Editor’s note: The below content is offered as part of our special Summer/Back In Business section. View the complete printable pdf here.
From mask rash and acne, to stress-related signs of aging, the past year hasn’t exactly helped northern Rhode Islanders to look their best.
As we emerge from our homes ready to enjoy the world once again, it may be the perfect time to combat damage from the past year with a little pampering.
Tina Breaut, owner of Solitude Massage & Wellness Center in Glendale said she’s noticed that many of her clients are more stressed and apprehensive.
“I feel like a lot of people want to take care of themselves after this year, and make sure they’re healthy,” Breaut said. “It’s probably affecting them, really, in their mind and body.
Breaut says she sees many clients with tension in their upper bodies from leaning over computer screens at home or who are carrying tension from all the negativity of the past year.
“Massage does help with stress and overall health and wellness,” Breaut said. “They need to clear this mind and come in.”
Solitude also offers skin care services, with esthetician Jennifer Jenks providing treatments made to address other pandemic-related hazards.
“Jennifer knows a lot about the skin and different atmospheres that people are in and the effect of masks,” said Breaut. “Stress brings out blemishes in your skin and the masks have just been awful.”
While Breaut notes that starting a business amid restrictions of the past year has come with its own set of stresses, it’s also had its unforeseen benefits: business is booming.
“We hear every day about health and how we have to keep our bodies in tip-top shape,” she said. “It’s helping us as wellness providers.”
Further, “The pandemic has actually been inspiring for me.”
Breaut has created special packages based on circumstances of the times, such as, “Good Vibes,” a deal around the holidays that included a sage cleanse, a mint scalp and foot massage, and a full body massage aimed at leaving clients cleansed and rejuvenated. Currently, she’s running a summer “Detox Cleanse including a 90 minute full body massage using detox oils, a detailed foot massage focused on pressure points, and detox foot pads made of dried herbs and left on for 6-8 hours that pull out impurities in the body.
The packages have sold well and the business is grown despite what could have been terrible timing: Solitude was originally scheduled to open in April of 2020, just as state-mandated shut downs began. The licensed massage therapist and certified Reiki master teacher was finally allowed to open, with restrictions, last June and is now celebrating a year in business.
“Not knowing if I could massage again – that was really scary,” Breault said, noting that after the rough start, “I have been so busy.”
Soon, she said, the Glendale business will expand to include another room, and a second massage therapist.
“It’s been great,” Breault said. “I have been blessed.”
Local businesses for massage and skin care
Complete Body Physical Therapy, 1452 Broncos Highway, Harrisville, (401) 371-2890
Deeply Kneaded, 63 Eddie Dowling Highway, North Smithfield, (401) 744-4353
Happy Feet Reflexology, 64 Spring Grove Road, Chepachet, (401) 568-6449
Healing in Harmony Wellness Center, 185 Putnam Pike, Suite 4, Chepachet, (401) 949-5533
Mindful Bodyworks Massage, 706 Saint Paul St. North Smithfield, (401) 465-7321
Peaceful Waters Therapeutic Massage, 77 Greenville Road, North Smithfield, (203) 736-4479
Rehab Experts Massage Therapy, LLC, 1187 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, (401) 569-8080
Rhode Island Massage Works, 117 Eddie Dowling Highway, Suite 1C, North Smithfield, (401) 648-5563
Solitude Massage Therapy & Wellness Center, 1991 Victory Highway, Glendale, (401) 710-4207
Strong Fit Massage Therapy & Bodywork, 11 Main St. Slatersville, (401) 427-4227
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