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W e all know that self-care is important, but during challenging times like these it can be easy to forget to do this—let alone actually treating ourselves. If it's been a while since you did something special for yourself, you might want to book an appointment at The Studio Spa or Well Within. They are the Best Day Spa winner and runner-up, respectively, in the 2021 Sentinel Readers' Choice poll. The Studio Spa The Studio Spa (studiospasantacruz. com) won for Best Day Spa and its owner, Deann Bokariza-Neff, won for Best Esthe- tician. Deann opened the spa in 2020. It's a small business: Deann is the sole esthetician and she has one massage therapist, Katie Carson, on staff. Deann's early career experience includes working as a Makeup/Skincare Counter Manager for Clinique Cosmetics and Lancôme Cosmetics. "It's not always easy to walk into a cosmetic department and ask for help," says Deann. "It can be intimidat- ing, I enjoyed making customers feel comfortable. I took a different approach, more natural and accommodating in- stead of being a 'sales-focused' person." When Deann first experienced "a real facial…a facial in a spa," her journey changed. "I enrolled in Adrian's Beauty College and earned my esthetician license in 1998. I worked at a day spa for a short time and had amazing mentors along the way. After 20-plus years in the hustle and bustle of a hair salon envi- ronment, I was longing for that quiet, relaxing day spa environment again." Then, in 2020, a friend contacted her about a space that had become avail- able. "The space was perfect, the timing not so much! With the unknown future of the pandemic and the beauty industry being shut down, I needed to know how I was going to perform my job. I wanted to provide a small safe space for myself and my clients who were a part of my life for the last 18 years I had been back in Santa Cruz. There was so much unknown. What I did know was less foot traffic and a controlled environment was what I needed." So, in 2020, two months into the pandemic, Deann opened The Studio Spa. And the rest is history! There have been challenges including three times she had to close due to pandemic restrictions. "With each of these, business was a struggle. I kept my head held high and networked, made facial kits, offered curbside pickup and deliveries, and took part in numerous Zoom classes." Still, opening The Studio Spa "…feels like the best decision I could have made at the time. This is apparent when long-standing and new clients say they feel comfortable and cared for and they notice the attention to detail. They are walking into a small sufficient studio, not overfilled or crowded with staff." Deann offers customized Yon-Ka facials which she refers to as "a transcen- dence of aromatic wellness and relax- ation." Yon-Ka, she says, has exclusive facial massage techniques for even the most fragile, aggressed skin. For those seeking 'absolute relaxation,' Deann sug- gests escaping "…with the cocooning indulgence of warm stones for body and facial treatments." She is quick to extol Yon-Ka Paris, which has been a part of her career for 16 years. "It's a company built on passion for the science of nature, product innovation, offering continued education, and full support as a partner. Yon-Ka provides me with the knowledge and tools to help your skin regain its vital energy, a multi-sensory experience, reconnecting and revitalizing the mind and body." Deann also provides face and body waxing with "an innovative roll-on waxing system. It's a hygienic strip wax method ideal for even the most sensitive skin." Plus, onsite there is The Studio Boutique with Yon-Ka Paris and Sorella Apothecary skincare products for sale to maintain skin health and wellness. Seasonal products, candles, beanies and hats, and Vital Body Therapeutics CBD are also available. Interested in massage? Spa therapist Katie's technique, says Deann, is based on Swedish Style Massage with a combi- nation of deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, acupressure, and intuitive energy movement. "Helping clients focus on personal goals whether it be intermittent or chronic pain man- agement, relaxation, stress reduction or any other issue brings Katie great joy and purpose," shares Deann. Deann emphasizes that she and Katie both listen and communicate with their clients. "We offer suggestions, and we follow up. We offer top notch customer service. We love when a client walks through our door and instantly de- compresses or says, "I've been looking forward to this all day." Susan McKay, 62, has been Deann's customer since 2006. "I have followed her from one location to another," she explains. Susan goes to the Studio Spa about every five weeks, and alternates between signature and deluxe facials. She refers to each visit as "…a time where I can pamper myself and relax from any stresses of the week. My skin feels soft and radiant. As an aging wom- an, it's important for me to keep my skin soft. Deann's treatments help with that. I tend to have very dry skin and she helps me avoid flakiness and dryness. "Since skin cancer is prevalent in our area, I also appreciate that Deann is very good at noticing if there is anything that needs to be looked at by my doctor." One of Susan's favorite parts of her vis- its? The paraffin hand dip and massage that accompanies facials. "Another plus is her studio is private and comfortable. Her table is heated and extra wide; for some people that is hard to find. I love visiting her and enjoying conversations with her while I get my treatments, but she also knows when I don't want to chat." A sign on her wall says, 'Facials are magical naps for adults.' "To that I say, 'Deann is a wizard at making people look and feel fabulous. Enjoying my magical nap is the highlight of each month." Jessica Middour, who is 56, has been a Studio Spa client since it opened and visits twice a month. "Deann's amazing treatments make me look 10 years younger than I actually am! I get a monthly full facial with exfoliation, brows and face waxing, paraffin hand dip, and hand and foot massage. I also Treat Yourself: Here are this Year's Day Spa Winners by Tara Fatemi Walker continues on 18 16 | 2021 READERS CHOICE AWARDS | FEBRUARY 17, 2022 S A N TA C R U Z S E N T I N E L . C O M

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