Moonberri Spa is bringing natural wellness to Blaine residents, one manicure and facial at a time.
The downtown business, which opened Feb. 14, offers manicures and pedicures using organic products and natural options, while an in-house esthetician provides facials, lash lifts and waxing.
Owner Gina Freeman said she saw a need for a nail salon in Blaine as she was looking to share her love of natural wellness. Freeman began taking classes at the Zorganics Institute of Beauty and Wellness in Bellingham, and shortly before graduating last fall, found an open storefront at 380 H St.
Freeman partnered with Laura Brudvik, a licensed esthetician who operates Graceful Glow Skincare in the salon. Brudvik previously worked in Birch Bay and transferred her services — including facials, chemical peels, lash lifts and waxing — to Blaine.
Similar to Freeman, Brudvik sees beauty treatments as a way to heal and rejuvenate the body.
“I didn’t realize our stars were so aligned,” Freeman said of her partnership with Brudvik. “We have a lot in common and the same philosophy behind why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
Freeman’s path into holistic wellness started a decade ago when she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Facial products were causing her skin to break out, so Freeman created natural skin care for herself.
She turned that skin care into her line, Moonberri Botanicals, that she sells at the salon, featuring products such as cleansing bars, oils and face masks.
“This is where the ideas started percolating,” Freeman said of her skin care line. “I took some of the things that were sacred and important to me, and then went, ‘How can I share that with people?’”
Natural elements are woven through the details in the salon. Freeman opted for gel polish, which is less damaging than acrylics to nails. She also uses Karma Organic nail polish, a nontoxic polish that can be removed without acetone.
No harsh chemicals or smells are used in the salon, Freeman said, and copper bowls for pedicures provide anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
For spa manicures and pedicures, Freeman offers chakra aromatherapy, hot stone massages and reflexology, a therapeutic method where pressure is applied to reflex zones throughout the body.
Complimentary hot tea and herbal-infused water are also served to each client.
Freeman wanted the salon to feel like stepping into a home, and filled the space with antique finds. She sourced chandeliers, velvet chairs and a faux fireplace to create a warm ambiance. Her husband, Chris, helped with interior renovations, including adding wood panels to the walls and tin tiles to the ceiling.
Later this spring, Freeman hopes to host community events at the salon, such as paint-and-sip nights and nature-based learning activities for children.
“This is an expression of my heart,” Freeman said. “I’m looking forward to sharing it with the community, so I hope it’s well-received.”
More information on Moonberri Spa is at 360-441-9546 or moonberrispa.com. For more information on Graceful Glow Skincare, visit bit.ly/4uxFnxv.
