From Our Partners

For this issue’s special section, we asked philanthropic organizations from around our state to share their missions, success stories and plans for the coming year. We know our readers are generous and community-minded individuals. By sharing good works, we hope you’ll learn about a wide range of opportunities to get involved and help fulfill our partners’ missions.

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MAKE-A-WISH UTAH: CREATING BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES

We’ve all seen the clips that go viral on social media. Make-A-Wish Utah moments can be powerful to watch and witness. But wishes can be even more impactful than just stirring up emotion for those who see a bit of magic come to life. The wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Utah can be just what the doctor ordered—literally. 

WHAT IS MAKE-A-WISH UTAH?

Make-A-Wish Utah creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

“A wish is a tool to help children be more resilient as they battle their life-threatening medical condition,” says President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Dudley. “Medical professionals frequently call on Make A-Wish Utah to be an important component of a child’s treatment plan.”

Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. This may improve their quality of life and produce better health outcomes. The impact of a wish far exceeds any one day and can often create benefits that last a lifetime. This impact was evident when teen Laycee received her wish to have her own horse earlier this year.

17-year-old Laycee was born with a congenital heart defect that has created significant challenges in her day-to-day life. She underwent four open-heart surgeries by the time she was five years old and has spent every night of her life on oxygen. Her condition has created many challenges to her health and makes it difficult for her to keep up with her peers as she tires easily. However, Laycee has always indulged in a deep love for horses, and when she learned she could have a wish granted, her decision to have her own horse sparked a turning point in her life. After months of searching for the perfect companion and with invaluable help from community partners, Make-A-Wish Utah presented Laycee with her new horse. Through tears of gratitude, she announced her name would be Willow.

CREATING A LASTING IMPACT

Willow has been a priceless aid to Laycee, providing inspiration and encouragement in trying times. Laycee has undergone two surgeries since her wish for Willow was granted, and during recovery for each Laycee focused her thoughts on riding Willow again and looking forward to spending time with her best friend.

“Willow has motivated Laycee to get through the hard times and never give up,” Laycee’s mother explained. “Laycee has always said that horses are her wings. They allow her to run and play and do things that other kids can do. Horses are her way out of her disability.”

When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Willow has given Laycee the strength she needs to continue battling her critical illness and has unlocked many of the limitations that Laycee’s condition has put on her body.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

component of a child’s healing process. More children are waiting for a wish than ever before and wishes only come true through the generosity of our community. Make-A-Wish Utah needs the engagement of individuals, local companies, and community organizations to provide the financial resources to create life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Utah has many creative avenues to raise funds, find out how at wish.org/utah or make a direct contribution now with the QR code on this page.

Make a Wish Utah

771 E. WINCHESTIER ST., MURRAY
(801) 262-9474 • WISH.ORG/UTAH

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For this issue’s special section, we asked philanthropic organizations from around our state to share their missions, success stories and plans for the coming year. We know our readers are generous and community-minded individuals. By sharing good works, we hope you’ll learn about a wide range of opportunities to get involved and help fulfill our partners’ missions.

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SERVING THE WHOLE PERSON: FIRST STEP HOUSE

You might have heard a little bit about First Step House, the treatment provider for those experiencing homelessness or battling addiction. But what exactly does the nonprofit do?

A bit of everything, First Step House’s Development Director Mary T. Calhoon, explains.

“We have a continuum of treatment, housing, and built-in supportive services to help men and women who are experiencing some of the most significant struggles a person can have,” Calhoon said.

First Step House was founded in 1958 to provide shelter and rehabilitation to Utahns struggling with addiction. Since then, First Step House has helped many thousands of people in the Salt Lake Valley build lives of meaning, purpose, and recovery. The nonprofit has steadily evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, fulfilling a commitment to serve those who would otherwise get left behind. 

One of the biggest life-saving services offered by First Step House is safe and supportive housing.

All of us have felt the pressure of rising housing and living costs over the past decade. For some Utahns without a safety net, rising costs have led to disastrous outcomes: loss of housing, and a spiral into homelessness that is difficult to climb out of. With a growing portfolio of deeply affordable housing, First Step House seeks to interrupt that cycle.

Housing needs look different for First Step House clients at different stages of rehabilitation and recovery. Many come to treatment directly from incarceration or an untenable living situation, like couch-surfing; when they graduate, they may need to stay in a sober residence for a few months while attending outpatient treatment. They’ll work with a case manager and participate in an employment program as they prepare to move into housing on their own. Others, with diagnoses of serious mental illness or experiences of chronic homelessness, may need a supportive housing arrangement that’s permanent.

