Glow Spa, upstairs at 1675 Bayview Ave., is celebrating its anniversary of, as they say, “Proudly pampering Toronto for over 22 years.” In fact, this month marks their 23rd anniversary.
Being an upstairs business is a real advantage in terms of ample space for treatment rooms, with a calming view of trees in the backyards of Donegall Drive houses. But it can also be a bit of a problem since you must first find the door while walking the block on the east side of Bayview between Fleming and Parkhurst. Once upstairs, though, you can relax with the soft, welcoming colours, the mural behind the main desk by Gavin McCarthy of “Art by Gavin,” and some welcoming herbal tea, all in aid of offering “skin care, body care, self-care.”
The original owners, Marci Weinstein and Jennie Kay, ran the business until 2019. Theresa Szalay and Lindsay McCarthy, who worked at the spa before taking over in October 2019, had never considered becoming owners until it became clear that unless someone stepped up, the spa would close. Theresa spent the weekend in 2019 consulting her husband and contacted Lindsay, who was camping that week with her family. The two decided to make the leap, although they had no real business background. Marci and Jennie offered to help the new owners make the transition.
Theresa, an aesthetician and aromatherapist by training, joined Glow in 2008 after stylist Bashkim from Floka Salon told her that Jennie at Glow was looking for staff. Theresa applied, got the job, and has worked there ever since.
Lindsay has registered massage therapist credentials from Sutherland Chan. She joined Glow when looking to move to Toronto for work; one of her instructors knew Jennie. Lindsay started at Glow replacing a RMT on mat leave who then didn’t return. She likes to “plant roots,” so is very happy at Glow.
Every business seems to have a Covid story. Theresa and Lindsay had owned the business for less than six months when Covid hit. The business was completely closed for three months. Then, massage therapy as a medical component was permitted, and the duo were able to sell “product” from their Eminence, Dermalogica and other lines. One of their Covid innovations was offering “a facial in a bag” with everything you needed for a DIY facial. Before the pandemic, one of their features was a Club Glow. For $100/month you had access to several of their services up to one hour per month. Theresa and Lindsay were gratified that many members of Club Glow, who could not take advantage of the services during Covid closures, continued to pay their subscription.
If a pedicure or manicure is on your list, you’ll enjoy reading the colour labels on the OPI nail polish. The Glow team put out “series” of colours with a particular theme – Mexican, New Orleans, the musical Wicked, and many more, with catchy names to match.
Lindsay describes Glow as “lightning in a bottle” and is not sure the Glow experience can be replicated at other spas. “Clients will trudge over in the middle of a blizzard to make their appointment,” says Theresa. Both owners mention how fun it is to see the children of long-time clients showing up as the next generation to enjoy this special place.
