What was the motivation to open a massage palor?
We own the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage which used to be located in Armory Square. In 1992 we purchased the building at 719 E Genesee Street. We loved the gorgeous details of the building, as well as the location, but it was more space than we needed for the school. We saw that downtown Syracuse was in need of a beautiful spa, a place for people to retreat to and get away from the daily stresses. We wanted to provide a place where they didn’t have to drive far, but that would provide the feel of being away from it all!

What aspects of your services do customers like best?
We offer the basic Swedish massage, pedicures, waxing, and we also offer services that you won’t find anywhere else. For example, the Mandarin-Rosemary Sea Salt Scrub is a treatment unique to SpaZend. It’s a body scrub that’s done by a Licensed Therapist, so the whole treatment is massage as a sea salt exfoliation as well as a luxurious lotion massage.

The Thai Poultice Massage is probably the most popular. This is a treatment that dates back to the 14th century when a hot pack was administered to soldiers to ease muscle aches and pains. A cloth poultice, filled with organic herbs and botanicals is steamed and applied to open pores and impart a deep medicinal heat to the muscles during the massage.

The SpaZend Heavenly Facial, our signature Facial, is incredibly popular. We use all organic products from Thailand.

What would the average customer describe their experience at Spa Zend as?
We ask our guests for feedback via a “How are we Doing” card.   Here are some verbatim responses:

1- “One of  THE most AMAZING TRANSCENDENT experiences of my LIFE!”
2- “I had the Green Tea Wrap and it was great (don’t change it or get rid of it). Tammie was awesome, she knew all my spots to hit!”
3- “This was by far the best massage experience I have had. I love the atmosphere and staff. Definitely will be back.”
4-“Open an office in my hometown…”
5-“Angela is by far the Best in the Country!”
6- “I love it!! I love the Hot Stones!! I have to come back with my husband!!”
7- “It was amazing. I loved how personable everyone is!”
8-“This was the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had! Thank you.”
9- “Places on Long Island could take lessons from you!”
10-“It was a wonderful afternoon! Everyone was friendly and helpful! Thank you!”

Are there any upcoming or new events that you would like to tell readers?
We just launched our own aromatherapy body care line called “ZendBlends”.   There are five blends, Sacred Path, First Rain, Copper Moon, Rising Sun and Gentle Wind.    Each offers unique benefits for the mind, body and soul.  We’ve incorporated the Blends into our treatments, and also have them available for home use.  We offer massage/bath oils, body lotions and shower gel/body wash.

How has the location helped the business?
We love being close to downtown, walking distance from Syracuse University, the hospitals as well as the great Syracuse hotels.  The building itself, 719 E. Genesee Street, has become a healing oasis, housing the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, Strong Hearts Cafe, Hair Habitat, CNY Yoga Center, as well as other several therapists.  It’s an exciting place to be!

How has having the Connective Corridor changed the business?
It’s made us feel more a part of the larger community.  We are so excited about what the future holds for the Syracuse community, because of the Connective Corridor, and we are so pleased to be part of that!

To learn more about SPA Zend click here.

To read a review click here.