I don't think I've ever written a review for a business, but I feel this is necessary:
First of all, a backstory.
I recently moved here from Chicago. I am a professional actress and singer and have been very blessed in receiving amazing education, fantastic training, wonderful opportunities and luckily, full-service treatment in ALL spas and salons in Chicago and surrounding areas.
Walking into Changes, I dumbed down my expectations a bit since this was Mechanicsburg, PA...but not enough to ENJOY what was supposed to be a relaxing experience.
Upon entering, the owner's husband was at the desk and didn't say "Welcome" or any salutation. Instead he stared at my friend to speak, so I gave him our names. He didn't reply to me, no. He spoke to my friend instead. As a matter of fact, he spoke to my friend the entire visit. He offered HER a drink (she had to ask me if I wanted water), and handed everything to her while I was left to pick up things myself.
My friend was having a hot stone Swedish massage and was taken back first. I don't know what happened back there, but she loved her experience and felt taken care of the entire time.
I waited an additional ten minutes before Lawrence, my masseuse, came to get me. He took my form (where I shaded my problem areas-I've studied anatomy, movement and physiology for my Master's, so I take these charts very seriously), and led me to the room.
I was surprised. This was the same room the aestheticians use. It was cold, claustrophobic, and I could hear the salon noises and sounds more than the "soothing" music. Oh yea...where was my robe?! Slippers?! Lawrence asked me no questions about my pain.
My actual massage was...mediocre. I didn't want a deep tissue, because I'm well aware of my body and after working with the best of the best in Chicago, I knew I needed a medium, Therapeutic approach.
It was a painful experience where I felt my problems became even bigger problems and the rest of my body was neglected and rushed. My neck was stiff-now a nerve is being pinched on the same side, my left hand loses feeling when my arm is raised,and I can't turn my head without pain.
After the massage Lawrence says,"I usually push my clients, but this was definitely therapeutic. You didn't need pushed."
Uhhhh, what the heck does that even mean?! It's not a lingo I'm familiar with, and coming from a dude wearing navy blue, hospital scrubs while all other employees are dressed professionally in black, I'm not sure he even knew what he was doing. I feel worse now than I did before walking into that place.
The owner's husband, or whomever that older man (who doesn't give a darn about me) was, paid no attention to me when I came out. While I sat there with my friend, he calls my friend to go look at something, leaving me alone in the lobby. Alone.
My friend said he showed her a new room with a hot tub, fluffy robes, wine, etc. He said for an additional $30 she could add this onto her next massage.
Well guess what, Mister. I've paid less in Chicago for FULL service. I've been given a robe. I had the option of a steam shower and all toiletries afterwards AND I was treated like a QUEEN, a CELEBRITY, every single time I would go to a place, whether it was my first or fiftieth visit. Some businesses had no idea who I was, but they treated me the same regardless. You could take a lesson from UPSCALE, Chicago spas and salons, Changes.
It was my first and last visit to Changes. I spent wayyyy too much money for little respect and zero stress-relieving "pampering" and instead I'm left spending more on co-pays and adjustments to fix what Changes' staff did wrong.
They only thing they succeed in is having people sign a waiver for their services. They must have a good business attorney. read more