Whether through fashion, social events or aesthetic services, Nakkiya Groomes‘ entrepreneurial path has been paved with various ways to boost self confidence. That’s why she was inspired to launch Bodied by GG.

“Bodied by GG is a company that specializes in aiding women and men with inch loss around the belly, back, sides, thighs, arms, chin and face using noninvasive techniques,” says Nakkiya Groomes, Owner and CEO of Bodied by GG. “We also provide other services, such as teeth whitening, butt and breast vacuum lift, vaginal rejuvenation, Pre-op and Post-op cosmetic surgery care.”

The inspiration behind the business came from Groomes seeing someone getting a procedure done on social media. “I actually saw someone receiving the service on Facebook Live and considered getting it done myself, but as I began looking into it more and the unique effects it has on the body without having to go under the knife,” she says. “I then became interested in providing the services myself.”

Groomes already has her own event management business called Glam Gods, which is where the GG came from. “I didn’t want to deter the men from getting services with too feminine of a name. All are welcome,” she says.

There are a wide variety of services offered through Bodied by GG and they include: 

Eventually, she wants to turn her business into a full medical spa.

The mission for the business is to provide services and have people understand how to maintain their bodies when they go home. “My mission is to ensure that every man and woman that has an experience at Bodied by GG, leaves with knowledge of the services received. Whether they get one session or 10, they know what to do to maintain their results,” Groomes says. 

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t allow walk ins, but you can make appointments, “so that we can maintain control of the number of bodies in the establishment,” she says.“I believe this business is important to the community because during this COVID-19 era, we all need something that makes us smile and feel good, that’s exactly what our services provide.”

Groomes’ favorite part of the job is seeing her clients experience results. She loves it when “after a few sessions, the customer starts noticing their results and their self-esteem starts beaming through and they begin to plan their dieting and exercise routine without me having to say a word,” she says. 

The business is unique because the services “are just now becoming a hot commodity,” Groomes says. “Work can be done under a knife and weeks of recovery time can now be done in weeks with no pain or down time.” 

Bodied by GG is located at: 1212 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. To learn more, call 513-952-1500 or email bodiedbygg@gmail.com.

The Christ Hospital’s Gina Maccarone, MD and Lauren Daughtery, RN, have teamed up to bring a new experience to patients at the health network. 

“The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital offers a range of services and products to enhance your natural beauty and reduce the signs of aging,” explains Dr. Maccarone. “With so many options now available, our goal is to bring you treatments and products that truly provide results, provided by highly-trained experts.”

Dr. Maccarone is the medical director of The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital and Daughtery is a registered nurse and aesthetician.

The idea of opening a medical spa within The Christ Hospital came from Dr. Maccarone’s passion for offering patients a place to go where health and beauty are considered in parallel. As a fellow fashionista, Dr. Maccarone also finds interest in aesthetics, mindfulness, and the science behind each of these from a medical perspective, allowing her to bring in the experience and passion to help patients achieve their health and beauty goals using her surgical skills, artistic background, and medical knowledge.

A variety of services are offered at The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital including laser treatments, injectables, and dermaplaning. 

The laser treatments offered provide fast results with little to no downtime and include Laser Genesis by Cutera, a non-invasive treatment used to stimulate the skin’s natural processes to reverse many signs of aging skin including fine lines, enlarged pores, rough skin texture, and facial redness. Also offered is Excel V by Cutera, which effectively reduces the appearance of rosacea, facial and leg veins, age/brown spots, and acne scars.

Injectables available at The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital include Botox, Juvederm, and Kybella. Botox are small injections that help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for a natural, more youthful appearance. “Over time, the muscles around your eyes and above and between the eyebrows repeatedly contract and tighten, causing wrinkles,” explains Dr. Maccarone. “But with just a few Botox injections, you can eliminate the appearance of wrinkles for a natural, more youthful appearance.” 

Juvederm is a gel filler that adds volume to cheeks, lips, and smooths facial lines with lasting results while Kybella is a nonsurgical injection used to reduce excess fat beneath the chin.

