We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn Jaques and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
From the beginning of the process in designing Cote d’ Azur, we wanted to have a space that was holistic and green. Considering each client as a unique being and customizing treatments for each client each visit was our focus at the time
We considered what was already available to clients and what our unique difference would be. At the time back in 2002 one could go to a spa which was often filled with chemical processes, noisy hair dryers, and a focus on covering up imperfections. All focus would be on exterior beauty. Another option was going to a wellness center which were often in a less-than-attractive clinic.
Back in the day one could get a massage, or an aromatherapy session, or a hot stone treatment or an energy session or a facial. That approach is still persistent in our industry today leaving people feeling like cattle being rushed through a process rather than cared for like human beings. We felt that a layered approach would be more effective. We asked ourselves, “Wouldn’t it be better to combine modalities into one perfect session?” And we created our award-winning Indigo Massage that includes blended massage, hot stone, custom aromatherapy and energy work. This session is a client favorite!
We first designed 7 different aromatherapy blends, one for each energy center (chakra) we then designed a body scan system to help determine which oil blend or combination would be best for that session. Each oil blend has between 2 and 6 individual notes. From top to bottom, they are lavender, frankincense, mint, eucalyptus, citrus, jasmine and geranium rose.
As time progressed we realized that some blends could be mixed with favorable results that smelled incredible. When we mix frankincense blend with eucalyptus blend it makes the combination we call the “Visionary” blend as it helps clarify the third eye vision center and calms the heart center. If we then add the Jasmine blend to the “Visionary” mix we create the “revolutionary” blend. Because of the addition of the fiery passion blend that gives fire behind the vision. Fun stuff to be sure.
Our indigo system, allows each client to have customized care in a lovely environment. Clients can even bring home a bit of spa magic by having thier customized blend being hand mixed into a cream or gel for home use from our in-house apothecary.
Our impact is not to heal, but to bring balance so people can heal themselves. This helps to empower clients not just in thier personal care but in other aspects of thier life. Our clients come from all walks of life, doctors, nurses, teachers, artists, therapists, nannies, retirees, students. We believe that a visit to our space creates a ripple. As people leave in better balance and connection they then leave a sliver of that beauty everywhere they go, with every interaction.
Instead of temporary chemical beauty we offer something real, non-toxic, and long lasting. Can we help make the world a better place? We’d love to try, one person at a time!! Let’s go!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our artform comes from a childlike wonder that we never lost as we grew older. When clients come in with a problem we love to ponder, research and design new things that may help. From designing Oils, creams, teas to changing the way the actual technical process goes we will try it. Lifting the head of the massage table, surrounding a client with many pillows, doing a session with a person wearing full body long underwear. Whatever it takes to help people get through life’s stessors. We never cease to ponder, designer and give our best!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
At work we are in “show-time” mode. Sessions are so customized and interactive like a customized dance.

At home, we are nerdy introverts who seek solace. So we are more likely to entertain at home by the pool with our two dog-persons, Meryn, the husky girl and Sirius Noam Chowski the bear-like-wonderboy dog.

Living close to hiking trails near JPL, we may go for a hike and order in. We love a magical chicken curry from All India Cafe; Thai food from Suriya Thai; Crispy beef tacos from Motas Mexican food; or Swarma or tarna plates from Zancou Chicken.

Our home is very very peaceful and guests often fall asleep sitting up on the couch. It’s funny to witness because it happens so often.

One place we do go is to the Rancho bar to shoot pool. All of these venues are locally owned business. We believe in supporting small local locations!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many many people who have been co-conspirators in our success! From mentors and elders like Jamsysne Blakely who trained us on how to have a Visionary styled business, to belated Papa Joe a Maori healer, from New Zealand whose body chart and healing mapping system are used in our space daily. We also have other members of our in-house cooperative such as Johanna Ho, Acupuncturist; Taylor Elizabeth, Esthetician, Jan Marie, Esthetician; Andrew Lu, Acupuncturist; Cejae Escudero, Massage Therapist; and triple threat, Toni Moore, Massage Therapist, Esthetician and Designer. These lovely members of pur cooperative are stellar professionals and kind humans. We also tip out hats to our very lovely clients who’ve been supporting Cote d’ Azur through housing crashes, pandemics and beyond. We feel and appreciate the love!

Website: https://www.cotedazurspa.com

Instagram: cote_dazurpasadena

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tribalmassage?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Yelp: https://yelp.to/EGrgaOX5m2

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotedazurspa

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