate. Acne prone skin is inflamed and angry and like the saying goes, you can’t fight fire with fire. The products below will help nurture and calm skin.
For mild to moderate acne, a skin care regimen that addresses the root causes might include:
Beta Green Tea Cleanser: A gentle blend of salicylic acid and green tea helps with inflammation and keeps excess oil at bay, without stripping skin of needed moisture.
Mandelic Arginine Serum: A gentle blend of acids designed to exfoliate skin over time without irritation or spreading bacteria. This product also minimizes excess oil without stripping skin of moisture.
Balancing Grape Seed Serum: Wild Yam extract in this serum suports skin with hormone imbalances. If you watched the show Grace and Frankie you’ve learned the benefits of wild yam for menopausal hormone changes! It works for skin too. You’ll see this product recommended frequently for any hormonal transitions.
Blemish Serum: Use this as a spot treatment on blemishes or lesions. This is a far better choice than picking at them!
Growth Factor Gel: A daily moisturizer suited for oily and acne prone skin that absorbs quickly and calms irritation.
Rhonda Allison skincare ideal for breakouts
Solutions for changes in face and body hair, including ingrowns
People taking feminizing hormones may wish to undergo hair removal. In the beginning, coarser hairs might be best treated with a laser hair procedure as opposed to waxing to thin the hair. Laser hair removal breaks down the hair cells, slowing growth. This is not a service we offer at East Village Spa, but is what we generally recommend. Waxing some coarser facial hair can lead to irritation and ingrowns and isn’t always advised.
As people age, androgen hormones trigger longer, bushier hair in the ears and eyebrows. Our licensed esthetician, Cassandra, noted that people who have shaped their eyebrows with waxing from a younger age often will have less hair growing in general, those starting later in life will be “catching up” but with a knowledgeable esthetician, even bushy brows can be still beautifully shaped and products like a brow mousse can help to keep them in place.
Ingrown hairs can be treated similarly to other breakouts. Cleanse the area with a cleanser like Beta Green Tea Cleanser (see above) or All Purpose Cleansing Pads, then spot treat with Beta Green Tea Lotion, which is a toner, 1-3x per week. Our power player for hormonal imbalances, Balancing Grape Seed Serum with Wild Yam Extract (see above) is also a useful product to treat areas prone to in-grown hairs.
Estrogen-related changes
Estrogen can cause skin to thicken and become more dry. It can also increase melanocytes which can lead to melasma, or areas of skin that darken unevenly. Melasma is particularly prevalent in people taking estrogen and darker skin types, but can impact all skin types.
To counteract dryness and thickening skin, a cleanser like the Beta Green Tea cleanser with anti-inflammatory properties and a gentle skin exfoliating acid like Mandlic Arginine Serum are appropriate. It is important to have the correct moisturizer to help counteract dryness, as well as a hydrating eye and lip serum.
For melasma, see a licensed esthetician for the best products for your skin. They might also recommend a series of professional treatments like peels or hydrafacials. Because everyone is different, it is hard to say the best course of action based on your skin type without a consultation.
Scarring
Post surgical scarring is a concern for many. To prevent keloids (thick, raised scars), products that increase skin cell turnover quickly and heal skin are appropriate soon after procedures.
Therapy E Serum rebuilds and repairs skin that has been traumatized. It is ideal for scar prevention and repair.
An important component of scar prevention and relief is self-massage of scar tissue. This video from Breathe Physical Therapy focuses on a c-section scar, but the concepts are easy to follow and apply to any surgical scar tissue.
We are here for you!
At East Village Spa, we are here for you and honored to support you at any point in your transition or your life. If you have questions, the best way to contact us is to e-mail [email protected] and one of our licensed estheticians can assist you that way. If you are local to Des Moines, IA, we’d love to see you for a service to best assess your skin needs or offer more advanced treatment options. Not local? Feel free to shoot us a note via e-mail and we’ll reach out to our nationwide network to help you find an esthetician who is a perfect fit.
Want to do a deeper dive? One great resource for dermatological issues to be aware of with gender affirming procedures is this article from the National Institute of Health.
Winter is always rough on hands, but between the extra handwashing we’re doing (we HOPE you re too!) and the excessive cold snap, our hands are downright painful. Here are a few tips to find the best type of lotion for yours hands and body.
Shea Butters: the MOST hydrating
Any of our Farmhouse Fresh lotions labeled as a “Shea Butter” are going to offer the richest hydration. These are best for dry, cracked hands and heels, elbows. Supple butters and vitamin E-packed jojoba and soybean oils calm even the severest of dry skin, without a hint of a greasy feel. We love these at night or right after washing hands.
