Hidden Gems: Meet Melissa Strong of Firewood Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Strong.

Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a paralegal for 10 years and transitioned into the spa industry. I learned the industry for approximately 4 years as an operation manager and after covid my business partner and I opened our own spa in June 2021. My legal experience together with operating a spa for 4 years gave me the knowledge and experience to start my own business. I treat my employees how I would have liked to be treated and appreciated in the workplace, I treat my clients how I would want to be treated when receiving and paying for a service, Firewood Spa offers quality services at affordable rates. I was tired of being disappointed when booking a massage and paying ridiculously high rates and the massage was less than average and then being bombarded at checkout to purchase a membership. I went against the grain and open a spa with no memberships that provides excellent services that are reasonably priced. We are non-membership and open 7 days to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules. We are approaching our 4-year anniversary this June. Our mission statement is that wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our overall well-being.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road; however, we are grateful to have made it this far and are a reputable business in the community. Marketing and advertising are the biggest factors in keeping the staff booked and busy. I do everything on my own, I have not received any funding from the bank, even though I have tried. But it only makes me work harder and the fact I continue to grow without any funding truly makes me proud of how far we have come.

As you know, we’re big fans of Firewood Spa. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Firewood Spa treatments are the key to the perfect glow up. Firewood Spa offers a tranquil and comforting spa experience for individuals and couples seeking to escape everyday life and experience moments of rejuvenation. Our spa is located in Brecksville, Ohio conveniently between Cleveland, Akron and Medina. Our spa combines the soothing elements of a firewood ambiance with a range of luxurious treatments, including massage, skincare, beauty, and waxing services, all using high-quality products and techniques for both men and women.

We opened for business in June 2021. Our licensed massage therapists and estheticians are dedicated to providing personalized treatments that cater to the unique needs of each guest. We strive to connect with our guests, understand their preferences, and remember those preferences for future visits to ensure the perfect glow up experience with every session. At Firewood Spa, we believe that true wellness encompasses both the body and the mind. Our guests are our top priority which has led to our long-term success.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is a necessity when you own your own business. I am always looking for ways to network and collab with other small or large organizations. We have done Fox 8 Kickin it with Kenny, New Day Cleveland, and Z1079 & 93.1 radio stations. We offer chair massage at these events and do a raffle for a massage at the spa to get people to come in and experience the services we offer.

Pricing:

• 60 Minute Swedish $85
• 60 Minute Deep Tissue $115
• 60 Minute Couples Massage $180
• 60 Minute Classic Facial $95
• 60 Minute Dermaplane Facial $125

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.firewoodspa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firewoodspa440/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Firewoodspa
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firewood-spa-12671420a/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@firewoodspa440