Dermaplane is a painless procedure offered at The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital that gives your face a fresher, cleaner, and brighter glow while also allowing makeup to appear more smooth and flawless. This treatment exfoliates and rids the face of fine hair.

The products offered by The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital include ZO® Skin Health and Jane Iredale Skincare Makeup.

The two locations for The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital are now open at the Mt. Auburn and Liberty Township locations, and they have taken extra measures to ensure the safety of patients in the wake of COVID-19. 

“Because we are a division of The Christ Hospital, our precautions are those required of any medical office regarding COVID-19,” explains Dr. Maccarone. “Face masks are mandatory for staff and also patients at all times, unless receiving a treatment. Staff are also required to wear face shields for their own protection. Our common areas and treatment rooms are disinfected and cleaned between patients and also scheduled hourly.”

To learn more about The Medical Spa at The Christ Hospital, click here or call 513-564-1393. Your initial visit begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and determine an individual treatment plan to achieve your desired results.

Jasmine Hicks finds inspiration in the words “peace” and “tranquility” so when she decided to venture out on her own and open a salon, she made sure to incorporate those two words into the structure and mission of her business. 

“I took the time to study not just what a peaceful salon has and is, but to study more of what the human body needs to bring peace to the mind, body, and spirit, which has a huge affect on our hair, skin, and nails,” explains Hicks.

At her salon, Blown Hair Studio, you’ll find a holistic, eco-friendly, motivating, and family-oriented hair and nail salon that taps into the body’s five senses while servicing guests of all ethnic backgrounds and all ages.

At Blown Hair Studio, there are a plethora of services offered to all textures of hair including color, blow-outs, haircuts, and different treatments such as Aloe Vera Steam Treatment. Additionally, Blown Hair Studio offers nail services.

Hicks says that what makes Blown Hair Studio unique is its passion for tapping into the body’s senses from the moment you walk through the door. “From the relaxing aroma that you smell to the wall of affirmations to the greenery that you see,” she says. “Blown Hair Studio leaves customers feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, relaxed, and beautiful all in one visit.” 

Blown Hair Studio is located in the heart of Oakley at 3300 Brotherton Road in Cincinnati. 

Hicks says that Blown Hair Studio will be offering “COVID-safe” events in its attached patio area. “We’ll offer networking, young women and women empowerment events, and family-oriented small events,” she says. “Blown Hair Studio looks forward to entrepreneurship empowerment events as well as visits to foster homes to offer services to help build the self-esteem in young men and women.”

You can keep up with Blown Hair Studio on Facebook and Instagram.

The Face Place recently announced that they are bringing clients a second location. “We have partnered with Next Direct Medical to bring another location to you with more services,” says The Face Place Founder Kathy Sutton.

At The Face Place, the team prides itself on customizing facials and peels to meet the needs of your skin while also addressing your concerns.

With the opening of their second location at Next Direct Primary Care, clients can now utilize additional services at another location. Face services include micro needling, peels, facials, acne treatment, and even a facial specially designed for teenagers. Body services available at The Face Place include massages and infrared treatments.

A new service is also being offered, and is ideal for those who suffer from allergies. The Sinus and Detox Treatment includes a facial steam with eucalyptus, camphor, and clove essential oils, a sinus massage with hot and cold stones, a detox face and neck mask with camphor, feet warmed with hot towels soaked in ginger and clay then exfoliated, a foot chemical peel, and a foot massage performed with special attention to sinus points. 

Those who have membership plans with Next Direct Primary Care can receive discounts on services from The Face Place that range from $10-$20 off the regular prices. Membership plans with Next Direct Primary Care start at $45 per month and includes no copays, family medical are, wholesale medications, urgent care services, same day appointments, and discounts on cosmetic services including Botox at $8 per unit. 

The Face Place is located at 75 Powhatton Drive in Milford, and the Next Direct Primary Care location is at 8250 Kenwood Crossings, Suite 201 behind the Jewish Hospital. To book services at the Next Direct location call 888-926-6398. 

You can learn more about The Face Place and how to book an appointment at https://www.skincaretzone.com. 