In 2019, First Step House opened Central City Apartments downtown, creating 75 supportive apartments—permanent homes—for people with long histories of being homeless. The following year, they opened 40 more apartments next door at Medina Place. In 2024, the freshly renovated Stratford Apartments will add another 46 units – and more buildings are already in development. This pivot to housing was a natural step for the nonprofit, explained Executive Director Shawn McMillen.

“We had decades of experience as a behavioral healthcare provider. We had developed a whole suite of wraparound services: case management, employment, medical care, and long-term recovery support. It made sense to build housing that incorporates treatment and services,” McMillen said.

This housing helps meet a crucial need in our region, where chronic homelessness has risen sharply in recent years.

First Step House aims to treat the whole person, taking an individualized approach to address barriers in all areas of life: from health to relationships to finances. 

“Our goal is to work alongside our clients as they build a more stable foundation, so they can recover and thrive,” Calhoon said. “We see them overcome obstacles, persist in recovery, and rebuild their lives and their families. Our clients amaze us.”

First Step house

SHAWN MCMILLEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

440 S. 500 EAST, SALT LAKE CITY

(801) 359-8862 • FIRSTSTEPHOUSE.ORG

This February…

Join First Step House in celebrating a Month of Valor, a special campaign to end veteran homelessness. First Step House operates the only transitional housing in Salt Lake County for veterans experiencing homelessness. It’s called Valor House, and you’ll find it on the VA Medical Campus. Learn more and get involved with Valor Month at firststephouse.org/donate.

For this issue’s special section, we asked philanthropic organizations from around our state to share their missions, success stories and plans for the coming year. We know our readers are generous and community-minded individuals. By sharing good works, we hope you’ll learn about a wide range of opportunities to get involved and help fulfill our partners’ missions.

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EMBARKING ON A JOURNEY THROUGH LIVES: 

ADIB’S RUG GALLERY

At the historic Villa Theatre on Highland Drive, you’ll find Adib’s Rug Gallery, a treasure trove of exquisite and eclectic rugs. But this story isn’t just about rugs; it’s about the incredible man behind it all—Dr. Hamid Adib.

Dr. Adib’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He immigrated to the U.S., earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at UC Berkeley and San Jose State, and later a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah. His professional career soared to remarkable heights. Yet, today, he’s on a new quest to uplift and support those in need. His inspiration? His parents, who planted the seeds of compassion in him during his upbringing.

“My parents’ philosophy was to immerse ourselves in the lives of others and strive to make a positive impact in their world,” Dr. Adib says.

Dr. Adib’s daily agenda is now a whirlwind of philanthropic endeavors. Name a charitable organization in the Salt Lake Valley, and there’s a good chance that he and his dedicated team are actively involved. Dr. Adib believes that by uplifting individuals, he can trigger a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. Adib’s Rug Gallery has long been a dedicated supporter of numerous charitable organizations in the Salt Lake area.

But Dr. Adib’s reach extends well beyond Utah’s borders. Having firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by families around the world, he regularly embarks on humanitarian journeys. One of his most significant involvements is with the Heal Child Skin Disease Foundation, a cause dedicated to sponsoring medical treatments for children suffering from severe and agonizing skin conditions, including Epidermolysis Bullosa, which ranks as one of the most excruciating conditions a person can endure.

So he works tirelessly. Dr. Adib often dedicates entire nights to projects aimed at improving the lives of others. He’s found joy in creating vibrant and imaginative paintings in his home, which he sells privately, donating every penny to the Heal CSD foundation and some other charitable organizations.

Thanks to Dr. Adib’s efforts and the generosity of kind art lovers, the foundation has been able to establish means for two clinics in Iran.

Dr. Adib refers to his endeavors as “the sweetest pain.” To this remarkable rug gallery owner, who claims to have everything he could desire in life, this mission has become his life’s purpose.

“I always strive to leave a positive and indelible mark in people’s hearts,” Dr. Adib declares with determination. “I aspire, at the end of my journey on this planet, to possess a notebook filled with those indelible footprints, each representing a meaningful connection. I hope this notebook serves as a testament to who I was and the positive difference I’ve made while I passed through.”

