“I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I took this leap of faith,” explains Shawna Villegas regarding the upcoming one-year anniversary of her store, The Skin Shop, Wednesday, April 15.



I celebrated early with a little pampering.



Located in the historical Yuncker Manor, The Skin Shop’s waiting area has a peaceful view of Wright Park.



Treatments are done in a beautifully outfitted private suite on the second floor.



“I think it’s so important to never forget about ourselves,” Shawna beamed, leading me upstairs for my appointment.



It’s hard not to forget her. Her warmth and enthusiasm hit me first. Next, her radiant smile followed by her impressively perfect eyebrows.



All Skin Shop services are less than $100. The express facial (in and out in 45 minutes) has nooner written all over it and is only $45.



Though on my visit, Villegas gave me her signature facial, which runs $65 for an hour and 15 minutes. Her touch was so gentle that I fell asleep, snoring. Afterward, my skin glowed, sublimely soft.



Villegas offers reflexology, body buffing, facials, and waxing. She’s a bit of a wax master: ladies enjoy brow, lip, chin, bikini and Brazilian, legs and underarm waxing. And for the fellas, she’ll make Chewbacka into Han Solo, waxing the back, ears, nose, and jaw line. She even does (drum roll) the male Brazilian (gasp).



She decided to open The Skin Shop after receiving her Esthetic Science certificate from Clover Park Technical College followed by two certifications in reflexology — an alternative medicine method involving the practice of manipulating the feet — from the Seattle Reflexology and Massage Center.



“I thought it would be a perfect addition to esthetics,” she relates.



The Skin Shop is a one-woman show. Services are by appointment only.



[The Skin Shop, 519 South G Street, Tacoma 253.651.8615]