A Harmony Township woman knows how to put the “ahhhhhh” in spa.
Jonelle McMahan is the owner and president of Sewickley Spa, a full-service spa offering body therapies, massage, facials, massage and complete waxing/lash/brow and nail services in Sewickley.
McMahan, 42, is a bundle of smiles, energy and possesses a zen-like calm as she welcomes men and women to her home-like spa located inside a restored 1800s home along Beaver Street.
“I always loved the beauty industry,” McMahan said. “The deal was supposed to happen during the covid closure. I was sick to my stomach. We did end up opening in November of 2020, and I took over that day.”
The two-story home is more than 120 years old and is comfortably appointed, without being stuffy or pretentious.
Soothing music permeates the space, and the home was originally one of three residences built along Beaver Street for three daughters by their wealthy father.
McMahan bought the spa from its founder, Dorothy Andreas.
McMahan took a job as a shampoo girl and receptionist at Right Angles by Kim salon while a student at Ambridge High School.
That experience provided invaluable insight and experience in understanding the beauty industry.
A 2004 alumna of Penn State University, McMahan studied communications and media advertising.
McMahan excelled in her media career, working for Radio Disney, ESPN Radio, KDKA Radio and WBVP/WMBA before deciding to make a career pivot back to the beauty and wellness industry in 2009.
“It feels like a family, and everyone that has worked here has been here for years,” McMahan said.
She employs 12 spa specialists.
The spa takes a classic approach to customer service.
“We stick to the basics and we don’t get into the fads,” McMahan said. “That’s not us. No huge expensive equipment. We’re hands-on and it doesn’t fail.”
The most-booked services are massages, nail services and facials.
All ages are welcome.
“I absolutely love it and I’m here to stay.”
She said more and more male customers are booking nail services.
“I think the pandemic helped because people want to get pampered,” McMahan said.
The most extravagant spa package is the “Divine Day,” a four-hour spa experience ($360) that includes a massage, facial and manicure/pedicure.
The spa opened in 1997 and is a fixture of Sewickley’s Village business district.
Sewickley Spa occasionally offers offsite massage care and pedicures at local senior homes.
“It’s very important to take care of the total wellness. We just want to make you feel fabulous,” McMahan said.
McMahan donates to Hair Piece Charities annually during Mother’s Day in honor of her late mother, who died from complications from breast cancer.
Hair Piece is a nonprofit that provides financial help to girls and women needed wigs from the effects of chemotherapy.
“I’d think she’d be proud,” she said.
McMahan’s nephew E.J. Krol of Ambridge stopped by last week to say hello to his aunt.
He works a few doors down and said his aunt’s work ethic is commendable.
“She is one of the hardest workers I know. She took over this business but has built it up even more. It’s not a revolving door around here. She treats her employees well,” Krol said.
McMahan wants to dispel the notion that visiting a spa can be intimidating for some.
“I think Sewickley can have some of that clout. We are all here to make you feel extremely welcomed, comfortable and really enjoy your services,” she said. “It’s not snooty here.”