Adib’s Rug Gallery

3092 S. HIGHLAND DR., SALT LAKE CITY

(801) 484-6364 • ADIBS.COM

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For this issue’s special section, we asked philanthropic organizations from around our state to share their missions, success stories and plans for the coming year. We know our readers are generous and community-minded individuals. By sharing good works, we hope you’ll learn about a wide range of opportunities to get involved and help fulfill our partners’ missions.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Ronald McDonald House has long been a mainstay of local support from its location on South Temple. As Carrie Romano, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area, explains, the organization prides itself on making life easier for those in the middle of a difficult challenge. 

“Our goal is to support caregivers like mom and dad so that they can actively participate in the healing and medical care of their child,” Romano says. “Here, they don’t have to worry about where they’re going to sleep or how they’re going to eat. They can actively participate in the healing of their child.”

At the Ronald McDonald House, families of children receiving attention at one of Salt Lake’s top-notch pediatric care facilities have it all taken care of for them. They have a place to stay, food to eat, and room to relax when needed. It makes a huge difference to a family needing to give greater attention to their infirm child.

But while those families will have everything they need, the Ronald McDonald House itself has a big need of its own: volunteers. Supporting more than 10,000 patient families a year requires a lot of manpower. Romano explains that having a robust volunteer force can make things even easier for families who could use a helping hand.

“Our mission is fueled by the community,” Romano says. “Anybody can go onto our website, RonaldMcDonaldHouseUtah.org, and check out our get involved tab to look at our adopted meal calendars. We also have volunteers and some of our biggest donors come in to answer the phone at the front desk or drive the shuttle. They love doing that.”

Unfortunately, ever since the pandemic threw the volunteer program for a loop, Romano has seen a real shortage of folks giving of themselves at the Ronald McDonald House in Salt Lake City. There is an urgent need for volunteers looking to support the staff  on site. 

“We have a staff  of approximately 50 employees and a 24-hour-a-day schedule. We simply cannot carry out our mission without strong volunteer support at every level,” Romano says. 

“Here, the volunteers don’t just do the fluffy work, we have volunteers that do the truly meaningful work. We need them and welcome them.”

And, as we enter the new year, now is the perfect time to volunteer.

The warm and fuzzy feeling of giving makes it all worth it. Romano has seen many volunteers over the years feel overwhelmed with the satisfaction of having helped a family in need.

“When people volunteer for us, they tend to have the most extraordinary experience, because it’s so direct they get such a clear sense of what their service means for people and the kind of hardships people are going through when they’re staying with us,” Romano says. “It’s an incredible feeling.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities

935 E. SOUTH TEMPLE, SALT LAKE CITY 
(801) 363-4663 • RMHCSLC.ORG

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If you spend a good portion of your morning removing unwanted hair, listen up! Laser hair removal is the safest and most effective way to get rid of stubble for good. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can start seeing the results you want.

But we get it—laser hair removal is a big decision. However, the benefits of laser hair removal make the investment worth it. Salt Lake City’s laser hair removal experts and the country’s largest laser hair removal company, Milan Laser Hair Removal, shed some light on the major benefits of laser hair removal.

1. Permanent results = convenience!

Light from the laser targets and destroys the hair follicles so they can never grow again. When done correctly, laser hair removal results are permanent—many see a change in growth after their first treatment. Hair is constantly in different growth cycles, so multiple treatments are needed to ensure they’re all zapped. The average client at Milan Laser usually needs seven to 10 treatments to be 95%+ hair-free.

New hair follicles can become active due to age, hormones, and genetics, causing new hair to grow. Choose a provider who offers unlimited treatments rather than paying by the session. Some places like Milan Laser will even guarantee your results for life, so there are no touch-up or membership fees that can accumulate to hundreds of dollars a year.

2. It saves you money over time.

Laser hair removal is an investment, and it’s surprisingly cost-effective! The average person who shaves their legs and underarms spends upwards of $10,000 over a lifetime on razors, shaving cream, and exfoliators. But no one has ever shaved and then never had to again. The regrowth sometimes happens in just a day or two. With waxing, the average person spends $24,000 over a lifetime on salon appointments. Again, this is for temporary results.

On the flip side, since the results of each treatment are permanent, you can view the cost of laser hair removal as an investment rather than an expense. Many providers have different payment options to help make laser hair removal affordable for everyone. For instance, Milan Laser offers affordable laser hair removal payment plans to fit anyone’s budget.

