Welcome & Big Announcements!

Welcome to the new website for Lotus Organics Day Spa & Wellness! This wasn't on my to-do list this year, but unfortunately the host of the website that I've had is doing away with it and we were forced to look elsewhere and rebuild. Please, if you see any errors or any links don't work, etc., please let me know! Apologies for the ads; it's unfortunately the only way to keep it free so that I don't have to raise prices again.

I wanted to start a blog here as an easier way to communicate announcements of new services and pretty much anything that needs to be passed along to clients. I will also utilize this blog to talk about various topics such as facial treatments and ingredients, massage techniques, sound therapy and energy work, and really just various educational bits for you to benefit from as an informed client. But now, let's jump into a couple big announcements!

Announcement #1: New Facial Product Line!

The first announcement I'd like to make is regarding the recent changes in the skincare lineup. As some of you already know, there's a new facial line in the house! Orska Rituals, a small women-ran company out of Texas, caught my attention while on a layover in Atlanta on a life-changing trip last spring. I was struggling with some recent changes from the TUEL line and their business ethics, so I began searching for something that fit my vibe and the new direction I was wanting to take things. After the death of my dad last December, life really just kind of went haywire, and I was desperate for change, and desperate for things to just. slow. down. While searching forum after forum, I ran across a simple Facebook comment on a post by someone else looking for a unique skincare line, recommending Orska Rituals. When I first looked into them, their website was... well... empty. Their business model sounded perfect and it looked nice, but there was no way to order product. I couldn't even see their product on the website. Curious, I contacted them and asked 'What's your line all about? How can I try your product?' It turns out, Orska was a brand-new line - not even up and running yet! But their motto and their direction felt so promising and intriguing. Over the next several months, we worked patiently together. I tried various products as they were released and was invited to offer feedback as one of their earliest partners. I truly have gotten to witness this line grow from the ground up and am so excited to now have Orska Rituals at Lotus Organics! I will be making separate blog posts specifically about Orska Rituals, but in the meantime, checkout my socials for updates on new seasonal facials that include the new line!

Announcement #2: New Opportunities!

First off, DON'T PANIC! I was going to wait on this, because I know how many of you will react, but I have to rip the band-aid off since it's already floating around social media, and you're bound to see it soon anyway. Again, DON'T PANIC! I'm not disappearing... But I have been given the opportunity to offer some services part-time at a second location in Decatur. Don't freak out! Breathe. I'm not leaving you. I still have a lease to uphold, and you guys are my second family. You are my livelihood. Your support is something I'm not ready to walk away from. Quite frankly, financially I can't afford to leave you! It can take months to years at a new location to build a strong enough clientele to be financially stable. Plus, I just brought in all these fun new facials for you. So, I'm clearly not going anywhere in the very near future. However, the drive to Bloomington and back home is taking a toll on both my vehicle and me, physically and financially. So, I unfortunately have to find a way to lessen my driving while still bringing in income doing what I love. (Honestly, the only other alternative I can come up with is to hike my prices way up... way, way up... and that's just not feasible for any of us!)

Okay, so what does this mean for you? Not much different as of right now! All appointments for the remainder of 2026 will remain as scheduled. The biggest change that will be taking place for 2027 as of right now is that there will be slightly less availability. I have not decided on exactly what that will all look like yet, but I am trying my hardest to work around what clients with standing appointments already have scheduled. Chances are, if you have a standing appointment booked out, it's likely staying the same for now. But regardless, don't panic. Another change taking place is that I will be limiting new clients while I adjust to this new way of life, so any Bloomington availability that I will have will be reserved for my frequent and loyal clientele only, as long as you continue to book.

Speaking of limiting new clients, just a heads up to my waxing clientele: congrats, you made the cut! I have decided not to accept any new waxing clients from this point forward, so you will no longer see Waxing service pricing on the website, but prices remain unchanged. Waxing has been in less demand during the 2026 year, so I have chosen to keep the waxing clientele that I have but won't be growing that part of my business beyond what is in place now (I won't even be offering waxing in Decatur).

Starting October 17th, I will be offering Orska Rituals facials, Reiki, and Sound Therapy only at Decatur Wellness Collective in Decatur, Illinois on select Mondays or Tuesdays with a Saturday sprinkled in here and there. Next year, I will have a more set schedule at both locations, but again that is still being determined. The Decatur Wellness Collective is a beautiful wellness center with gorgeous ambiance that offers salt float therapy, massage, yoga, Reiki, and even an occasional class open to the public - and now, facials! What started out as a request a couple of months ago to help them with their Sound Baths quickly turned into "We need an esthetician!" I am a contracted employee, so technically I'm still self-employed, but I am commissioned, as DWC provides my treatment space, table, linens, laundry services, advertising, scheduling, and payment services. I still have quite a bit of freedom over my schedule, so I will be making sure to offer a healthy balance between both the Bloomington and Decatur locations as we all ease into this transition together!

I know this sounds scary and many of you are nervous, but I am still here. The biggest thing I can ask for is your patience as I learn how to juggle both locations, as well as your understanding and continued business! As long as you continue to schedule and show up regularly, I will do my best to always hold a spot on my calendar for my regulars. It might look a bit different in the future, and I may need some grace and flexibility moving forward, but for now, just assume it's business as usual with maybe a few less days each month.

Thank you again for your continued support, understanding, and loyalty! More to come...