As three long-time locals, Chad and Annie Williams and business partner Julie Dean, were looking for a new business venture, their focus was on wellness. When they discovered Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas, a nationwide franchise, they were heartened by the fact that in starting a business, they would not have to go it alone but would have a network of support from other experienced owners.
Annie and Chad met several years ago at his cousin’s wedding in Montana, and the two quickly found they had much in common. Both had worked as teachers as well as running a variety of businesses. Both had been actively involved in community-based philanthropies, with Annie founding the annual Park to Park Cross Lake Washington Swim for Seattle Children’s Hospital and Chad working on a variety of community service boards. They live in Kirkland with two young children, Hannah and Carl. Both are passionate about health and wellness, and through their spas in Kirkland and Redmond are able to provide a service to the community.
Julie has more than 25 years of experience in both promoting and owning health studios and brings a strong business sense and a passion for providing wellness to the community.
Spa Services
Hand & Stone offers a variety of massage and skin-care services. “We are progressive in the skincare industry while embracing the roots of Hand & Stone in massage,” Chad said. For example, they have introduced a premier skin-care service called dermalinfusion. This advanced skin-resurfacing treatment combines exfoliation and extraction, and infuses personalized serums to improve skin health, elasticity, and appearance. There is no downtime, and the treatment helps with acne and sun damage and detoxifying the skin, said Chad.
The most popular massage services are their signature hot stone or Himalayan salt stone massage. Both use hot stones to release tension while the Himalayan salt stones release healing negative ions and provide essential minerals. The spa does a lot of treatment work thanks to their talented massage therapists, some of whom have studied at Bastyr University. Decompression cupping massage is also popular. This is a reverse compression technique that works to improve circulation and relieve muscle discomfort without leaving the traditional marks generally associated with cupping.
CBD
Cannabidiol, whose medical abbreviation is CBD, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It's a cannabinoid compound found in hemp and cannabis that responds to neural receptors found in the skin and helps alleviate inflammation and pain.
Hand & Stone recently launched its popular CBD oil infusion massage treatment. The active agents of CBD reduce inflammation within muscles and joints, allowing the massage therapist to work more effectively. Also available are trigger point, reflexology, prenatal, oncology and reiki massage.
Enhancements
The spa offers add-ons to enhance their massages including aromatherapy, peppermint scalp massage, and a relaxing sugar scrub for hands and feet. Another favorite of clients with headaches and sinus problems is the cool marble stone / hot towel facial massage.
The skin care side of the spa offers various facials and peels. The microcurrent treatment stimulates the underlying muscles of the face, neck and eyebrows, providing a lift in appearance. LED skin phototherapy is a treatment for fine lines, acne, and dark spots. A full line of hair removal waxing services is also available.
Membership
One of the attractive aspects of partnering with the national Hand & Stone company was its month-to-month membership model. This membership program offers the best value for customers, Chad said. The goal is “to provide a Nordstrom experience at Target prices,” as well as introducing “normal working families to the benefits of massage and skin care.”
In addition to the Kirkland location, Chad, Annie, and Julie own another spa in Redmond at the Redmond Town Center. Both locations serve a variety of clients ranging from office workers to parents needing a break, so evening reservations tend to book up quickly.
Customization
Hand & Stone does not take a one-size-fits-all approach to scheduling services. “During intake and booking, our front desk staff tries to get to know the client's needs,” Chad said. This allows them to book the client with the best therapist who can address their needs. Each experience is customized “from the room lighting to the volume of music. The client is in charge, and we are here to offer them a relaxed positive experience.” One of the things that is most gratifying is “seeing that relaxed smile of the client as they come out of a service,” Chad said. “That is a bonus for us.”
Wellness Tips
Chad offered his top three recommendations for maintaining well-being. 1) Take the time to take care of yourself. This will help you be better prepared for life’s challenges. 2) Try new things. He admits that this applies to himself, as some of the spa services he’s yet to sample. 3) Last but not least, occasionally take a step back and just breathe. Stress isn’t good for health, so whatever you can do to manage it should be top of mind.
For more information, visit handandstonekirkland.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
