The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Parlor brings science, beauty
ALisaDaniella has recently opened its doors to the public but the Wickliffe spa and beauty parlor seeks to offer more than just the promise of a pretty face.
Once, esthetician and owner Murya Patterson only ever envisioned her new business as something to consider after retirement. But, after she was laid off, Patterson’s life was met with unpredictability as well as opportunity.
“At first, I was like ‘wow, what am I going to do now?’” she recalled. “I was going to start off as a hair and nails salon but then I found out about esthetics and working with the skin.”
Patterson had already earned degrees in both science and public health before gaining her esthetician license. She’s since taken the classroom with her into the parlor.
“It still encompasses science,” she explained. “I’m still helping people. When you come to get a facial. We give you a proper skin analysis. Nothing is just thrown on. I have certain things that I mix depending on your skin type. Everyone is customized.”
The attention she affords her customers’ specific needs include men, despite the stigma she admits many males feel toward her line of work.
“Most men I’ve talked to just wash their face in the shower with soap,” she said. “They don’t know what toner or moisturizer is. It’s not just for women. Men have skin.
“To make them feel better, I do have a whisky bourbon enzyme that I use with them. It helps, men need a different set of exfoliants.”
An advocate for the importance of healthy skin, Patterson underlines the importance her salon plays in maintaining a first line of defense for your body.
“The integumentary system is your first line of defense against bacteria, free radicals,” she said. “No one ever thinks to take care of it. Everyone can benefit from having healthy, happy skin. This isn’t just for when you have a problem with your skin. Maintaining your skin can help with lots of things.”
Patterson speaks with enthusiasm as she tours her facility, showcasing the body contouring room where infrared lights targets fat deposits, detoxification saunas, massage tables, and facial chairs. She makes sure to mention how she had to personally haul all of the heavy equipment up the flight of stairs to her offices.
“It made for a lot of long nights,” she joked.
The city of Wickliffe has proven a welcoming home for ALisaDaniella so far.
“The traffic coming in from both Lake County and Cuyahoga is perfect,” Patterson said. “The fire marshall stopped by, the mayor is actually scheduled later this week, they’re both really behind this. I’m getting a lot of love and support from the people in the area.”
Patterson appears determined to pay the warm welcome back to the community.
“I really like to connect with my customers,” she said. “I’m old school. I want to get to know my clients over a cup of coffee. I want them to come back and for this to be a comfortable place where they can relax and we can help them with their skin. We’re actually into helping people.”