The reception room at the InSPArations full-service salon and spa in Old Town Orcutt is warm and relaxing. Its European-inspired décor, comfortable chairs, and complimentary strawberry-infused water make the room a cheery cocoon from the stress of the outside world.
These thoughtful touches were all part of owner Sheila Gibilisco’s plan when she opened the business almost 10 years ago. She originally worked in the banking world, but eventually decided it was time for a career change and pursued her massage license. Prior to moving to the Central Coast, she worked for Sony Pictures Entertainment as a studio and on-location masseuse.
“I’ve always loved making people feel good and look good,” said Gibilisco, who’s also a certified esthetician. “I wanted to create a place that was upscale, comfortable, and professional. I have a high standard of service, and I expect everybody who works for me to have that same standard.”
InSPArations’ charming aesthetic, level of professionalism, and reasonable prices keep customers coming back year after year. But it was another reason that led the Orcutt Lions Club to recently name the salon and spa its business of the year.
Lions President Kathryn Scott said her organization chose to honor InSPArations because of all the contributions it makes to the community.
“Sheila is very generous; she always donates prizes when we hold fundraisers,” Scott said, adding that Gibilisco and her employees often attend the events as well. The InSPArations stylists donated free haircuts to veterans in need at last year’s Stand Down event at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
“She and her whole staff are very active in the community,” Scott said. “They even raised money for a staff member who had cancer and whose insurance didn’t cover the treatment.”
When they’re not fundraising for a good cause or attending a community event, the women at InSPArations can be found styling hair, painting nails, massaging tense shoulders, and giving cleansing facials. Name any beauty treatment, and the place probably has it.
Two of the most popular treatments are the Montage de Jour Package—a one-hour massage, a European facial, and a spa mani/pedi for $200—and the Petite Montage Package—a half-hour massage, mini facial, spa manicure, and mini spa pedicure for $135. They’ll even throw in lunch for an additional $15.
The types of massage offered include Swedish, deep-tissue, aromatherapy, stone, and pregnancy.
Gibilisco is also one of the only estheticians in the area trained in applying permanent makeup. She does brow, eyeliner, and lip applications, as well as something called “3-D brow,” which uses more realistic hair strokes instead of a stencil.
“It’s a very natural look,” Gibilisco said. “It stays on for people who are more active, who spend a lot of time working out or in the water. It’s also good for elderly people who have trouble putting their makeup on.”
She said she treats people of all ages, from young 20-year-olds to women in their 80s.
“It’s very popular,” she said, adding that the addition of a numbing agent makes the experience painless.
Another unusual treatment Gibilisco offers is eyelash extensions. The business owner is certified by Novalash, and she’s waiting on her certification from Xtreme Lashes.
“It’s very intricate, and you have to have a lot of patience,” she said of the concentration it takes to glue each lash extension to the natural lash.
InSPArations is at 130 E. Clark Ave. in Old Orcutt.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 934-8682 or visit insparations1.com.
Managing Editor Amy Asman wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in May 23-30, 2013.
