PHOTO MAYRA PARILLA GUERRERO

Angela Dotson is co-owner of a Spavia franchise with her husband Dana in Charlotte’s Strawberry Hill Shopping Center.

A Charlotte couple is emphasizing self-care by running a luxury but affordable spa.

Angela and Dana Dotson are the owners of Spavia, a popular franchise of spas founded in 2005.

“We provide a more resort-type feel,” said Angela.

The Dotsons began their journey in June, offering customers a selection of facials, massages and body wraps.

“We have many unique services. We have natural products and we allow our clients to select a lotion scent, conversation level and music when they come in to get a massage,” said Angela.

The couple moved to the Carolinas from Chicago in 2011 with their three children, operating two daycare centers, one that’s still open.

However, Angela’s passion for wellness inspired her to get her license in yoga and esthetics.

“I was very influenced by yoga and wellness and knew how important this was in someone’s life,” said Angela.

Finally, The Dotsons decided to own part of the franchise and operate the second Spavia in North Carolina and first in Charlotte at Strawberry Hill Shopping Center.

“We had thought about doing our own spot because I wanted to combine yoga with massages for a whole body mind and body wellness component,” said Angela. “We had a hard time finding a commercial space to lease that was reasonable. We wanted the support of the franchise to help us with putting processes in place and to already have systems.”

Aside from the traditional services of a spa, the Dotsons say what differentiates them from other places is their affordability, offering their customers three types of memberships ranging from $69 to $109. The Dotsons believe the affordable prices are encouraging more people to care about their physical and mental wellness more.

“I think more and more people of all colors are embracing self-care and the importance of stepping away, not getting so stressed out, enjoying the massage treatments or the facial treatments, not feeling guilty about it and some of it is at an affordable price point,” Angela said.

As they continue to progress within their business, the Dotsons plans to add more services this fall such as spray tanning and lash extension services. In the meantime, they hope to continue to advocate for self-care.

“We just want to make sure that with our every service we help our customers feel better, look better and be relaxed,” said Dana.

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