By Christopher Holland • The Current Contributing Writer
When visitors from near and far come to Jim Thorpe, they usually have one thing in mind; a relaxing getaway to unwind and recharge.
And while the town offers a panoply of attractions including fine-dining experiences, live entertainment and more, there’s one business in town designed to cater to the physical aspects of relaxation.
Jim Thorpe Massage and Wellness Studio at 69 Broadway offers services including massages, skincare, waxing, acupuncture, energy work and several packages. Starting this month, it will also offer microneedling, a treatment used to improve conditions like acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks and pigment issues.
Co-owner Shelley Jaye Hunt, originally from the Hartford, Connecticut area, has been a Jim Thorpe resident for 31 years. Hunt owns the business with Amy Levinson, who also owns a blueberry farm.
“I got into the industry from my desire to work with women during their childbearing year, including pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum and infants,” Hunt said.
“I went to massage school to have an additional service to offer, but what I found is that my hands-on massage work was benefitting my clients both through the resort where I owned a massage center where I could extend my talent to help others. Clients that I was able to help were local, loyal clients and vacationers to the Pocono area,” she said.
Hunt has been in the healing arts industry for more than 30 years.
Before opening Jim Thorpe Massage and Wellness Studio, Hunt owned and managed two temporary agencies providing the Greater Hartford area talented individuals to assist business operations.
“I received the Athena Award for helping women in business in 1998 and I was on the executive board of directors for the chamber of commerce as well,” she said.
After leaving that behind and relocating to Jim Thorpe, Hunt said that when looking to open Jim Thorpe Massage and Wellness Studio she had some difficulty finding the right space, but that perseverance paid off.
“Not only did I find an amazing space that has given us the opportunity to grow, but also a fantastic landlord, Duke Blaugh, that has been accommodating to studio improvements and expansion,” she said.
“All of our massage practitioners, estheticians (licensed for skin care) are all licensed and insured… our acupuncturist holds appropriate degrees, certifications and insurance,” she said.
Currently, the business’ massage practitioners are independent contractors and the skin care professionals are employees as required by the state of Pennsylvania.
“As far as adding staff, we are constantly searching for qualified professionals as business continues to expand,” she said.
In 2018, Shelley and Levinson’s team won “Rookie Business of the Year” from the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp., and since opening JT Massage and Wellness Studio in 2016 the business has grown from two massage rooms to three, with the addition of a couples massage room.
Hunt said that her and Levinson’s business has a strong local loyalty and repeat clientele.
“We also serve vacationers to the Jim Thorpe area… some for the first time but they become regular clients during their visits to the area. There are several of our clients that travel a distance regularly to receive our individualized sessions,” she said.
Jim Thorpe Massage and Wellness Studio offers events throughout the year, including a community acupuncture session. Hunt said in March they are hosting a microneedling information session and will also be introducing their new skin care line.
Hunt says that social and networking events and being actively involved with the local business community contributes to the success of her and Levinson’s business.
“We are members of the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency, Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development, and we attend social and networking events such as Women in Business and networking mixers to promote our business,” she said.
To attract new clientele they use social media, newsletters, community canvassing, and write a monthly column for The Current called “Mindful Matters.”
Hunt says that the atmosphere at the wellness center is positive.
“As far as our atmosphere, when our clients walk into our studio, they are greeted by relaxing music, friendly staff and pleasant and gentle aromas from essential oils,” she said.
She noted that clients often comment positively about the feeling that they get as they walk through the door to the comfortable, welcoming space.
“Satisfied customers truly feel cared for and better when they leave,” she said.
The business is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., as well by appointment in the morning and evening hours. More information can be found at www.jimthorpemassage.com or 570-995-3025.
“We feel like we have set the foundation for continued growth and success in serving the needs of the community and beyond,” Hunt said.
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