About

The Story of Solace Day Spa

by Jodie Karow

What a journey this has been!
I love sharing my story and I am so glad you have chosen to read it.

The story begins over 20 years ago when I attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. I played both volleyball and basketball.  During the last two years I developed an injury in which massage therapy was an integral part of my therapy and rehabilitation. This intrigued me and an interest developed in the field of massage therapy and I wanted to learn more.  Through multiple experiences I witnessed I saw others involved in charity organizations giving tirelessly of themselves and rarely taking the time to relax and be rejuvenated, both spiritually and physically. I graduated Moody Bible Institute, and at this time in my life I did not see how my interest in massage therapy and my heart for those in ministry would fit together.

The beauty of hope

A couple of years after graduation, my mom was diagnosed with Lyme’s Disease. Treating the disease involved numerous visits weekly to the doctor’s office an hour away  as well as multiple daily treatments at home. Ultimately, this left us exhausted and needing rejuvenation physically and emotionally.  Our search began for a Christ-centered retreat center that could provide us with a time of encouragement, reflection and rejuvenation. My hopes were to find a location surrounded by nature and focused on women’s wholistic health, complete with spa services, beautiful environment, exercise venues and great food!

The beauty of vision

My desire was to provide a Christ-centered spa/retreat center where individuals could come and get away from the stress of life and be rejuvenated and find rest. Spa services, nutritional education, counseling, self-care classes, environment for meditation and reflection, yoga, hiking and other activities were an important key in creating an all-inclusive retreat center for complete renewal. From my experience in community outreach as well as helping my mother in her battle with Lyme’s, I strongly believed there was a need for what my vision held.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

The beauty of a closed door

Completing a 650 hour massage therapy program at Butler Community College in ElDorado, Kansas was the first step.  Shortly after graduation I was employed in a small massage therapy practice in Wichita, Kansas. I came to work one day and the doors were closed and a sign informed the therapists that the practice no longer existed. Disappointed in the seemingly poor ethics of this business, it opened a door for me to continue practicing massage in a well-known spa and salon.  Seasoned massage therapists came along side me, as well as other business-minded friends family and colleagues and taught me more about running an all-inclusive spa business.  A business-woman, wife and mother, I chose to go out on my own. I was still practicing massage, but at this point in my life I needed flexibility and chose to stay home with my children.

The beauty of family

My sister and I had thrown around the idea to open a salon and spa together. A seemingly far-off dream, as I lived in Wichita, Kansas and she was in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She called me one day and told me there was a great location that would be available to us if we wanted it. As she described it to me, my excitement grew and I wanted to take the leap.  My family and I set out to move to Fayetteville to open Pure Solace Body Boutique.

The beauty of change

In 2010, my sister, Melissa, a master hair stylist, and I, licensed massage therapist, opened Pure Solace Body Boutique. Over a year later Melissa stepped away from Pure Solace and moved her practice to another location and continues to provide her clients with impeccable service and style. I continue to transition Pure Solace into a retreat center and day spa, as sole owner. Eventually, I chose to change the name to Solace Day Spa.  I do not attempt this feat alone, I have an incredible team that supports the vision.  There have been obstacles along the way, but I am determined to continue to walk the journey the Lord has set before me.

The beauty of you

It is our desire, at Solace Day Spa, to provide the utmost service to each client. We want to provide an experience that defines “pure solace” and an opportunity to escape all the craziness of life and be surrounded by peace, tranquility, and purity is our passion.  Meeting the needs of our guest is our desire at each appointment.  A wide variety of beverages, reading material, calming music, and a friendly staff is what you can count on experiencing here as our guest.  Our goal is to send each client away with 100% satisfaction!

Join us in this adventure! The story doesn’t end here, it really has only just begun. Discover true beauty in life, and come experience it with us.  We are so excited to see what is in store for Solace Day Spa.