3. It’s safe for all skin tones.

Laser hair removal is safe and effective for all skin tones with the proper technology. Milan Laser uses the Candela GentleMax Pro, which contains two separate lasers: Nd:YAG and Alexandrite. The Alexandrite is used for lighter skin tones, while the Nd:YAG is best for brown to black skin tones. It’s worth noting that not all providers offering this technology have safety protocols and proper training, so do your research!

But it’s more than just having the right technology. For the safest treatments possible, select a provider with experience treating all skin tones and who knows how to tailor treatments to your skin tone and hair color. Providers at Milan Laser have extensive experience with Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser technology, and they safely and effectively treat all skin tones to make hair-free skin a reality for everyone.

4. Bonus skincare benefits!

Aside from impossibly smooth, hair-free skin, the skincare benefits of laser hair removal are myriad. If you deal with “strawberry legs,” the dark spots on the legs filled with oil, dead skin, and bacteria from shaving, laser hair removal can help by removing the dark pigmented hair and reducing the look of strawberry legs.

Everyone who shaves knows a thing or two about nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. But with laser hair removal, you won’t have to worry about those things again! Laser hair removal can also treat razor bumps or inflammation on the skin and help avoid ingrown hairs and clogged pores from a dull or dirty razor.

5. It’s less painful than waxing.

Anyone who’s waxed their legs or bikini area knows about the ouch factor. Hair is ripped from the skin, and in delicate areas, this can cause bruising, bleeding, and clogged pores. Once again, this is all for temporary results.

Clients say laser hair removal stings like a rubber band snap, but only for a millisecond. The Candela GentleMax Pro used at Milan Laser works alongside cooling technologies to reduce potential discomfort so clients have the most comfortable experience possible.

6. It’s quick!

Who has time for shaving and plucking every morning or spending hours on one area with an IPL device? Laser hair removal treatments are so fast they can be done over a lunch hour. No more carving out time every month, every year for waxing appointments, or wasting time on fleeting results.

Are you ready to reap all the benefits of laser hair removal? Call Milan Laser at 833-NO-RAZOR or go for a FREE consultation and one complimentary treatment! Visit a local laser hair removal expert at any of Milan Laser’s Salt Lake City locations, conveniently located in Bountiful, Orem, Riverdale, and Sandy.
Keep up with Milan Laser and follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to learn more!

Learn more about laser hair removal in Salt Lake City.

Our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide is here! Discover unique and special gifts as well as solutions for your holiday gathering from Salt Lake Magazine’s partners in finding that perfect gift for everyone on your list.

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On a night out during a snowy evening, there’s no place like downtown Salt Lake City. And if getting a great meal is on your agenda, Aqua Terra Steak + Sushi makes it easy. Nestled right inside the doors under the Main Street bridge at City Creek Center, the restaurant is an inviting yet luxurious spot for a holiday meal, especially with favorites like salmon belly crispy rice, braised wild boar pappardelle, the Kansas City bone-in New York strip, or sumptuous black cod.

While every customer who dines at Aqua Terra can expect a delicious bite to eat and impeccable service, the restaurant offers a special something for those looking for a bit extra to go along with their meal. And what’s more, according to Elaina Morris—CEO and president of Ascend Hospitality Group, Aqua Terra’s restaurant management team—you can create any kind of private dining experience you want.

“We often refer to Aqua Terra as a curated experience—as in we create it for you—but our private dining program allows the guest to join us in the process,” Morris says. “You get involved as the host to design an experience for you and your guests. That’s everything from the menu to the music and the seating arrangement.”

Do you want to gather a large group around a long table with bigger plates to pass around? 

You got it. Take a seat and enjoy yourself!

Maybe you need an intimate lounge-style setting with smaller share plates to be enjoyed.

No problem, the cushy furniture is right there for you.

Would you prefer soft jazz or contemporary rock playing in the background?

As you wish. “Siri, play something by The 1975.”

What’s best, Morris says, is that you can have the private dining experience of your dreams at a price you wouldn’t expect for this caliber dining experience. When you consider the atmosphere, culinary and service experiences, for the cost, Aqua Terra is a great value.

“I think a lot of times people don’t realize how inexpensive a curated dining experience can be,” Morris says. “I mean, obviously, cooking a giant dinner at your house with pans and pans of lasagna and salad is probably the least expensive way to do a big dinner. But it’s also exhausting, and a lot of cleanup. At Aqua Terra, we’ll take care of all that for you.”

