By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The backdrop of a floor to ceiling water fountain sets the serene mood for Niles' new upscale spa – Lipstick Jungle.
Owner Susan Sakara, a Brandywine High School graduate, has transformed the corner rooms of the Four Flags Hotel into a tranquil setting, perfect for experiencing a peaceful massage.
Members and ambassadors of the Flour Flags Area Chamber of Commerce met at Sakara's spa Friday morning to welcome her into the chamber.
"We are delighted to have you here in the downtown," said Ron Sater, the chamber's executive director. "This was the 18th ribbon cutting for the year."
Sakara, with her husband Tony Sakara, her parents Larry and Lucille Louderback of Florida and daughter and son-in-law Danica and Brian Shier of Niles, are transforming the former hotel at Fourth and Main streets in downtown Niles into Renaissance Place.
Mingling at the grand opening were other business owners and chamber ambassadors, including Sakara's ex-husband, Paul Rifenberg and his cousin, Marcia Rifenberg, Tom Smith, Denise Leich, Patty Backus and Barb Mechem.
Along with massages, the business offers temporary and permanent make-up, hair removal – using sugar instead of wax – and air brush tanning.
Already Sakara is talking about adding more rooms. Through just word of mouth, her clientele has already grown.
Sakara also offered elixir tonics and teas, fruit and herbal drinks to enjoy after a facial and Yoga or Nia classes, which blend martial arts, yoga and free style dance.
Gary Rider, superintendent of Brandywine Community Schools, said making a renaissance center goes along with what is happening in Niles.
Lisa Croteau, director of Niles Main Street, thanked Sakara for "investing in downtown Niles."
State Representative Neal Nitz, R-Baroda, has been working with Sakara to offer individual aesthetic apprenticeships, where the students would become licensed in the art and science of skin care.
Judy Truesdell, who is running against Nitz in November, said she is already a client. She said a person from South Bend, Ind. told her that morning, Niles is becoming an art center.
"I think it is really true with each grand opening – it's building momentum," Truesdell said.
For an appointment call Sakara at (269) 788-2930.