Ariel Herrera, Skin Therapist

I wanted to share a few wax techs who can help you with your full body waxing needs:

1) Kalika Osgood at Beauty Lab in Ithaca

https://www.beautylabithaca.com

2) Juju at Juju Beauty (located in Hair Color Art) in Ithaca

https://www.juju-beauty.com

3) Kendrake Esthetics in Cortland

https://kendrakeesthetics.glossgenius.com

I will miss you all! But these ladies will take good care of you. 💕

NOW you can vote for Guava Spa! I jumped the gun the other day. 😅 Voting ends Friday May 29th at 5:00pm. Guava Spa is listed under “Day Spa.” Thank you!! 🙏🏽💕

https://fingerlakesfavorites.com/?utm_source=voting-is-open&utm_medium=email&ei_ec=5&ei_ui=eic_b25000241d123271b348

Skin Schooled by Ariel: What Mom’s Actually Want

Mother’s Day can feel like it comes with a lot of pressure to plan something big but most moms aren’t asking for much. What they really want is a moment where they don’t have to be “on.”
As a mom, I can tell you how rare it is to have true quiet. Not just a break, but a space where no one needs anything and nothing is waiting for you. That kind of rest hits deeper than any gift.
If you want to make her feel special, think about how you can create that feeling at home. Take over the day in a way that doesn’t require her help or direction. Let her wake up slowly, keep the house calm, and handle the small things before they turn into questions for her.
You can build in simple self care without making it a whole production. Run a bath or set up a shower with a clean towel and her favorite products ready. Dim the lights, put on music she likes, and give her time to actually enjoy it without interruption. Even something as simple as a warm washcloth and a few minutes to cleanse her face in peace can feel grounding when it’s not rushed.
It’s really about creating an environment where she can exhale. No expectations, schedules, or pressure to make the day special for anyone else.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can give a mom is a home that feels calm for a few hours and the space to just exist in it.

Ariel Herrera
Owner/Licensed Esthetician/Reiki Practitioner
Guava Spa
315-636-0330 | [email protected]

One thing about me is I will obsess over the tiniest details for absolutely no logical reason other than it brings me joy.

Like these brass guava fruit handles carved by a Ukrainian artist that probably nobody notices but me every single day.

But honestly, I think these quiet little choices matter.

I get to support real artists, fill spaces with intention, and create beauty while the world feels like it’s constantly on fire. 🫂

Oohhh! Vote for Guava Spa! 💕✨

Nominate your favorite business in the "Health & Beauty" category today:
https://fingerlakesfavorites.com/

My favorite issue of the year! Annual Mother's Day edition! Read it online nowhttps://cortlandareatribune.com/files/archives/2026/04-29-2026-web-redacted.pdf or pick up a copy tomorrow!

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about yoga lately! As a reminder, Renee Potter offers Gentle Flow Yoga at Guava Spa Wednesdays at 5:00pm and Thursdays at 6:30pm. Please visit her website to book a class. ☀️🧘🏻‍♀️

Home Tula means "balance" in Sanskrit, and that's the heart of what I share. Wherever we meet - outdoors, in a community space, or one-on-one - my classes blend mindful movement, breath, and connections to help you grow, restore, and Bloom on and off the mat.

Now taking requests for small group Reiki sessions for 2 to 4 people. ✨

There’s something really special about slowing down and healing alongside people you feel safe with. Whether it’s your best friend, your sister, your partner, your mom, or a few friends who all need a reset, these sessions are designed to help you reconnect, relax deeply, and leave feeling lighter together.

Group Reiki can be such a beautiful experience because everyone brings their own energy into the room. The space feels grounding, comforting, emotional, peaceful, and honestly sometimes a little magical too. Think nervous system reset, deep relaxation, meaningful conversation afterward, and the feeling of being truly cared for.

Sessions may include chakra balancing, tuning forks, oracle cards, guided meditation, and energy work intuitively tailored to your group.

These are not available to book online right now. Please message me directly to plan your session and pricing.

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