Beauty treatments at the new Shimmer Spa offer a touch of relaxation, a bit of rejuvenation and total customization

By Patricia Nugent

Awaiting you behind an unassuming storefront in a Strongsville shopping center, the newly opened Shimmer Spa is a soothing sanctuary with services for skin, nails, massage, waxing and hair.

“I wanted to create a wellness-oriented space where people can find relaxation for body and mind,” says owner Melanie Rongone, who is a licensed skincare cosmetologist. “Our services are customized for every guest, and we want the results to last far beyond the treatment room.”

Getting Your Glow On
Melanie believes in the power of natural skincare to bring out your skin’s best. To that end, she only uses the top products—Image Skincare and Nardos Natural—both in her facials and for guests to purchase for home use.

In addition to her one-hour customized facial, which addresses whatever the guest’s needs are, from acne to anti-aging, Melanie offers an oxygen facial, back facial, microdermabrasion to alleviate fine lines and scarring, dermaplaning to even out complexion, and facial cupping to improve circulation and reduce puffiness.

With the 90-minute Ultimate Facial, guests are treated to the full gamut of treatments: microdermabrasion, cupping, a peel, aromatherapy and an extended massage of shoulders, neck and scalp, finished off by a shot of Yana, Image Skincare’s liquid collagen drink.

Shimmer Spa’s boutique curates the Image product line, as well as lotions, soaps, loose tea and even custom-blended foundation and organic cosmetics.

Making Massage a Must
The massotherapists on staff specialize in a variety of massages to target and release tension, including relaxation, therapeutic sports massage and hot stone. And to indulge your all-over skin, a body scrub with exfoliating sugar from head-to-toe is finished with a hydrating oil to reveal softer, renewed skin.

Nails, Nails, Nails
With an expanded nail department of service stations and pedicure massage thrones, the spa offers classic manicures, gel manicures and specialty services such as nail art, ombre and dip manicures.

And just in time for summer, when your feet will be on display, don’t miss the Jelly Aromatherapy Pedicure. Soak your tired tootsies in a basin of rich fluid for intense hydration and exfoliation. As the temperature rises, the essential plant oils come together to form a jelly. It feels divine. Make the service yours by choosing your favorite scent: peppermint, tea tree or green tea.

In every nail service, Melanie says they go the extra step of using an autoclave machine to sterilize equipment with high pressure and steam.

“Only one percent of salons in the country use this. It’s not required by Ohio law, but we feel it’s the right thing to do,” she says.

Party Time
The décor at Shimmer is sleek-meets-posh, with feather and crystal chandeliers, trickling wall fountain and stunning artwork of nature scenes. So, it makes a most stylish destination for spa parties.

“We’ve had several special events already and our guests love them,” says Melanie. “For groups of three or more, whether you’d like skin services, massage, nails, a combination, or all three, just give us a call a few weeks before you’d like to celebrate. You can bring in food and drink, too.”

Team Beauty
Melanie says she only hires seasoned, career-oriented professionals and she’s proud of her team and the five-star reviews they are receiving.

The ladies you’ll meet are Gabby, Carrie, Erica and Bobbi at guest services; Lauren, Stephanie and Jewel in the nail department; estheticians Meilee, Vershanté and Maria; and massotherapist Angel.

Shimmer Spa is located at 20884 Royalton Road in Strongsville. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 440-783-1473. You can book appointments online at ShimmerNaturalSpa.com.