KaLu salon, day spa means its motto - 'Be Good to Yourself'
by JILL SCHMELZER Ken-Ton Editor

The owners of KaLu hang out in the meditation room with their inspiration for the business' name. Pictured are Jackie Suitor, her daughter Katelyn, Tammy Swanson and her son Louis.

Longtime co-workers Tammy Swanson and Jackie Suitor wanted to open a salon and day spa that would rival other facilities and provide only the most technologically enhanced services.

KaLu - a name inspired by Suitor's daughter, Katelyn, and Swanson's son, Louis - opened its doors to the public in May, offering therapy to the hair, face, hands, body, feet and skin.

The 2,700-square-foot facility, at 2874 Niagara Falls Blvd., had previously been a salon, so Swanson said it was the perfect place for KaLu.

The front space, or salon area, has a trendy, upbeat atmosphere, but upon entering the spa section, customers feel an overwhelming sense of relaxation. Gentle melodies play over the sound system, and the aromas of lavender, lemon and geranium sage fill the air, the scent varying from room to room.

"We want to make sure (customers) are getting what they pay for," Swanson said, noting that the salon uses 22 essential oils that customize the clients' needs.

"The first sense you use is the sense of smell," Suitor said. "Detoxifying body treatments start the second they walk into the treatment room."

As an aesthetician, or skin-care specialist, she boasted about a procedure she offers in which ultrasound waves are sent by a machine through the pores of the face.

"It's like a mini-facelift," Suitor said.

The treatment aims to break up molecules, speeding the process of ridding the skin of dead cells. The warm sensation diminishes fine lines and stimulates collagen reproduction.

The end result lasts about one week, making it perfect for dates, weddings and other special occasions, she said.

KaLu's skin-care treatments use 100 percent all-natural products such as Naturopathica and Skyn Iceland, which is used on clients with stressed epidermis.

"We are all about the mind, body and soul," Swanson said. "Amber Paraffin Body Cocoon does just that."

She described the procedure as wrapping the customer in a moist cocoon at 128 degrees, a process that leaves the skin soft and supple.

"Be good to yourself; that's our motto," Swanson added.

The salon's pedicure lines use pipeless whirlpool tubes so that bacteria do not filter into the tub. Instead, the system has removable jets that are sanitized between each client.

"Everything here is very clean," she said, noting that the business gives customers the treatment they would want if visiting a salon and day spa.

KaLu uses Goldwell Loyal and Lanza shampoo lines, which Swanson said is good for colored and overprocessed locks.

The makeup products are from Youngblood, which is a mineral based cosmetic line - "the best for your skin," Swanson said. Makeup application and lessons are available.

The facility also offers manicures, waxing, men's services and massage packages.

For more information, call 695-KaLu or visit the Web site at www. KaLuSalonandSpa. com.