Business Profile: Oasis Spa and Tanning Salon

Stepping through the door of Oasis Spa and Tanning Salon, an aroma of coconut amidst the bright colors on the walls might make you cancel that Florida vacation. Pampering is the utmost priority at Oasis, located at 3033 Chicago Road in South Chicago Heights.

"We pride ourselves in making everyone feel special," says owner Linda Chura.

Patch stopped by to see what's going on at Oasis.

Patch: How long have you been in business for?  

Chura: I started in 1999. Then I sold the business in 2005 but still owned the building. The owner closed down this past August, so I remodeled and opened back up in November. We are back for good this time.

What made you want to start a local business?  

I've lived in this area my entire life. This is what I went to school for, this is what I love. It allows me to be creative. My hobby is decorating so I get to do two of my favorite things in one business.

What are your specialties?

I specialize in body wraps. I also do hair of all types. I do foiling, coloring and hair extensions. I do the micro beads and sew to them.  I also do facials and manicures.  

How are you different than other spas?   

We have our tanning salon in a seperate area. I think our environment sets us apart from other places. Once our clients are inside, they would have never guessed this would be in South Chicago Heights. 

Recently, more men have been coming in to take advantage of our spa services. We are doing more pedicures on men, especially older men. Any hardworking man should take care of their feet. Some men have a hard time bending down to cut their toenails or take care of callouses from steel toed boots. They are starting to figure out going to the spa is not just for ladies. We want to take care of that for them in a pleasant environment. It is a comfortable atmosphere with welcoming employees, who make everyone feel special. I think that's another reason our clients are coming back.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a spa? 

First of all the spa has got to be clean, then the experience of the employees. The employees also need to treat you with respect.

Any specials?

Right now for the summer, we have our Margarita and Pina Colada pedicures. Not only do you get a pedicure, you get a free real Margarita or Pina Colada. If you want the Pina Colada, we use coconut in the scrub for the legs and coconut lotion as well. Same if you order a Margarita, there is lime in the water scrub and we use lime lotion, all the while listening to soothing music. 

Then our Day At the Spa packages, we usually include the relaxation room and sauna. That sets us apart as well, not every place has a sauna & shower. We feature packages from a mini sampler to the ultimate Day at the Spa, which is seven hours. Our sauna is large enough to hold ten people, so we also feature bridal party spa days. 

Any recommendations to those wanting to start their own business? 

Make sure you have good credit. You're going to need it. Make sure you save enough cash, because it takes a lot of advertising to begin your business. Before I opened the second time, I got my credit cards to zero percent. You need to have credit power, that's very important.

Where are your favorite local places to eat and shop? 

I love Scrementi's Restaurant and we like Lorenzetti's. I don't have much time to shop.

Final Thoughts?

One of the things is that you're not building a business but building relationships. One of my favorite times is when a grandmother, mother and daughter all come in and sit next to each other getting a pedicure or manicure. It's a good memory for them and for me.