Sweet Cherry Spa
Sweet Cherry Spa, established in 2014, is an award winning and unique spa. Owned by Scotia Kauppi (she/they – queer) who has been a makeup artist for 18 years and an esthetician for 15; Scotia has made an affordable and welcoming spa for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and alternative (punk, goth, heavy metal…) people to be pampered. Chelsea Gratz is our newest member of the team: providing excellent and high-quality gel nails and makeup. Walk into the dark, spooky and fun environment, you may hear 90’s punk, classical versions of Metallica or Rammstein, or just chill, lo-fi, witchy beats. See unique art from local artists, that during your service, give you time to reflect, and most importantly, feel welcomed no matter who you are because we are non-judgemental, accessible, neurodivergent and provide genderless spa services for all. We have a full shop, local counter filled with bath bombs, soaps, makeup, jewelry, and specialty cosplay items all made by local artists!
“Only the best product lines are used at Sweet Cherry Spa. I ensure that all products are eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, Canadian-made (when possible), mineral-based, and more. Following my Safe, Smart, and Sweet standards, I want to ensure that the products I am using and selling are good for you and the planet.”
Safe – Dermatologist-tested, eco-friendly products are the best way to include all skin types, sensitivities, and lifestyle choices. All my products are maternity and child friendly.
Smart – If I can’t tell what’s in it, neither can you. I make sure that I know all active and inactive ingredients in my products to make sure nothing will create new issues.
Sweet – Cruelty-free products are kind to our animal friends and kind to us. All smells from products are light and sweet, and no perfumes.
I have so many stories of wonderful times spent with clients: laughing, crying, sharing life experiences… such is the life of an esthetician/nail tech. I have helped many trans teens and adults learn how to do their makeup, help them get started with body hair removal and shaping, nails and toes. I love seeing the big smiles and the new confidence that they gleam with once they walk out feeling like one more puzzle piece has been solved. Helping clients after surgeries and divorces and those who are new to Thunder Bay.
This year, Sweet Cherry Spa has focused on being accessible. Because Scotia is disabled with back, blood pressure and nerve issues, she has developed and curated her services to be ergonomic and able to be performed sitting or standing. Sweet Cherry Spa was awarded with the Enabling Accessibility Fund to obtain a hydraulic spa bed for better function for all services, not just pedicures, and for ease of access for all clients rather than having to use a step stool to get up. As we are also neurodivergent, elder millennials, we offer many ways to book that don’t involve having to call us (but you still can!): we have online booking and texting!
Also, in 2023 we have fully paired with Thunder Pride Association (Scotia is the current chair of the board) to host the Pride Shop! We carry all Thunder Pride merch, flags, pins, stickers and more!
For more info about Sweet Cherry Spa, please visit: https://sweetcherryspa.com/
