by Eva Shaw-Gill
The 25th anniversary of Brighter Image Day Spa (specialized services) was celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Roanoke Country Club. The “All Black and White Affair” was filled with excitement, guests telling stories about when they first met founding entrepreneur Margaret Bright and watching videos of where it all began.
Margaret started her Day Spa in 1991 in her home, handling clients at the dining room table while working full time at Dominion Bank and trying to balance a new family. “It was a bit much,” she said.
After talking with her husband they decided to step out on faith and start her own business. They remodeled the detached garage and the journey began. Within a year they out grew the garage and moved to a storefront on Shenandoah Ave, next to Bob & Cheryl’s and incorporated hair, nails, pedicure, makeup and facials.
Once again business was booming and they out grew this space and proceeded to a 3200-ft building at Town Square. In addition to popular services, the new spa dropped doing hair and added mud baths, 2 tanning beds, offered cellulite reduction and built a full locker room with shower, (Hollywood style).
After 9/11 hit, like most businesses, they suffered. The clientele dropped, yet with 13 employee Margaret consulted with an advisor and decided to down size. Embracing the concept “less is best” she decided to shut it down.
A group of determined and dedicated clients invested in Margaret and gave her $15,000, to start over at 5720 Williamson Road (the current location). She and her husband remodeled the old computer repair shop and reinvented Brighter Image Day Spa with the core employees and have been successfully sailing since.
Margaret has employed and touched over 35 employees and hundreds of loyal customers in the past 25 years. As success is failure turned inside out, Margaret’s motto is, “It does not have to cost an arm & a leg to be and feel beautiful.”
This 5-Star rated spa (voted by clients) is now offering specials on certain services in celebration of their 25th anniversary. Spa pedicure, half-hour massage or Dead Sea Salt Manicure are all currently $25 each.
Call 540-265-7887 to make an appointment.
