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

If you’re going to make the 90-minute drive to Deep Roots Harvest from Salt Lake City, you’ll want to make sure it’s a rewarding venture. Of course, when you arrive at the cannabis dispensary and experience the high-quality products and top-notch customer service, you’ll know it was worth the journey. 

Quality, as Deep Roots’ Senior Director of Cultivation Chris O’Ferrell says, is what Deep Roots Harvest is known for. Not only are they cultivating great products, they are also fostering a business with an infectious personality. 

“What sets us apart is our high standards for quality,” O’Ferrell says. “Not to mention, the consistent attention to detail, the QA/QC steps we take, and the thought we put into our processes to ensure the highest quality products are making it to our consumers.”

According to O’Ferrell, the team at Deep Roots Harvest, which includes a crew of customer-facing specialists called “budtenders,” are extremely passionate about the industry. Whether they use cannabis for medicinal purposes, or recreationally—in Nevada, where such is legal—they know cannabis and know it quite well. 

O’Ferrell says that the Deep Roots Harvest’ brand loyalty is somewhat rare among those who work for cannabis companies. He would know. Since his honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2013, he’s spent the decade growing and teaching best cultivation practices all over the country. 

When he brought his expertise to Nevada-based Deep Roots Harvest in Nov. 2021, the impact was immediately measurable, in a big way. By bringing in desirable strains & tweaking grow processes, O’Ferrell was able to double their annual yield. The product got much better—and healthier—as well. 

“We offer over 20 unique inhouse strains, all with different ratios of high terpene concentrations for consumers that enjoy the various sedative and calming, or euphoric and energizing highs.” O’Ferrell says. 

Some of his more popular strains include Gush Mintz, Black Velvet, Blueberry Muffin, Vanilla Custard, White Truffle, Point Break, La Kush Cake, Apples & Bananas, Guava Gelato, and Old School Lemons.

But don’t just take O’Ferrell’s word for it. The Deep Roots Harvest budtenders, which are frequently the subject of rave reviews on Google, can also tell you exactly what to expect when it comes to every item on the menu.

So rest assured, the drive to the other side of the Utah-Nevada state line is worth it.

Deep Roots Harvest

395 industrial way, west wendover, nev.
deeprootsharvest.com | 775-418-5560

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

When it comes to putting together some of the best catering in Utah, it’s a family business for the Crafts. Owners and operators of Culinary Crafts, the sibling trio of Ryan, Meagan, and Kaleb Crafts all joke that they’ve been “elbow-deep” in their family-run hosting service since they were old enough to scrub a tub of pots and pans.

But even after 39 years of helping their parents and then running the family business themselves, the passion remains.

“Hosting never gets old,” Ryan says. “At every event, something will surprise you, guaranteed! But it’s great because every event is also a chance to make your guests feel something special, the pleasure of being taken care of.”

That service-based mentality hasn’t gone ignored among Utah’s emerging world-class hospitality scene. Over the years, Culinary Crafts has racked up a staggering 27 Utah Best of State awards, as well as nine “Caties,” which are basically the Oscars of the catering industry.

But what gives Culinary Crafts its wide acclaim is the individual-first approach it takes to each and every hosting opportunity. And suffice it to say, over nearly four decades of catering events all over Utah and abroad, the Crafts know the dos and don’ts of a great time. 

But what makes the difference at a hosted event? The Crafts explain:

Be Fully Present

If you ask Kaleb, he’ll tell you, the best way to be a great host is to be in the moment, with the guests. Let the help you’ve hired, like say, the award-winning caterers from Culinary Crafts, do the running around. You, as the host, should be fully present.

“Don’t try to be a martyr and do everything yourself,” Kaleb says. “Let someone else take the photos and handle the music. Delegate. Call a caterer. Ask for help.”

That way, when the time comes, you can grab a drink, surround yourself with the people you care about and have a great time.

Make a Great Menu

Ryan calls food a “social catalyst.” He’s right. Nothing can make or break an event like the food on hand. When he’s hosting for others, Ryan is conscious of providing bites to eat inviting a welcoming, relaxing environment with plenty of chit-chat.

That might mean trying something new every once in a while.

“I try to provide a mix and the familiar and the new,” Ryan says. “Some of the dishes should be standbys that guests are sure to love, but I also include one or two elements that might be unfamiliar. Throwing in something exciting and a little exotic is a great way to get guests excited and stimulate conversation.”

Culinary Crafts

357 w. 200 south, Salt Lake City 
573 W. State Road, Pleasant Grove
675 Main Street, Park City

culinarycrafts.com | 801-225-6575

You might call Micah Christensen, one of the owners of Anthony’s Fine Arts and Antiques, a Renaissance man. He could probably tell you all about the art from that era as well.

