My Biz: Cedar Rapids spa focuses on relaxation

Sanctuary Spa was one of the first businesses to sign on for the mixed-use development the Fountains. But now it has more than a few neighbors.

Since relocating from its Blairs Ferry Road location in November 2013, business has been booming, owner Cindi Schamberger said, adding she has had to turn customers away. So much so, that Schamberger is consulting a contractor to wall-off part of the lobby to create additional room.

The spa offers facial and skin treatments, messages, waxing services, nail services and make up application.

Schamberger said she emphasized the details of relaxation in every aspect of the space.

'Everything from our linens to our blankets, I want everything to have a very wonderful sense of touch for people,” she said. 'We don't just take you to a locker room and hand you your key and a robe.”

Customers are offered complementary drinks before their appointments and a brief hand or foot massage in the relaxation room, a darkened room with calming music playing.

Some enjoy this so much that they show up early to take in the experience, she said.

When it comes to managing her growing team, which has increased from seven to 30 since 2009, Schamberger said she prefers a top down approach where feedback from team meetings and customer data is used to drive practices.

This was a crucial component when she had to manage from a far when her husband was transferred to a job in Milwaukee.

In order to accommodate more future spa-goers, Schamberger is looking into opening an additional location in the Iowa City, North Liberty or Coralville area. But as the business expands, Schamberger remains focused on its core theme.

'When I teach my students I always tell them the most important tool you will ever have in your treatment room is your heart,” she said. 'The heart is always the center of everything that we do here at the sanctuary.”

' Know a manager or company in business for more than a year that would be ideal for 'My Biz”? Contact Chelsea Keenan at Chelsea.keenan@thegazette.com

At a Glance

'Company

: The Sanctuary Spa

'Name

: Cindi Schamberger

'Address

: 5100 Fountains Dr. NE, Suite 106

'Phone

: (319) 373-2447

'Website

: crsanctuaryspa.com