The restaurant’s 500-square-foot private dining room features a communal-style table that seats 12, and in addition to the casual lounge space, the suite can host up to 24 guests for celebrations and gatherings of all kinds.

“I’m super proud of our restaurant design and setup at Aqua Terra, it really is the perfect place for any group or occasion,” Morris says.

The private dining offerings elevate that thoughtfulness even further, especially during the time of year when gathering together means so much more. To learn more about private dining at Aqua Terra, visit their website at aquaterrasteak.com.

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Unique Holiday Adventures to Enjoy with Your Family

The weather outside may seem frightful to some, but with the right adventure, spending time outside over the holidays with your family can be truly delightful. There’s just something special about holiday magic in the fresh air with your loved ones. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite cold-weather adventures that you might not have considered for your holiday traditions. Think beyond the ski slopes and enjoy this winter like never before.

Fuel your adventure

As the holiday season gets closer, everyone’s schedules seem to get busier. So, don’t think of this as a to-do list; rather, enjoy some ideas about keeping the holidays fun and magical in new ways. As always, Maverik wants to make your holidays easier by providing a quick and clean stop to get you ready for your seasonal adventure. Try its fresh-made BonFire food, like a delicious breakfast bowl, steak burrito, or pizza to get you fueled up for some good, old-fashioned family fun. And while you’re at it, skip the long shopping trip and grab some Maverik gift cards good for fuel, food, drinks and snacks for those on your holiday list. You’ll give them the gift of road trip travel and give yourself more time to spend on one of these adventures.

Find the perfect Christmas tree

How could we talk about outdoor holiday adventures without mentioning this one? Think beyond a parking lot selection of trees and take your family into the mountains for a memory-making tradition that will bring you together. Stop for a quick pick-me-up with one of Maverik’s fresh, bean-to-cup coffee blends or tasty hot chocolate, then blast the holiday tunes while you enjoy a beautiful wintery drive and have fun finding the perfect tree to spruce (get it?) up your holiday décor.

Warm up in some hot springs

Sure, dreaming by the fire is a fun way to beat the winter chill, but we’ve got adventure on the brain. So, bundle up the family – but put a swimsuit on as your base layer and lace up your hiking boots to head to one of Utah’s cozy hot springs. Swing by Maverik and pick up some winter goodies to soak and snack. Depending on the weather, and your family’s hiking ability, you can choose a hot spring that’s accessible by car or by foot. Either way, you’re getting outside for some quality time together at the busiest time of the year.  

Strap on your snowshoes

Do a family workout with a snowshoe excursion in Utah’s beautiful winter scenery. Try exploring your favorite summer trails and appreciating the view in a different season. Or head to a frozen waterfall for a stunning payoff. Snowshoeing is a great way to get your family outside – and with all that activity, you can make a guilt-free stop at Maverik for a seasonal cinnamon roll on the way home.

Chase the winter constellations 

With the nights about as long as they’ll get all year, celebrate the early sunset with a family stargazing trip. Pack up your warmest blankets and make a stop for a nice cup of freshly brewed Maverik hot chocolate and a limited-time mint-stuffed cookie to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Then head out of range of light pollution and enjoy a starry night together.

Happy Adventuring

We all love a cozy winter day, but sometimes you need to get outside and make some epic family memories. On those days, head to Maverik and get the essentials for a unique winter adventure. It may take a little more effort than a holiday movie marathon, but an incredible experience together is always worth it. 

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When it comes to aesthetics and plastic surgery expertise, P. Daniel Ward, MD is among the best of the best. Not only is Dr. Ward the founder of Utah’s leading plastic surgery clinic, the Ward Institute, but he’s also one of the most trusted voices in the entire industry. He regularly lectures around the world, to places from Bozeman, Montana to Moscow, Russia. Still, he’s made Utah his home and the Ward Institute the local leader in aesthetics and plastic surgery.

But to hear Dr. Ward explain the philosophy behind the plastic surgery center, you might be surprised.

“We are plastic surgeons and aesthetic professionals, but we really could not care less about how someone looks,” he says.

“The reason for the counterintuitive approach is simple,” he continues. “When a person is looking to have a plastic surgery procedure done, they’re not hoping to look better. More importantly, Dr. Ward says, they’re looking to feel better.”