Benjamin Pfeiffer graduated from the Dayton School of Medical Massage in 2010. Today he works as a licensed massage therapist and the owner behind The Centerville Salt room & Medical Massage clinic. 

“The Centerville Salt Room & Medical Massage clinic provides the proven relief of medical massage from excellent licensed massage therapists, along with Halotherapy, the cutting-edge respiratory treatment sweeping the nation,” explains Pfeiffer. 

This new trend in respiratory therapy is also known as salt therapy, and is an emerging type of natural therapy. “It is widely popular in European countries,and is gaining popularity in the states,” adds Pfeiffer. “It is completely natural, drug-free, non-invasive, and safe for all ages, including children.”

The mission at the Centerville Salt Room & Medical Massage clinic is to provide the community with holistic, natural, sound of mind and body treatments with the Halotherapy and massage services. 

“We believe that wellness begins from within, and we are here to serve those who wish to approach wellness from a natural perspective,” he says.

The Halotherapy treatments from the Centerville Salt Room & Medical Massage clinic involves relaxing in a room that is encased in salt, and during the treatment a piece of equipment, called a halogenerator, grinds pharmaceutical-grade pure salt into fine micro particles, giving them a beneficial negative ion charge, and releases it into the salt room. Pfeiffer says that the salty air is then able to deliver the respiratory treatment and is what makes halotherapy effective. 

“The negative ions activate the healing process on a cellular level, helping the body restore itself naturally and effectively,” he adds. 

The holistic approach that comes from using Halotherapy is unique and offers several benefits. 

“Pure salt has natural properties that can be beneficial, including anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties,” says Pfeiffer. 

Halotherapy can also help to treat many disorders, including: asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus infections, cystic fibrosis, nervousness and poor concentration, unhealthy skin, eczema, psoriasis, snoring, ear infections, and emphysema. 

“The Halogenerator is the single most important part of halotherapy,” says Pfeiffer. “While a standard salt cave, natural or engineered, will have tons of beneficial negative ion emitting salt, our halogenerator  provides a more effective treatment in much less time. We can deliver results more quickly and effectively.”

The Centerville Salt Room & Medical Massage is located at 65 S. Main Street near Independence Square in Centerville, Ohio. 

To learn more about the Centerville Salt Room & Medical Massage, visit http://www.thesaltroommassage.com. You can also give them a “like” on Facebook. 

This year is looking a little (ok, a lot) different than we ever expected. When the calendar flipped to January 1, it was a time filled with inspiration, fresh starts and big plans. A few months later, COVID-19 brought much of that to a screeching halt. As unease and worry grew, routines and plans were uprooted. And for parents, the “village” it takes to raise a child disappeared.

“Parents were all the sudden juggling kids at home all day, trying to manage their school work with their own work, plus all the extra cooking, cleaning, and worries. Moms shouldered so much of that extra weight,” says Marnie Gosser, spa manager at Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound. “And for Mother’s Day — the one day a year moms really allow themselves a day off to relax and restore — most businesses were closed, so they didn’t get the day they deserve this year more than ever. We wanted to change that.”

Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound created a “Mother’s Day Redo” package to give mom the day of pampering she didn’t get but definitely earned this year, says Gosser. Priced at $185, the package includes a 50-minute massage, a Signature Pedicure, a Spa Manicure, and a gift bag. The first 20 packages will also include a $10 gift card to Frutta Bowls.

Becoming Mom Spa + Ultrasound is located in the Deerfield Towne Center at 5485 Deerfield Blvd in Mason. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for information on giveaways and contests. Learn more at becomingmomspa.com.

Theresa Gordon is on a mission to provide a positive effect on the community through the empowerment of local youth. 

Gordon is the founder of Sugar & Spice Spa, nestled in the heart of Liberty Center, a business that wants to help your little girl feel like the princess she is. 

“From the moment you walk in the door at Sugar & Spice Spa, you are treated like royalty,” says Gordon. “Sugar & Spice Spa’s magical environment will sweep your daughter away as she is pampered and celebrated.” 

