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Fast becoming the must-visit salon of choice, Ener-chi is a real
success story. Vale Life talks to the proprietor Judy Mancuso
about her philosophy and her exciting plans for the future.
ENER~CHI
As you’ll have read from the
previous page, my regular beauty
routine consists of removing my
makeup with a wet wipe and a
nightly smothering of whatever
moisturiser is currently sitting on
my bedside table. When it comes
to the inner me, I take cod liver
oil and glucosamine for my joints
and that’s about it.
We all know that we should look
after ourselves to see us smoothly
through to old age. I now realise that
middle age does not come alone...
along with it comes a few extra lines
each year and quite a bit of stress.
When Judy Mancuso of Ener-chi gave
me a call to arrange an appointment,
the thought of entering a spa sent my
stress levels up a notch. I needn’t
have worried! Judy welcomed me
with a calming voice and I
immediately felt at ease. Actually, as
soon as I walked into Ener-chi on
Hickman Road in Penarth, I felt calm.
Something about the place has that
effect on you.
What’s your background?
I trained as a nurse at the University
Hospital of Wales in Cardiff from
1976 to 1979. From there I worked at
the Riyadh Military Hospital in Saudi
Arabia for three years from 1979 to
1982. Whilst working there I became
interested in complementary
medicine and wanted to learn more.
Having worked with medical
professionals from many different
countries and cultures, I was
impressed in particular by the eastern
traditions of healing by touch and
learnt all I could from them. On
returning to the UK, I decided to
pursue a career in the pharmaceutical
industry and joined Pfizer
Pharmaceuticals where I worked until
establishing Ener-chi in 2003.
I have experienced traditional
medicine in my nursing training and
eastern healing traditions and
techniques whilst abroad. Alongside
this, I was continually updating my
interest and skills in holistic
complementary medicine. Qualifying
as a clinical reflexology practitioner
some 15 years ago, I went on to study
aromatherapy and phytotherapy
(herbal remedies) which I found
extremely relaxing. My studies are
continually ongoing. This year I
attended a course with Susanne
Enzer, author and renowned world
specialist in maternity reflexology.
Why did you set up Ener-chi?
At Pfizer, I was drowning in a sea of
conference calls and emails and
realised it was time to put into
practice all the training that I had
done over the years.
Why Penarth?
Penarth is my home town. My family
has lived in Penarth for over
100
years.
How many staff do you employ?
I started Ener-chi in 2003 with one
employee. We now have eight
therapists, two receptionists, two
dedicated sports therapists, a full time
physiotherapist, a visiting chiropodist
and a medical practitioner registered
with the British Association of
Cosmetic Doctors who runs a weekly
facial rejuvenation clinic.
What training have they had?
They’re all trained to advanced levels
in their chosen field. Most of my
therapists have attained a degree in
complementary medicine which is a
full time, two year course, and are
continually updating their skills to
ensure that they provide the best
treatments available. They are
extremely knowledgeable about the
herbal remedies and nutritional
supplements that we sell.
What services are on offer?
We offer information and advice on
all aspects of natural health and
well-being. Customers are able to purchase vitamins, minerals and
herbal remedies. Our therapists
provide a variety of treatments
ranging from waxing, manicures,
pedicures and facials. Our holistic
treatments include aromatherapy,
reflexology, hot stone massage, and
hopi ear candling. Our sports and
rehabilitation clinic offers physiotherapy
and chiropody. We also have
a facial rejuvenation clinic.
What products do you offer?
We supply a huge array of products;
Bioforce herbal remedies, Tisserand
aromatherapy oils, Dr Hauschka skin
care and make-up, Eminence organic
skin care, indulgent gifts and pamper
products from L’occitane en Province
and many more. Our philosophy is to
provide unique products sourced
from the very best suppliers, natural
and organic where possible, none of
which have been tested on animals.
What type of clients do you have?
Traditionally our services are aimed at
ladies but, as male grooming is
becoming more and more popular,
we are seeing more men. We have
clients of all ages and we find that
couples, friends, mothers and
daughters book appointments
together. We have a double room
which is perfectly suited to this.
What do you provide that other
spa’s or salons don’t?
We keep everything as natural as
possible. You won’t find chemical
laden skin creams on our shelves but
you will find products that work
effectively and do not harm the
environment or the individual.
Can you help people with
sensitive skin conditions?
Even if a client suffers from sensitive
skin or has a condition such as
dermatitis, eczema or periosis,
we can advise a suitable care plan.
We are not associated with one
skincare house. As a truly
independent salon, we can
recommend the product which
would best suit the client.
What are your plans for the
future of Ener-chi?
The majority of our clients become
regular customers and recommend us
to their family and friends which is
why we are continuing to grow.
I
t is a very exciting time for Ener-chi
and at the moment we are in the
process of opening a second salon
at 57 Heol Isaf, Radyr, near Cardiff.
This should be open by the time
your readers are enjoying this issue of
Vale Life.
Our philosophy is
to provide unique
products sourced
from the very best
suppliers, natural
and organic where
possible, none of
which have been
tested on animals
Ener-chi
31 Hickman Road
Penarth CF64 2AL (near Blockbuster)
For appointments please phone 029 2070 7356
also at, 57 Heol Isaf, Radyr, near Cardiff
www.enerchi4health.com |
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