Customers First, Friends Always: Spa Brings Peace, People Together

In 2005, April Witte had $2,000 and a dream: to create a spa where people would enter as strangers and leave as friends.  It's now six years later, and what was once her dream is now her reality.

She owns Sense of Serenity, a day spa in Oak Forest that offers massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, nail enhancements, waxing, ear candling, teeth whitening, and detoxing.

When she opened her doors it was her and Aleah, a massage therapist, working 12 hours a day, pouring the earnings back into the business.  They worked very hard to create loyal customers, and many of them still return today.  She now has 13 employees—or as she would call them, friends—who help her, and they are a very happy group.

"It's fun to work here," said Aleah.  "I love my job.  I burn candles and listen to spa music while giving massages.  We all love it here.  We're a very close-knit bunch who care about each other and our clientele.  We try so hard to make everyone happy."

"We're very close," said Witte.  "Most of us are single moms trying to raise our kids, which makes us very supportive of each other.  If someone has something going on with their kids, we cover for them."

The spa is in its third location, although the other two locations are less than a block away. 

"We started two doors down," said Witte.  "When we outgrew the first place, we moved across the street.  There was a print shop in this building, and when they moved out two years ago, we moved in.  We love it here. Lots of parking, and lots of room."

It goes without saying that these people make their living here, but you sense there is more to the place than just occupation.  They strive not just to deliver services, but to convey a level of comfort while doing so.

"Oh, we definitely want a homey place," said April.  "We want people to feel welcome, not feel uncomfortable.  We try to create a social event kind of thing for the community, and it's working.  A lot of customers come in just to chat."

The spa has a steady flow of regulars who have become like family to them, but they also enjoy hosting spa parties. 

"Spa parties are a big thing here," said Witte, "and the best thing about them is you can be any age to enjoy them.

"We get a lot of bachelorette parties.  You can bring your flower girls and your grandmas. Bring your own food and drink, your own music, and everyone just gets pampered."

Some of the more popular spa parties are birthdays, fundraisers, girls' night out, teen parties, petite retreat for young girls, and couples.  Customers can choose from ten pages of services and packages that can be customized to their personal desires.

It is also very important to Witte that the business give back to the community.  "We do a lot with seniors," she said.  "We'll go pick them up and bring them over, or we'll go to them.  We also do a lot of work with the American Cancer Society.  A lot of cancer patients take advantage of our detox bath."

There is a sign behind the reception desk that reads, "Enter as strangers, leave as friends"—evidence that Witte is living her dream. 

"I'm living proof that if you set your mind and heart to something, you can make it."

Sense of Serenity is located at 15111 S. Cicero Ave., and can be reached by phone at (708)687-8560. They can be found online at www.​senseofserenityonline.​com/.