Creating a powerful self-image for young children is important to Gordon, and she strives to do that with every little one who walks through the door at Sugar & Spice Spa. “By helping them feel confident and gain social skills, girls and boys are empowered and celebrated for who they are,” she says. “Sugar & Spice Spa will not only create memorable experiences, but also build self-esteem, confidence, and awareness that will remain with our children for a lifetime.” 

Gordon knows that parents want their children to be happy, and she hopes to offer that through Sugar & Spice Spa. “You celebrate their birthday just as much as they do, but throwing the party is a lot of work that some of us don’t have time for,” says Gordon. “That’s where Sugar & Spice Spa comes in.”

Gordon prides herself on being the best at throwing a child’s birthday party, to help parents avoid the planning, the mess, and the stress. “Both mothers and daughters alike will enjoy our clean, quality spa services, including specialized salon services, spa birthday parties, private parties, events, and individual appointments,” she says.

Options for parties range from glitzy mini manicures and pedicures to private, luxurious spa parties. “No headaches planning a party here,” she adds. “Sugar & Spice Spa takes care of the party decor for you.”

In addition to the spa potion of Sugar & Spice Spa, there is also an event center that can hold up to 70 guests. It offers a unique, full or partial wedding ceremony and reception package as well as the option to add from the gallery of on-site services. “Whether you are planning a wedding, social soiree, or a corporate event, Sugar & Spice Spa is one of the best locations for your celebration,” says Gordon.

To learn more about Sugar & Spice Spa, visit https://www.sugarspicespa.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Did you give the hubs a “Covid Cut” over quarantine? Dad carrying a little extra stress these days? Think about gifting some professional grooming services for Father’s Day this year.

18|8 Fine Men’s Salon in Oakley says they see many new faces around this holiday, and they’re looking forward to treating dads to some self-care and style after a stressful few months.

“When you come to 18|8 Oakley, you’ll meet with our expert stylists who will work with you to craft the perfect haircut and look that suits your individual style,” explains Owner Chris Brown. “Each member of our team has extensive training and professional experience styling and treating men’s hair, and our customers can feel confident knowing they will enjoy a high quality grooming experience every time they visit our salon.” 

Brown says every haircut at 18|8 comes with a shoulder, neck, and scalp massage to help clients unwind. Services include: handcraft men’s haircut, classic straight shave, facial treatments, hair-loss preventing scalp treatments, waxing services for face and body, hair coloring, beard dyeing, and grey blending, and hand and nail treatments. They also offer Botox, teeth whitening, and other aesthetic services.

The goal at 18|8, according to Brown, is to help dad feel great after just one appointment. “Your grooming is just as important as any other style decision and thanks to our team; you can always feel confident that you have made the right choice when you choose 18|8 Oakley,” he adds.

Gift cards from 18|8 are available online and are a great way to treat dad for Father’s Day. Appointments can also be booked online or by calling the salon at (513) 342-5188.

Annie Klug wants to give Cincinnatians the best of the best when it comes to permanent makeup. That’s why she launched RuBrows, a microblading and permanent makeup studio in Cincinnati. 

Klug has 30 years of permanent makeup and microblading experience, 26 years of eyelash extension experience, and has served as a worldwide permanent makeup judge. 

“I want to give my clients the freedom of lasting, effortless makeup everyday,” she says. “Permanent makeup will make your life easier with permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip color.”

She says that permanent makeup gives you the ability to enjoy the “wash” and “wear” makeup that looks natural, glamorous, and beautiful 24 hours a day. 

“I don’t want customers to settle for less,” she says. “I have unparalleled artistry and experience in paramedical tattoo, microblading, permanent makeup, and other beauty services.”

At RuBrows, those services include permanent makeup, microblading, eyeliner, lip liner and color, eyelash extensions, skin care, waxing, manicures and pedicures, and nails.

Prices for services at RuBrows range from $35 for a lash tint and go up to $288 for a Russian Eyelash Extension Full Set. 

In addition to their permanent makeup and other beauty services, RuBrows also offers the opportunity to train to become a microblading technician. 

Why become a microblading technician? “The average procedure costs between $450 and $800 and takes two hours to complete,” says Klug. “Yes, $200-$400 per hour really is achievable as a microblading technician.” 