“We care about how our patients feel on the inside,” Dr. Ward says. “But it’s interesting how much we feel on the inside is influenced by how we see ourselves on the outside.”

For example, a person with a bump on their nose or a bit of sagging in their face might be a bit insecure about themselves. With the gentle touch and top-notch skill found in the surgical staff at the Ward Institute, which includes Dr. Ward, a solution can be found that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as safe and comfortable post-op.

That, Dr. Ward says, is why patients regularly choose the Ward Institute, even with many other less expensive plastic surgery options in the area.

“For us, the most important things are safety and quality. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible experience for our patients,” says Dr. Ward.

While Dr. Ward excels in rhinoplasty and has pioneered a minimally-invasive facelift and chin tuck procedure, which allows him to see patients from around the globe, the other doctors are also excellent within their specialties, which runs the entire gamut of plastic surgery services.

The roster of surgeons includes facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Bethany Powers, who excels in rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid rejuvenation, and transgender care and Dr. Caitlin Iorio, who specializes in lips, noses, and eyelids. Dr. Rouzbeh Kordestani is a plastic surgeon who performs breast augmentation, reduction, and lifts; tummy tucks; mommy makeovers; liposuction; and has a special interest in treating loose skin after weight loss. Finally, the team benefits from the highly trained and experienced dermatologist Dr. David Smart, who performs laser treatments, liposuction, injectable treatments, and skin cancer removal.

But the most important people at the Ward Institute, as Dr. Ward would say, are the clients. Not only do Dr. Ward and his staff lend their expertise to whatever need comes into the clinic, but they also provide their patient with a life coach as part of their journey. At the end of the day, the Ward Institute isn’t just altering a person’s physical appearance, it’s about much more.

“Our mission is to provide genuine care and service,” Dr. Ward says. “Not just to change how someone looks, but to use this opportunity to give clients the self-confidence and assurance they need to accomplish all the goals in their lives.”

Ward Institute

6233 s. 3000 east, Salt lake city
wardinstitute.com | 801-871-8236

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What’s better than one expert? Well, as Nicki Luck, the owner of Soulstice Day Spa & Salon in West Jordan, would say, she benefits tremendously from having a staff full of experts at her business.

“I just appreciate their professionalism and commitment to continuing to expand their knowledge,” Luck says. “It really makes my job easier.”

Talking to the department heads for each of the service lines provided at the spa: esthetics, massage therapy, and hair, it’s clear how much they care about being on the cutting edge. They have a common thread in that they each believe continuing to expand their knowledge and techniques allows them to customize each service to best fit the client’s needs.

Marie Moran, who heads up the esthetics department at Soulstice, makes a point to get treatments both within Soulstice and at outside spas for research purposes. She wants to make sure her team at work is doing the best job around.

“Everybody does things differently and unless you experience how somebody else does it, you only know what you do,” Moran explains.  “You can always learn something new. Experiencing treatments firsthand, and continually researching trends, products and equipment, we ensure that we’re keeping things up to date.”

Kasey Bradley, Lead stylist and general manager at Soulstice can relate. Over a 13-year-long career as a hairdresser, she’s seen styles come and go.

While keeping up on the latest trends might seem like a daunting challenge for a hair stylist, Bradley is confident she has the tools to handle whatever happens to come into vogue.

“There’s always new techniques and new tips and tricks to be learned, but having a base foundation of understanding cutting and coloring, you can weave that into what our clients are looking for,” Bradley says. “It kind of all works as one function.”

But in some disciplines in the spa and salon world, new techniques require new training and specialization. Cupping, an ancient technique, for example, is a somewhat new service in massage therapy. If you’ve ever seen an athlete with dark, circular marks where little cups have suctioned onto their skin, you’ll be familiar with the concept.

Whereas not every spa will have a therapist trained in cupping on staff, Soulstice’s massage director Heather Pedersen is proud to lead a team full of therapists who can provide this deeply therapeutic massage method at a high level.

“We do training for all different modalities of massage,” Pedersen says, listing CBD targeted treatment, hot stone massages, and cranial sacral among other service options. “I have a great team. Everyone does their thing very well.”

So no matter what sort of spa treatment you’re looking for, chances are you can find someone who can do it—and do it very well—at Soulstice.

Soulstice Day Spa

1100 w. 7800 south, West Jordan
soulsticedayspa.com | 801-255-3655

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