Farmhouse Fresh body milk and steeped milk lotions pour over you like milk and absorb quickly, making them ideal for applying to hands and body, as they’ll absorb faster, these are great after a shower or bath.
The Sweet Cream body milk is a slightly thinner consistency and is VEGAN but not nut free, infused with a blend of natural oils that provide lasting softness to skin: Vitamin E-rich Rice Bran oil, Jojoba Seed oil, Sweet Almond, Avocado and Sesame.
The steeped milk lotions feature freshly steeped coconut milk is blended into the lotion for velvety softness. They do contain non-vegan ingredients that vary per scent (i.e. honey.)
Body Oils: The versatile hydration you didn’t know you needed!
Body oils are for far more than giving or receiving a massage! These versatile products are excellent for use right after a shower or bath, when lotion feels cold on warm skin. Oils absorb well in a full body application. In addition, these soak into cuticles to hydrate and help you avoid painful, infected cuticles. If you wear Shellac or gel polish, oils are also best to keep the nails hydrated underneath. You can even use just the tiniest amount to smooth unruly hair or beards too.
Love taking a hot bath in the winter? Consider adding a tablespoon or so of these oils to the bath, especially if you soak in epsom salts. This will help keep your skin from drying out. Just be careful getting out of the tub!
Moon dip hand and body mousses are new to our spa and we love them! Formulated to include firming peptides, these do double duty to hydrate and provide anti-aging support with a light, powder finish.
Our three assorted handwashing relief kits include a Honey mask that has fruit enzymes to “digest” dead skin and reveal softer skin that’s ready for a rich shea butter hydration. We also include a CND Solar Oil cuticle oil to help keep cuticles healthy and free from painful tears or infection. These kits are a best-selling gift at www.shopeastvillagespa.com.
I asked Kelly, our spa director and web store genius to compile a list of our top selling retail products from the last year. When we saw the mix of items, they absolutely made sense as products many of us use! I have every single one of these products in my home right now!
1. Kneipp Lavender Bath Salts
The blend of pure essential oils found in Kneipp Relaxing Mineral Bath Salt can help you decompress and unwind after a stressful day. The unique crystalline structure of the thermal spring salt naturally absorbs more Lavender essential oil for a highly concentrated, effective bath. When added to warm water, the familiar floral aroma fills the air, mentally transporting you to serene lavender field in Southern France for a moment of tranquility. Take time to quiet the world around you and prepare for some much-needed beauty rest.
Kneipp Mineral Bath Salts contain hand-processed, natural thermal spring salt sourced from a 250-million-year-old ocean buried 1500 ft below the Earth’s surface. The ancient thermal brine is free of chemical additives and environmental influences, producing salt in its purest form, uncontaminated by the pollutants of the modern world. The high concentration of trace elements and minerals that naturally occur in our deep-sea salt gently cleanses and softens the skin as you relax in the tub.
We love lacrosse balls for DIY trigger point release and myofascial massage. Our licensed massage therapists love showing their guests exercises for home care. This is an inexpensive tool that you can keep at your desk or even in your purse or gym bag.
A review published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that self-myofascial release may: increase joint range of motion, help muscle performance, decrease fatigue after exercise, decrease soreness after exercise.
A hydrating, lightweight moisturizer, Mandelic Au Lait is a highly versatile blend of superior antibacterial ingredients and soothing elements making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of skin issues, including acne and rosacea skin types.
Apply Mandelic Au Lait to face and neck and let absorb. May be worn day and night, over other serums and correctives and layered under SPF when used during the day
A scrumptious bottle of love for heels and toes. Our team personally loves it for dry, chapped hands too! This divine honey-based serum seals in moisture and brings rich color back to tired feet. It’s been called the Instant Pedicure. Simply brush on and rub into feet for chalkless bliss – no more white ashy look!
This golden jar is a true guilty pleasure from the first moment you let it breathe – fragranced with velvety cinnamon notes, sweet cloves and actual honey.
The finest of moisturizing elements have been incorporated from genuine honey, and aloe leaf juice to pineapple and papaya fruit extracts. Honey Heel Glaze is ultra-smooth, non-greasy, and addictive in every way.
We carry Eurospa shower mists in 5 scents, but our top seller in 2020 was the Eucalyptus Mint scent. Pure Eucalyptus Oil is infused with fresh, tingling Mint essential oil. The quality and purity of these oils are what deliver such wonderful scents. In addition to transforming your shower into an at-home spa experience, you will also receive the full benefits derived from these aromatic oils.
