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| James and Nicole Moon, owners of Diamond
Spa. (Photo by Pat Stokes) |
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Hill’s new Diamond Spa sparkles on the Avenue
by PAT STOKES
In the midst of the world’s ongoing turmoil, ranging
both far and near, it’s encouraging to note that Chestnut Hill is
presently making a pronounced bow to beauty and inner peace. How? Well,
one example is the appearance of yet another spa on the Avenue, Diamond
Spa at 8430 Germantown, former home of simplycottage (I think they preferred
all lower case letters, all you grammarians).
Starting with the name, Diamond Spa, I learned from owner James Moon
that he sees the spa to be like the jewel itself, considered tops of all
the gems; having a cool clear beauty that can be merged with one’s
inner self, achievable during a calming massage session and its related
and beautifying therapeutic treatments. Even the hardness of the diamond
plays into this, symbolizing clarity of purpose at the spa, and unwavering
attention to detail.
James Moon, born in Korea, has been in the states for about 24 years.
His wife Nicole, also Korean, worked in salons in Montgomery County for
several years. Together they became interested in the idea of establishing
their own place, and accordingly spent about two years studying salons,
assessing them and choosing the best qualities of each. They feel they’ve
upgraded the total picture into a top-of-the-line service.
In their travels around Philadelphia and the Main Line, they kept coming
back to Chestnut Hill for its mix of people, age groups, shops and businesses.
James says he “was especially pleased to see people on the street,
walking along, stopping to talk and shopping. Where else do you see that?
Certainly not in a mall.”
Their architect, John Kim of the Essex Company in Manhattan, researched
the buildings, facades, general look of other businesses on the Hill and
then planned Diamond’s interior, a masterpiece of elegant restraint.
The mostly off-whites and soft grays, plus every shelf, wall, and chair
are intended for one purpose: to make the customer feel relaxed and at
ease.
In the long, narrow space, the front area is devoted to manicures and
nail treatments. Farther into the shop, one may relax in a lounge chair
and be pampered by a facial aesthetician using the best possible rejuvenation
techniques. To the rear of the space are private treatment rooms for massage,
exfoliation, facial packs and so on. There are four facial experts and
a great team to do the certified body treatments, four female and one
male massage therapists. Therapist Roy Mihara was featured recently in
Philadelphia Magazine.
It is interesting that services do not include hair specialties: no trims,
shampoos, sets, etc., mostly because the chemical odors and the noise
of dryers and water sprays tend to destroy the freshness and quiet that
are a major factor in the ideal spa experience.
Diamond’s clientele covers a range of ages, balanced between young
and old. When people come into the spa, they get the feeling that their
stress is going to be relieved and that they are going to be calmed down;
that, indeed, is the intention of the entire staff. After completing a
treatment, clients may purchase some of the products used, choosing from
the Dermologica line, including face creams and lotions, cleansing creams,
moisturizers and exfoliants.
As you leave, you may notice on the long wall to the left two large colorful
contemporary style paintings by a local artist. If you wish to know about
the artist, his/her statement is available in the front of the shop, as
well as information about purchasing one of his/her works. James contacts
art schools in the area and picks a young artist’s work to display.
He plans to change them three or four times a year.
You may stop in for a complementary consultation by a facial specialist
and receive samples.
Watch for an announcement of a free demonstration of products coming
in February.
Diamond Spa is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 215-242-4800.
See you on the Avenue.
A REMINDER here about Chestnut Hill’s Bird-in-Hand Consignment
Shop, which turns all its profit back to the community, for such things
as Meals on Wheels, the Senior Center and others which we’ll list
here in weeks to come. Lovely home accessories, friendly volunteers. Fun
place to shop. Stop in at 8419 Germantown Ave.
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