Massage Envy Breathes New Life into Vacant Building

Where many saw an empty building, Lee Salas and Ralph Jackson saw their new business.

What was once a Hollywood Video is now , a place of tranquility in the middle of Diamond Bar. The Hollywood Video was closed for about six years; Massage Envy opened its doors in late February, roughly four months after renovations started.

“It caught our eye,” Salas said. “It was on the corner, sitting here for a long time.”

“There are signs on three sides of the building, so it’s a prime corner,” Jackson said.

The 5,100 square foot space has been transformed, with soothing purple walls and doors adorned with words like “calm,” “serene,” and “peaceful.” A relaxation room has dimmed lights and comfortable seats, while the large lobby with retail space is filled with Murad products. 

“Like any franchise, there are some basic things, like certain colors have to be used,” Salas said. “Our front lobby is probably different from most - our counter is larger and there is more retail.”

There are 17 treatment rooms, including six dual purpose rooms that can be used for facials or massages. There are also two couples rooms for facials or massages.

“We’re already having people ask about bringing in a bridal party, or the maid-of-honor and bride,” said Salas. “There are all sorts of ideas.”

Clients can customize their massages, from sports to deep muscle to prenatal, and aromatherapy and hot rocks can be added. When it comes to facials, there are four different Murad options: Environmental Shield Vitamin C, Clarifying Enzyme Acne, Anti-Aging and Sensitive Skin. There is also a wellness plan available, where for $59 each month, a person receives a customized one hour massage or facial (for an additional $10), plus unlimited $39 massages, guest privileges, discounts on select retail products, and more.

“It’s nice to know that someone can come in after the stress of the day, and leave with relief,” said Salas. “It’s a hectic world, but they come in and can relax, and you’re part of it.”

Before opening their Massage Envy, Salas was a Realtor and Jackson worked for six years as a massage therapist at a nearby Massage Envy.

“I saw the business grow and was working with an owner who just inspired me,” Jackson said. “He treated employees with respect and was loyal to them, and just gave back. The business grew because of that.” 

Sometimes, if everyone is booked, Jackson jumps in and serves as a massage therapist.

“I just throw on my other uniform,” he said.

Massage Envy is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in order to reach as many clients as possible. So far, business is getting stronger.

“Every week has been busier than the week before, weekends especially,” Salas said.

Massage Envy employs 35 people, many of them from Diamond Bar and Walnut, including 18 massage therapists, eight estheticians/massage therapists, and 10 salespeople in the front.

“We hope to grow,” Salas said. “We have the potential to have twice as many employees.”

Salas and Jackson said they chose Diamond Bar because the city has been “extremely business friendly,” and the process of opening Massage Envy was smooth.

“From approving plans to bringing out the inspector, it’s been a pleasure,” Salas said. “They’ve answered our questions the same day. I highly recommend the city to any business owner.”

Massage Envy is holding its grand opening March 28 at 11 a.m., and Salas and Jackson look forward to meeting members of the community. They are also excited about giving back to their neighbors, and massage therapists have already visited Vejar Elementary School in Walnut, where they gave chair massages to teachers.

“There’s a difference between being in and belonging to a community,” Salas said. “We want to show that we are committed.”