Business Profile
living
LaVida luxurious By Laura Sebastian
Things may disappear when you visit the newly opened LaVida Massage … things such as your migraine, your neck and shoulder tension, even your insomnia.
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n fact, a newfound energy and confidence may envelope you, making you decide now is finally the time to fulfill that dream of rafting down the Colorado River, climbing high into the Rockies to check out the spring wildflowers, or sailing through the air on your first skydive. “Massage is one of the most beneficial and ancient forms of self-care,” says Sherry Buersmeyer, owner and manager of LaVida Massage. “It reduces stress and anxiety, soothes sore muscles and even improves your circulation and flexibility. And with the economy, people aren’t sleeping well, they get headaches, and massage is a healthy alternative to heading to the doctor for muscle relaxants or sleeping pills.” Emily Bush, one of LaVida’s massage therapists, agrees. A specialist in hot stone, prenatal, deep tissue and sports injury massage, Bush says, “LaVida is not a business focused on making money, it’s a business focused on helping people live well in their bodies and on helping the community realize that massage can be a preventative action for many health issues.” LaVida, which opened February 17 at 2733 Council Tree Avenue in the Front Range Village Shopping Center, offers help for what ails you at an affordable price. “Our goal is to make it possible for people to have a monthly or weekly massage instead of it being an infrequent treat,” Buersmeyer says. “That’s part of the LaVida philosophy: we offer a luxurious atmosphere and spa-quality service that won’t break your budget.” And the atmosphere at LaVida is indeed pleasing, with massage rooms refreshingly uncluttered, yet well-appointed. The walls are painted in tones of sage green and a dark, soothing chocolate, and each showcases a few pieces of artwork, all chosen by Buersmeyer. Music plays softly and a salt crystal lamp, thought to cleanse the air and improve energy levels, glows in every room. LaVida offers massages such as deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, couples, prenatal, chair and triggerpoint therapy. For new clients, LaVida’s 60-minute basic massage is on special for $39.95 until the end of May. The company’s Loyalty Program offers additional financial breaks. In signing up for this one-year program you’ll pay only $44.95 per massage (regular prices start at $54.95). “There’s no sign-up fee and no limit to the number of massages you can get for that price,” Buersmeyer says. “And with 30 days’ notice, you can cancel the program without a penalty, which is an option most other facilities don’t offer.” Also unusual, LaVida is open seven days a week. “We make everything as convenient as possible,” Buersmeyer says. “Our location is ideal, close to workplaces and among all the great new stores of Front Range Village. Parking is plentiful and we’re open long hours to fit any schedule. And in addition to our 12 highly trained and certified massage therapists [currently, 10 women and two men], we’re adding an aesthetician to our staff so clients will have the options of waxing, custom facials and chemical peels as well.” As for home products, LaVida offers Plantlife and Wright Essence brands, which are all-natural, chosen by Buersmeyer and unique to her location. Among the choices are body lotions, soaps and aromatherapy oils in delicious scents such as in lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla-orange and lemongrass, and mineral baths for stress relief, detoxification therapy and treatment for sore muscles. Part of a chain of franchises headquartered in Commerce, Michigan, LaVida of Fort Collins is the flagship store of Colorado. “I chose a LaVida franchise because I’ve always be-
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