Along with his father, Anthony, and his brother-in-law Brett Levitre, the three men own and operate what they feel is Salt Lake City’s finest collection of valuable art and antique furniture. With that, Christensen says, comes the need to be an expert in art buying and curating.

After founding a nonprofit in Washington D.C., Christensen moved back to Utah to help run the family business. Upon his return, he was encouraged to continue his education in the industry, leading him to eventually receive his Doctorate in Art History from the University of London.

Now, Christensen, in addition to his duties at the family shop, is one of the area’s foremost experts in art and art history.

He says Utah is one of the richest, but most underappreciated places in the nation for artists.

“If you go to the Census Bureau’s latest take on Utah and the arts, we have more professional artists per capita than anywhere else in the United States, but we have the fewest museums and the fewest galleries,” Christensen says.

But what Anthony’s lacks in competition, it more than makes up for in selection and quality. Christensen says that over the years, the store has carried works from the likes of John Singer Sargent, Norman Rockwell, and even Pablo Picasso.

Anthony’s, Christensen explains, really sees itself as more than just a building where folks can buy and sell art. It really is more of a gallery and facilitator for the arts, and the owners consider themselves stewards of the craft.

“It’s our job to collect things that are important locally, nationally, and historically,” Christensen says. “We restore, we have a huge warehouse, and we consult with museums all over the world.”

Christensen half-jokingly refers to an old industry saying he learned from a prestigious colleague, that art collecting is in the business of the three Ds: Debt, Divorce, and Death. It’s usually in the circumstances of one or more of those three Ds that a person sells their collection to a gallery. From there, folks like Christensen can work to sell or move a piece to its next owner.

For him, the biggest thrill the owners get at Anthony’s is when they see something come through the door multiple times.

“Sometimes we see the same piece in here three or four times. Somebody bought it from us and they’ll sell it back and we’ll sell it again to somebody else,” Christensen. “If we’re good at what we do, you’ll get these long genealogies of collectors that we hope to develop over time.”

It’s great repeat business.

Anthony’s Fine Art & Antiques

401 e. 200 south, SALT LAKE CITY
anthonysfineart.com | 801-328-2231

If milkshakes at a surf ‘n turf restaurant sound like an idea that a child would have come up with, you’re right. Turns out, the milkshakes at Aqua Terra Steak + Sushi do a lot of good for the kids too. 

This month, the restaurant, located right by the westside Main Street entrance at City Creek Center Mall, launched its latest menu offering, Mak-n-Jax’s Milkshake Bar. Featuring a base of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry sorbet—or all three mixed together—guests are welcome to create a Mixed Milkshake with toppings like chocolate chips, Oreo cookies, toasted macadamia crunch, or coconut flakes. And of course, the pièce de résistance—a dollop of whipped cream, tops it all off.

It was something that Elaina Morris’s children, Makena and Jaxon, had been begging their mother to put on the menu. 

“All kids love dessert and my kids have always wanted to put their touch on something at one of our restaurants,” Morris, who serves as the president and CEO of Ascend Hospitality Group, Aqua Terra’s parent company, said. “So when this opportunity came around, they were all in on milkshakes. They even made a presentation to sell me and my partners on it.” 

But even sweeter than the shakes is the purpose behind them. For every shake sold at Aqua Terra, the restaurant will be donating $1 to a nonprofit partner. And since the menu item was inspired by and named for two children, it was only natural to tie the shakes to a cause that resonates with kids. 

As such, the Salt Lake Education Foundation will be the first beneficiary of the proceeds raised by Mak-n-Jax’s Milkshake Bar. 

“When we land in a new market and city, we land a philosophy—we’re not just a restaurant; we are grounded in service to the communities in which we operate,” Morris said. “Our lane is education, and that’s important to us as a company.” 

The beneficiary of the milkshakes with heart, the Salt Lake Education Foundation, supports every student in the Salt Lake CIty School District, helping ensure they achieve their goals in and out of the classroom. The foundation depends on community support to help their students.

“We appreciate the partnership with businesses, like Aqua Terra Steak + Sushi, who bring positive change for our students and strengthen our community,” said Salt Lake Education Director James Yapias in an announcement when the Mak-n-Jax Milkshake Bar was launched. 

Education, Morris believes, can be just as important to a community’s well-being as food, shelter, and water. And since they’re in the business of providing a good meal and a good place to get one, it only makes sense for Aqua Terra to have a component that serves educational needs as well.

So next time you finish a delicious lunch or dinner at Aqua Terra, why not complete your meal with a milkshake for dessert? And knowing that you’ll be supporting children’s education, it’ll be that much sweeter.

Learn more about Ascend Hospitality’s commitment to community in Utah!