Expanding business

By MARY RAINWATER
The Palestine Herald

Palestine March 18, 2006 10:30 pm

— When she opened Jamie’s Therapeutic Touch two years ago, local aesthetician Jamie Pettiette-Rhone had already set a goal of expanding her business to become Palestine’s first day spa.
Her dream was made a reality in January of this year when Rhone relocated her business from its former Mallard Street spot to its new location at 720 W. Palestine Ave.
“It has been my goal since I opened to have a day spa here in Palestine,” Rhone said. “I wanted to provide people with a quiet, stress-free environment where they could relax and feel pampered.”
She also added to her new location four new employees, each with a different skill to contribute to the day spa — a cosmetologist, a nail technician, and two massage therapists.
Palestine native Rockee Hamilton has joined Jamie’s Therapeutic touch as a nail technician. She will be providing manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails and fabric wraps for customers.
“This is the only place in town that is a full-service day spa and I wanted to be part of it,” Hamilton said. “So far it has been fun — there are many good people here.”
Recent Trinity Valley Community College Cosmetology School graduate Christine Pennington serves as the business’ hair stylist, providing haircuts, styling, color and any other desired hair treatment.
“I have had a really great experience here so far,” Pennington said. “I think it will be very convenient for clients to offer all of these services in one location.”
Dianne Gutierrez is one of two massage therapists that joined Rhone at her new location in January. She specializes in Jin Shin massage, a Japanese art that uses accupressure to induce relaxation and bring balance to all parts of the body.
“I received training at traveling workshops held in Hawaii, California, Europe and Colorado,” Gutierrez said. “I have been working in Dallas for 18 years before coming to Palestine to care for my dad.
“I have really enjoyed working here so far and hope to be able to help others by sharing Jin Shin with them,” she added. “It is an ancient Japanese art that was passed down by word of mouth and helps the body heal itself.”
In addition to standard Swedish massages, Cheryl James provides several services to customers that visit Jamie’s. A licensed massage therapist, she offers oriental footbaths, paraffin wax and ear candles.
“I work a lot with the essential oils, which help with relaxation and issues such as headaches and congestion,” she said. “The benefits of massage are endless — it lowers blood pressure and detoxifies the body.
“It is a lot of fun being here at Jamie’s,” James added. “There is a really good atmosphere with and lots of good energy in the group (Rhone) has put together here.”
Rhone provides facials, skin treatments, Ionithermie, body wraps and waxing. She offers day spa packages for wedding parties, couples and those who just want to get together with friends and has accommodations for those who wish to stay overnight.
“There is no where else around here to get pampered,” Rhone said. “I just wanted to create a great place for people to relax, get away and experience healing — body, mind and soul.”
Rhone is celebrating her business’ relocation and expansion with a grand opening and open house event from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
“Everyone is invited to come out, meet the new employees and tour the facilities,” Rhone said. “I will have reps from Glominerals and Dermalogica here to do makeovers and skin scanning.”
Refreshments, an abundance of giveaways and free face mapping also will take place at the event as well as a live remote broadcast by KYYK FM Radio.
For more information about Jamie’s Therapeutic Touch or to make an appointment call 903-723-7546.