Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Viola-Shaw.
Hi Brooke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sanctuary Salon & Spa opened its doors to the public in January of 2020. My inspiration for starting my own business was to create an environment that was community minded and eco-conscious. A place that aligned my craft with my purpose. I had worked in salons and spas for well over a decade and hadn’t ever found them to be very family friendly or environmentally sustainable. I wanted to redefine the ethos of how the beauty industry operates within my community.
The commercial space I chose to rent in downtown on Mass st. in Lawrence needed a lot of work, but had incredible potential. I installed new flooring, lighting, and fresh paint. Covered unsightly ceilings and sprinkled a bit of magic around. It quickly became a unique, comfortable, and inviting space for guests.
At present, I have provided hair services for 20 years, and facial services for the last 7 of those years. Sanctuary’s fifth year in operation has been a year of much change. Following incredible growth and transformation within my family and home life, my heart led me toward solely operating within the spa side of Sanctuary. In the summer of 2025 I made the difficult decision to close my salon. I have rebranded as Sanctuary Facial Spa, exclusively offering skincare and facial treatments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A few months after opening my doors, Covid hit. We had to close for a few months, but fortunately the owners of building gave us grace and the community embraced us. People found it to be a safe, peaceful place to carry on with normal life things like getting a haircut, or a massage, in the midst of uncertain and stressful times. Although the pandemic presented unforeseen challenges for everyone, Sanctuary thrived.
Solo entrepreneurship has been challenging at times. It’s required me to grow out of my comfort zone and wear ‘hats’ that I wouldn’t have otherwise tried on. I am grateful for how the experience has shaped me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sanctuary Facial Spa is a return to the ancient art of beauty as a self-care ritual. Its an invitation to experience the difference a holistic facial can make- not only for your appearance, but for your whole well-being.
Science-backed manual techniques such as sculpting facial massage, esthetic lymphatic drainage, and gentle intra-oral massage melt away years of tension. While organic, plant-active skincare treatments deliver naturally radiant results.
It’s beauty that’s meant to be felt, inside and out.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
It’s important to have mentors and teachers that inspire you to grow. Someone that shares a vision which sparks your inspiration and passion. One whose work is catalyst for your own expansion. Who creates a fire in you, that you can kindle into a flame of your very own. Whatever lights you up- go towards that! You’ll find them there.
Pricing:
- Organic Skincare Facial (60 min) $85
- Organic Skincare Facial (90 min) $110
- Manual Facelift $150
- Dermaplaning Facial $115
Contact Info:
- Website: Sanctuaryfacialspa.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/Sanctuaryfacialspa
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/Sanctuaryfacialspa
