HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-05-19, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2005. PAGE 19.
Women have created Solace on Turnberry
For quiet conversations
The cafe at Solace on Turnberry is meant to be a place for
quiet reflection and intimate conversation. Owners, Becky
Haak, right, and Allison Rapson have brought in a line of
organic coffee and specialty teas to serve with biscotti and
carrot cake. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
Warm and welcoming
Sisters, Becky Haak and Allison Rapson have opened a
‘wellness sanctuary’, Solace on Turnberry, a spa and cafe.
The environment they are striving to create is one of
relaxed rejuvenation where one can quiet the mind and
renew the body. (Bonnie Gropp
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
It’s about solace, having a place
where one can find calm and comfort
for body and soul.
Sisters, Becky Haak and Allison
Rapson have opened Solace on
Turnberry, a ‘wellness sanctuary’.
Haak, a registered massage
therapist who most recently worked
in Clinton had created a business plan
a while ago and simply needed to
find the right place to fulfill her
vision. Rapson, an aesthetician, had
recently moved back from London.
The decision to work together just
seemed natural. “When I first went to
school it hadn’t been for what I’m
doing now,” said Rapson. “It’s
interesting that we find ourselves
now working in parallel fields.”
Once the partnership idea began to
take shape the next concern was
finding the right place to establish
their spa.
“We’d been looking, in all the
neighbouring communities, but for
one reason or another we just
couldn't see what we were looking
for,” said Haak.
Their father, Dave, asked if they
had considered Brussels as a
location. “I took a walk downtown
and saw this building and thought it
might work,” said Haak.
Using contacts he had in the
antique business, their father
managed to locate the owner of the
building and the deal went through
immediately.
“It does bring a sense of pride to
contribute to the community you
grew up in,” said Haak.
It also provides them with an
opportunity to bring something to
that community. “There are things we
missed when we were growing up,
like a place to sit and read a book, or
have a cup of coffee.”
Also, added Rapson, “there are a
lot of people who have chosen this
place to live and the types of services
we offer should be available.”
“People in rural areas are no less
deserving of being pampered and
having it easily accessible to them
than anyone else,” said Haak.
While Solace obviously offers
treatments such as facials and
massages, it is also a welcoming,
inviting atmosphere in which to
relax. The front of the business has
been set up as a cafe where patrons
can enjoy gourmet coffee or specialty
teas.
It is an environment in which one
can escape for a few minutes quiet
reading by the fireplace or to chat
with a friend in a restful setting.
The completely renovated building
combines an old-world charm with
new-age ambiance. Brick and
stained-glass offer a European touch.
In addition to the coffee and tea,
the cafe also offers biscotti and carrot
cake.
Appointments are now being
accepted for the services which will
begin in June.
The aesthetics component offers a
wide variety of treatments, from a
radiance facial to a deep-cleansing
facial.
“The facials are customized
depending on skin type.”
There are also manicures,
pedicures, waxing, makeup
applications and lessons.
“We also do junior makeup lessons
for pre-teens. They learn how to do it
right before they get started too early
and get carried away,” said Rapson.
The body therapy services include
registered massage therapy, Indian
head massage and body boosters.
There are also ear candling and
personal steam sessions. “The steam
complements both Allison's services
and my own,” said Haak. “People
just want to make sure they do this
when they are going to be able to
relax after."
Aromatherapy is a large
component of what the women do.
“In body therapy, aromatherapy uses
different essential oils that all play a
role, topically, emotionally and
physically.”
The one product line they retail.
Aromatherapy Associates are hand-
blended by the company’s founders
and are free of synthetic colour,
fragrance or mineral oils. Solace is
only the eighth spa in Canada to carry
it.
“It’s all very holistic, which is why
were attracted to it,” said Haak.
Other retail products include a line
of cosmetics from Canadian Woman
THE
BLYTH
INNH
422 Queen St.,
Blyth, ON 523-9381
SATURDAY NIGHT BANDS
May 21
*7^ ‘Bttt 'Decide Bend
May 28
TUESDAY NIGHTS
2 for 1 Fish and Chips
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Kids eat free
THURSDAY NIGHTS
Wing Night
FRIDAY NIGHTS
Karaoke
Co., organic coffee, ground or beans,
and the specialty teas.
A complete list of services is
available at Solace on Turnberry.
Hours of operation currently are
Monday and Wednesday IO a m to 8
p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two
Saturdays a month from 9 a.m. to
noon. Appointments , are
recommended. Phone 887-9682.
The building is accessible.
Performed - your location or our indoor
or outdoor chapel (non-denominational)
All Christenings & Memorials
For brochure call:
Rev. CHRIS MORGAN
ALL FAITHS PASTORAL CENTRE
BENMILLER... .524-5724
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