Mint oil is the perfect home remedy for nausea and headaches. Mint also provides relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion. The fresh tingly sensation will awake your senses, and help combat anxiety and restlessness. Mint stimulates mental activity, clears the mind, and increases focus on cognitive tasks. Your shower transformed from a daily task to an escape that offers benefits you will enjoy all day long.
What are your favorite products from www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com? We offer quick shipping in the U.S. as well as free parking lot pick-up and in-spa browsing for those who are local to Des Moines. Have questions? Our online store is backed up by a team of licensed experts who all use and love our products. We’re happy to help over the phone at (515) 309-2904 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Winter and holiday 2020 nail trends by Cyerra Kemp, Licensed Nail Tech and East Village Spa Nail Artist
By guest blogger, Cyerra Kemp, Licensed Nail Technician, and Cassie Sampson, East Village Spa Owner
Picture your favorite sweater, curled up with a cozy plaid throw, sipping a cup of hot chocolate next to a fire. Can you picture it? This is the vibe right now in the nail world.
Buffalo Plaid with Studio White and Black Pool, snowflake, and festive red in Devil’s Red manicure with CND Shellac by Cyerra Kemp
Popular colors
Trending now are the lightest nudes to the richest chocolate browns.
Cyerra created a nude and chocolate swirl manicure with hot cocoa accent nails to showcase the popular shades this season. Featuring Gala Girl, Sweet Cider, Cream Puff, and Arrowhead in CND Shellac.
Festive velvety reds popular this holiday season like Bordeaux Babe and Cherry Apple Red.
Left: Bordeaux Babe, Right: Cherry Apple Red
Olive greens like Cap and Gown are a good alternative to jewel tone greens this season.
Cyerra used Cap and Gown as the green (with Matte top coat) in this design that combines christmas trees and sweater nails.
Experiment with different finishes
A high gloss manicure will always look great, but this season, people are experimenting with mix and match finishes including gel-effect and matte top coats.
CND Vinyulux in How Merlot with matte finish Vinylux top coat (left) and gel effect top coat (right) (Cassie did this demo, these are definitely not professionally polished!)
Prints are in!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints! Tortoise shell and leopard nail designs are still in, and sweater prints and plaids are hitting the scene just in time for the holidays.
Cyerra did this leopard print manicure using CND Vinylux and nail art brushes for the details.
Not sure you trust your own nail art abilities? Book “A Work of Art” Shellac manicure and let me help you express your fun side! Can’t choose just one look? Pick several and you’ll be right in line with the trends!
We’re not open for services right now, but our gift shops (brick and mortar and online store) are open and we are ready to help you with the perfect gifts for wellness, peace, and relaxation this season.
For Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, take advantage of these three FREE offers!
We’re not open for services right now, but our gift shops (brick and mortar and online store) are open and we are ready to help you with the perfect gifts for wellness, peace, and relaxation this season.
For Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, take advantage of these three FREE offers!
Farmhouse Fresh free gift with purchase
Spend $75 on Farmhouse Fresh gifts and select a free limited edition Vanilla Cream or Butter Rum body wash. If you’re shopping online, just add the free gift to your cart and let us know which scent you want (or we can surprise you.) Offer good throughout the holiday season, as long as supplies last.
(Note, you can only use one promo code per online order, if using multiple codes and ordering $75 in Farmhouse Fresh items, just put in the online notes you want the free Farmhouse Fresh gift, but don’t add the item. We’ll get it sorted out for you!)
Spend $75 on Rhonda Allison products and choose a free Illumicolour lip gloss ($23 value). If shopping online, let us know in the notes if you prefer a nude shade, a pink shade, or a more red shade. Color selection is limited so first come, first dibs!
(Note, you can only use one promo code per online order, if using multiple codes and ordering $75 in Rhonda Allison items, just put in the online notes you want the free lip gloss, but don’t add the item. We’ll get it sorted out for you!)
Stop in, order online, or just call us from the parking lot (no purchase necessary) and we’ll get you one of our little “A Week of Intention” card packs through Monday. Kelly and Cassie designed these cards with some of the intentions that have kept them getting up and showing up during some really challenging days. And don’t worry, this isn’t another set of “If you can dream it, you can do it!” cards, these are designed for a 2020 reality.
Gift card sale
Our gift card sale is BACK! For every $100 in gift cards purchased IN the spa (excludes e-mail gift cards) you’ll receive a free $20 service voucher good weekdays in 2021.
Our gift shop is still open, even though we’re temporarily pausing services. Stop in M, Tu, Th, F 9:30-6, Wednesday 10-8, Saturday 10-5, or Sunday 11-3.
