Spawning relaxation

Jennifer McCord draws the curtains, lights a few scented candles and turns on tranquil piano music.

Almost instantly, the living room transforms into a peaceful, spa-like respite -- exactly the effect McCord is going for.

"Basically, I want to change their minds about what they're coming to just as soon as they walk in the door," McCord explains. "The focus is really a relaxed evening, from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet."

"They" are friends of homeowner Kim Shultz, a group of eight women on whom McCord hopes to impress the importance of relaxation and personal time.

She'll also introduce some products that can help accomplish that, but as she explains, this isn't your mother's Tupperware party.

It's Spa Escape, an in-home and in-office spa service through a company called BeautiControl, which actually is a subsidiary of Tupperware.

"Girls' night in is the concept," says McCord, who is one of a growing number of BeautiControl consultants in Southeast Missouri.

The concept of in-home spas is just part of a growing trend toward relaxation services, especially for active women. There are several local businesses that offer spa services, from body wraps and massages to facials and pedicures.

"Interest in the ability to help people relax is growing," said Aleda Phillips, owner of Style Shop and Lifestyles Spa in Jackson. "There aren't a lot of places people can go as a retreat and feel good afterwards."

After 30 years in various locations throughout Southeast Missouri, Phillips moved into a larger facility in Jackson two years ago as the number of her spa patrons swelled.

The fastest-growing aspect of her business is a wellness program that incorporates detoxification and a natural vitamin regimen. There's also an on-site gym with training programs available.

Phillips said she also does pampering parties, where groups of women come in together for spa treatments.

"Instead of drinking lemonade on the front porch like women used to do, now they gather at the spa and drink their lemonade or gourmet coffee," said Phillips.

BeautiControl's in-home spas are intended to bring that relaxation on a smaller scale into the home, said McCord.

She does two or three Spa Escapes each week, in both homes and in local businesses, and manages to enjoy a stay-at-home-mom status while still having a career.

A white "Got Stress?" shirt is McCord's work uniform. Cucumber eye patches, neck wraps and back massagers are her tools of the trade. She speaks softly and calmly, encouraging the participants to take a mental vacation.

When she asks how many of them spend 30 minutes a day on themselves, none of the eight women raise their hands.

"I'm going to show you guys how just a little bit of time can make your whole week better," McCord says.

They do deep breathing exercises, hand massages and lip peels.

The parties are free and hostesses receive gifts, a la Tupperware party-style. Profits come through the sale of home beauty and relaxation products afterward.

"Every spa is different, every hostess is different. That might be part of the reason I love what I do. I never know what my next experience is going to be," says McCord.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128