Klug also says that there is a lot of joy to be had when it comes to helping others feel and look beautiful.

You can learn more about microblading classes or schedule an appointment by emailing rubrows@gmail.com. 

RuBrows is located at 10774 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati. You can learn more at https://www.rubrows.com. 

If you’ve taken the opportunity to practice self-care during quarantine, &Sundries may be the place you want to look. 

What started out as a hobby for John Meyer turned into a business. &Sundries is now a handcrafted soapworks with a retail shop in East Walnut Hills, as well as online, that offers products that are handcrafted in small batches using simple ingredients. 

“I started making soap for myself several years ago for a few reasons, primarily because I wanted to disconnect from technology and pick up a hobby after graduating from the University of Cincinnati that would lead to something functional, something that I could use everyday,” he explains. “I’ve always had sensitive skin, and after doing loads of research, I started making cold process bar soap.”

That learning then became a passion and a lot of “yes” answers that led to making more things from what he was learning and using himself. “Soon it caught on to friends, family, and more, and we sold our first soaps and candles in 2018,” says Meyer. “We make our products for a Bubbly Good Time, with fragrant scents to love with good-for-you ingredients.”

Currently, Meyer is a one-man band working to continually build &Sundries. However, he does get help from his partner Nhân as well as support from family and other friends. 

“When we moved to the shop right before Christmas it was all hands on deck to move everything in, and I cannot thank them enough,” he says. “Day to day, I make every product in the store with the exception of some ultrasonic diffusers, and our textiles, where we have partnered with some amazing makers for complementary items in our shop that enhance a Bubbly Good Time.” 

By day, however, Meyer is an architect, and he’s carried much of his design training into the business. “I create all the artwork, branding, social media, and make all the products, bottles, fill, sort, cut, trip, print the labels, leb the bottles, package orders, and ship,” he adds. 

When you shop &Sundries, you’ll find a variety of bath and beauty products including cold process bar soaps, sugar scrubs with a soap base, whipped soaps, salt bar soap, essential oils, essential oils shower steamer tabs, lotions, bubble bath, bath bombs, soaking salts, milk baths, wood wick candles, beard balms, beard oils, facial scrubs, shaving soap, and some spa essentials like robes, lavender neck wraps, and more that come from other small makers. “It just grew as we found we could make so many options from our core ingredients,” says Meyer.

At &Sundries, you’ll find that there are good ingredients without the harmful chemicals. “We provide a range of options that you can fall in love with a scent, explore, treat yourself, have fun, and create a bath time, shower time, or any time that is a Bubbly Good Time,” says Meyer.

The store offers complimentary gift wrapping and Meyer says he loves making and wrapping gifts for a special someone, or even for you. 

There is a lot to look forward to this summer at &Sundries. “We have many summer scents on the curing racks now that will be available soon, as well as our annual Pride Bar that begins in June,” says Meyer. “We donate $2 of every bar to the Trevor Project, because, as an LGBT-owned business, we know the importance of resources like the Trevor Project to help navigate through turmoil, and we fully support their mission of providing a listening ear for those contemplating suicide. Compassion, listening, and being supportive are incredibly important to us and our community.”

Additionally, hands-on classes for your Quaran-Team will soon be available. The classes allow you to make and learn about the scrubs, candles, soaks, and more from the store’s almost complete workshop space. Meyer says that for this they’re putting the finishing touches on its COVID action plan and offering plenty of disinfecting wipes. 

&Sundries is located in East Walnut Hills on Woodburn Avenue near the Madison and Woodburn intersection. Currently, the store is on shorter weekend-only hours due to COVID-19 but will be resuming longer hours soon. 

Currently, &Sundries is offering curbside and in-store pickup, as well as local porch delivery for those within 5 miles. Purchases over $50 get free shipping to anywhere in the US. 

You can learn more about &Sundries at https://andsundries.com. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram, as those are the most up-to-date ways to learn about new products, restocks, and in-store news. 

&Sundries offers a reward program for earning points both in store and online as well as a monthly-ish newsletter for all of their new releases. Signing up for the newsletter on the website immediately offers a welcome bonus and discount off your first purchase.