This year, to make things safe and easy, we’re offering a pre-order option so you don’t have to come into the spa. Just click the button below, fill out the information, and we’ll have your gift card ready for parking lot pick-up or to pop in the mail!
We’re eager to assist you, however is safe and comfortable for you this holiday season! Call, stop in (masks and sanitizer required), shop online, or arrange for parking lot pick-up. We’ll even happily set up a time for you to enjoy private shopping in our spa or a face-time visit if you’d like a more close-up look at products.
Reach East Village Spa’s team at (515) 309-2904 (call or text) or [email protected]. East Village Spa is located at 601 East Locust Street, Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50309. Our web store, www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com offers quick shipping throughout the United States.
Show you care, with gifts that honor a vegan lifestyle and sustainability preferences. Here are 5 tips
Pictured clockwise from top left: Farmhouse Fresh Hello Yello Shea Butter Lotion, Morphew Designs Earrings, Farmhouse Fresh Coconut Cream Shea Butter Soap, Zoya Nail Polish, Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate.
1. Packaging matters: avoid plastic if you can. Look for glass bottles or paper packaging. FarmHouse Fresh Goods has great glass packaging for many items.
2. Bar soaps wrapped in paper are low waste and our Shea butter soaps are richly hydrating.
3. Look for local and handmade over mass-produced and shipped from overseas. The further a product travels, the bigger the environmental footprint. We carry beautiful Morphew Designs made right here in central Iowa!
4. Check labels to see if products are vegan. Common animal ingredients in skincare include milk or whey, beeswax, lanolin, or keratin. Zoya Nail Polish and Treatments is totally vegan as are many Farmhouse Fresh lotions!
5. Some dark chocolate is vegan. When purchasing chocolate, know the source. Chocolate is often sourced in ways that violate ethical human labor standards. Equal Exchange chocolates use fair labor, fair trade, and their dark chocolate flavors are vegan (they’re also kosher!)
This is just a small assortment of our vegan and sustainable collection of items available at www.shopeastvillagespa.com or in our brick and mortar store in Des Moines, IA. We’re always happy to help with suggestions and read some labels for you over the phone if you have questions about whether an ingredient is appropriate for a vegan lifestyle!
Every year during cold and flu season we do a bit of education on massage and illness. This year we’re getting some different questions due to COVID19 and the wide community spread in Iowa.
Every year during cold and flu season we do a bit of education on massage and illness. This year we’re getting some different questions due to COVID19 and the wide community spread in Iowa.
Q: I have a fever, but tested negative for COVID19, can I get a massage?
A: No. Fevers indicate inflammation. Your immune system is fighting something and you need to rest. Right now, everyone is so focused on COVID19, that we’re forgetting other illnesses like strep throat, the flu, or even a kidney infection can knock us down for a bit. In addition to spa services potentially making you feel worse, some of these illnesses are very contagious and we do not want to get them or risk spreading them to other guests. Please wait for at least 48 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications) after your non-COVID19 related fever is gone before scheduling a service. Your body and provider will thank you.
Q: My household member tested positive for COVID19 but feels fine. I’m asymptomatic and tested negative. Can I keep my appontment?
A: NO! We answer variations of this question at least daily. Please understand that we owe it to our employees to provide a safe workspace. We are following the most up-to-date CDC quarantine guidelines. This means that if you’ve had a close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19, you cannot book for at least 14 days since that contact. If you live with this person, that means 14 days since the last contact you had while they were considered contagious-EVEN IF YOU TESTED NEGATIVE.
We know this is a long time. We know this is frustrating. We are committed to following the same procedures for our providers to keep YOU safe too, so if we let them see you, we’d have to take them off of our schedule for 14 days. No spa service is worth that health or financial risk.
Q: I had COVID19 awhile ago and I feel pretty crummy, can I still come in?
A: Yes! When your healthcare provider has determined you are no longer contagious (which might be longer than 2 weeks for more severe cases) we are happy to see you. We currently see several guests who have struggled with longer-term complications from COVID19, the “Long-Haulers.” While there’s still much research needed, we know that this is a source of stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort. We’re here to listen to your needs and do whatever we can to assist you through your recovery.
East Village Spa is committed to providing safe services to guests, and a healthy work environment for employees. We will continue to enforce our COVID19 risk reduction procedures as long as is necessary.
Learn more about our COVID19 risk reduction procedures here. We look forward to taking great care of you at East Village Spa and pandemic or not, will continue to strive to ensure your services are safe, relaxing, and therapeutic.
