Southport Magazine

Laura Brochure and Irena Sedivy offer organic spa services at European Touch, a green spa in Southport. Photo by Kris Beasley

Relaxation is the goal of every spa guest. Yet in the age of our world where organic rules, the chemicals utilized by most spas can make anyone nervous.

In Southport, European Touch is a “green” spa run by Irena Sedivy, whose career in spa care spans 23 years in Europe. Recently, Laura Brochure of Healthy Hands and Feet joined the team at European Touch. She provides manicures and pedicures with all-vegan, organic products—many of which are homemade. The spa is located at 108 W. Owens St., Suite #2; for more information, call (919) 906-0187 or visit www.spaeuropeantouch.com.

Southport Magazine (SM): How did you get started in the spa business and why do you enjoy it?
Irena Sedivy (IS): I opened my first day spa in 1990 in the Czech Republic, Europe. I always loved what I do and that’s why I decided one day to get certified also in USA. It is a beautiful feeling to make people happy. A positive touch may change your life.  I have been all the time not only an esthetician for my clients but also a good friend and listener. Our treatments are about whole body—outside and inside.

Laura Brochure (LB): I actually got started at the age of 7—I used to have spa days in my family’s living rooms. I loved polishing nails and massaging people; my grandma had all the stuff I needed for it. I love making people feel better, and this is a great job to have for that. I started working in spas when I was 19 and have always enjoyed the atmosphere and the people I’ve worked with.

SM: Why is it important to you and for your customers to have a green spa?
IS: Green spas not only benefit the natural environment but also offer a number of health and wellness benefits to their clients, including:
• Green spas are naturally healthy—by eliminating toxins in their skincare products and in their spa environment, green spas provide a healthier experience.
• Green spas are more relaxing—by putting aside the stressors of modern life.
• Green spas treatments are more effective—natural treatments are gentler and help ensure long-term health and beauty.
• Green spas put the body in harmony with nature. I want the best for my clients —that’s why green spa.

SM: Are there any services not on your website you’d like customers to know about?
IS: Almost every treatment may be customized. Clients may have a manicure during facial care or feet massage, [and we offer] half-day gift certificates, etc.

LB: We also offer foot massages and manicures that will be performed in your facial services if you are short on time or you would like a little extra pampering.

SM: Irena, tell us about the Image Skincare line and how it benefits clients.
IS: Image Skincare is an internationally operated professional skincare company founded in 2003 by Janna Ronert, President and CEO. Growing at a rapid pace, Image Skincare products are distributed and available in over 30 different countries including the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Their FDA-certified laboratory utilizes the most scientifically advanced formulas in today’s marketplace to create pharmaceutical-grade skincare products.

Image Skincare is dedicated to offering safe products without the use of chemical preservatives like parabens. All of the lines of Image Skincare are paraben-free. Products are not tested on animals, no petrochemicals, no chemical preservatives, fragrance composed with 100-percent essential oils, respect of the environment.

Image Skincare products are available to buy not only for our clients, but also for anyone that would be interested in buying a reasonable and amazing skincare line.

SM: Laura, please tell us about your commitment to using all organic/vegan products (I didn’t know organic polish existed!) and what sets your manicures and pedicures apart from others.
LB: Using organic/vegan products has tons of benefits for the planet, your health and the health of the animals. The fumes and chemicals found in most nail products are not good for your health. SpaRitual products are free of petrochemicals, paragons, “DBP” dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, toluene, and they are biodegradable. They are full of wonderful essential oils like ginger, Chinese jasmine, and lavender. The polish is vegan so they are not made with fish scales for shimmer or crushed beetles’ wings for the red tones.

I also do not use a bowl for pedicures—I use hot towels to steam your feet which help conserve water and are free of harmful bacteria. We could change a lot in this world just by being conscious of what we put on and in our bodies. Every little thing makes a difference.