Unique Day Spa offers its customers massages, facials, hair services, manicures and pedicures, and high-end salon products – just about everything but mud baths. The spa opened in August of 2002 when Danielovich, an esthetician, or facial services professional, moved to Cullaby Lake from Bellevue, Wash., to be closer to her family.

Inside, sophisticated black countertops are balanced by warm hardwood floors and hanging green plants. She has tried to create a high-end niche by offering her clients extras they may not find at other salons: an espresso bar, more exclusive hair care product lines such as Alterna and Nelly DeVuyst, and more relaxing and thorough sessions.

Why did you start Unique Day Spa?

“I felt the area needed a more upscale, but yet relaxed, spa that men and women of all ages could go to. … I wanted to give the feel you were leaving Clatsop County and walking into a city salon.”

Is there an upscale clientele in Clatsop County?

“There is. … We do have an upscale clientele, people who want that extra pampering.”

Is there a significant demand by men for traditional “girly” spa services?

“The demand for men’s detailed grooming has really changed over the last 10 years. It’s a lot more so than we had even anticipated. Men will get facials. They will get waxing. A lot of them are getting (hair) highlights. They are learning to buy products – to go home and moisturize their skin and use sunscreen.”

What has been the most successful part of your business?

“The personal reward of seeing the clients leaving happy and enlightening their lifestyles. All the girls here are incredibly pleasant individuals. We are very private with our clients. … Our motto is ‘Quality from the heart.’ I’ve been to salons were I felt like a cattle number. I didn’t want people to feel like that here.”

The spa really makes a noticeable difference upon your customers?

“Yes. We wanted the spa to make you feel like you were walking into a place you couldn’t wait to walk back into.”

What do you offer that customers couldn’t find at other salons?

“Our high-tech (hair) coloring technology. We have multi-color weaving. I don’t see other salons being as educated in those areas.”

What is your annual sales volume?

“We exceeded far more than we thought we would. We’ve been busy year-round. We encourage people to book at least a week in advance to get in. The average day we have between 15 and 30 customers.”

Don’t you need a mud bath to be a spa?

“We do need a mud bath. But it’s hard in Gearhart to get certified for certain kinds of things. In the future that is something we’d definitely like to elaborate on.”

Where do you see the business going in the future?

“We would like to elaborate more in the spa area, with body raps. We are always trying to stay ahead of the market on the latest technology. A lot of the salons are kind of stuck in the ’80s, and we are trying to stay updated.”

– Patrick Drake