Esthetics813 — The Spa At Saddlebrook — Is One-Of-A-Kind In Wesley Chapel! 

The friendly, professional staff at Esthetics813-The Spa at Saddlebrook Resort includes (l.-r) Gabi Diaz (guest relations), esthetician & brow artist Lorena Muñoz, esthetician Cassidy Sirmans, spa director & esthetician Kyymara Rosey Scott, esthetician Makya Kendrick & senior spa coordinator Valeria Medina. (Photo by Charmaine George)

There are only a handful of true resort spas in the Tampa Bay area, icons such as Safety Harbor Resort & Spa and Innisbrook. Guests staying at these spas are in for much more than a quick massage or facial at a strip mall. Instead, they experience a true resort where they can relax by the pool, eat lunch on the terrazzo and get away for complete rejuvenation. 

Now, Wesley Chapel’s only resort spa is open once again at Saddlebrook Resort, thanks to Kyymara Rosey Scott, owner of Esthetics813. 

After the Saddlebrook spa closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it sat motionless for almost four years. That was until September of last year, when Kyymara reopened the 7,000-sq.-ft.. space, now known as Esthetics813-The Spa at Saddlebrook, located at 5700 Saddlebrook Way, a short drive from S.R. 54 near Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. through the Saddlebrook neighborhood. 

Local residents and resort guests alike can experience a variety of luxurious spa services, including massages, facials, skin treatments, waxing, microdermabrasion, brow sculpting, spray tans and more in one of the spa’s 14 treatment rooms. 

Indulge yourself with a luxurious spa facial! 

“We’ve been able to make the spa super cozy and intimate,” says Kyymara. “Every person who works here knows the clients come first. We stay on top of our game as far as how we make people feel, helping them improve themselves esthetically, and how they feel inside.” 

She says that in addition to spa treatments, she also offers workshops and events to help people truly experience wellness. “It’s not just applying lipstick,” she says. “It’s everything, feeling whole on the inside and the outside.” 

Kyymara explains the spa’s slogan, “Look Great Bare-Faced Naked.” 

“When you’re not wearing makeup, you don’t have to put up walls and barriers and filters,” she says. “Who you are is enough to make you great.” 

Often, she says, guests look in the mirror after a treatment and say, “What did you do? I look so beautiful!” 

But Kyymara insists all she does at the spa is reveal someone’s natural beauty. “This is you,” she says. “That glow is your happiness.” 

Kyymara opening her original location of Esthetics813 in the Windfair Professional Center in Wesley Chapel in 2013. As her business grew, she needed a larger space and, in 2019, Esthetics813 moved to a storefront on BBD at County Line Rd. 

Just a few months later, she had to close the doors and wait out the pandemic. 

Although she was able to reopen Esthetics813, Saddlebrook struggled to do the same. Kyymara had had her eye on the resort and knew that if anyone could make the most of the spa’s potential, it was her. 

Walking into that long-dormant space was emotional for Kyymara. 

Relax with a glass of champagne at the spa’s outdoor area. 

“It was like going into a museum,” she explained. “Everything was the way it was when they told them to close. There were rooms with bowls set up for facials and manicure materials that had sat there for four years.” 

She was thrilled when she was able to come to an agreement with Saddlebrook to reopen Esthetics813 at the resort, which finally happened in September of last year, after months of updating and refreshing the space. 

Although Kyymara was originally hoping to keep the location on BBD open, she ended up closing it, acknowledging it was too hard for her personally to run both locations. 

She says the Saddlebrook location offers much more for her guests anyway. 

“In terms of space and privacy, it’s totally different,” Kyymara says. “We have different types of saunas and a wet room where we can do true body scrubs and wraps. I can give my guests everything they need in terms of wellness — massages, body scrubs, facials and more — whether they come in for an hour or the whole day. It’s so versatile.” 

The staff includes senior spa coordinator, Valeria Medina, and spa manager, Arely Rosas, plus four massage therapists, four estheticians — including one who specializes in both makeup and permanent brow makeup, a manicurist and a cosmetologist. 

While Kyymara’s husband, Kurt Wickiser, isn’t technically on staff, she says he is hugely supportive of the business, including serving as the de facto maintenance man, fixing anything that breaks or needs attention. 

Kyymara says that most of her clients from the previous location have moved with her to Saddlebrook. Although it’s a little harder to get to, they love it once they try it. 

Among the 14 treatment rooms at Esthetics813-The Spa at Saddlebrook are the infrared sauna (above) and the licensed massage room (Below)

“It’s a gorgeous drive,” she says. “You get through that gate and it’s a beautiful two and a half minutes until you get to the spa and hand over your keys.” 

The spa is valet only, with Esthetics813 paying for the valet service with any spa service of one hour or more. 

Once you enter the spa, your treatment begins with 30 minutes in the sauna to just relax. 

“Slow down, put on a robe, and sink in to the sauna,” she says, “then come in and get your service.” 

While this level of luxury may seem out-of-reach for some, clients say the prices are extremely reasonable. Kyymara offers discounts and contests for free services on social media, and also offers a program to give bonuses to guests who refer friends. 

Melissa D. is a client who started at Esthetics813 in 2015 and moved with Kyymara twice. 

“When I leave, I feel absolutely gorgeous,” Melissa says. “You feel like you’re in the lap of luxury for a reasonable price.” 

She says the drive is farther than the previous location, but it’s quicker than you think. 

“And then, when you get there, it’s just a beautiful place,” Melissa says. “You’re by the golf course, you can go swimming in the pool, you don’t have to worry about parking. You just go down the steps and it feels like a grand experience.” 

She says her facials are always customized just for her, with remarkable results. 

“When you feel good,” Melissa says, “it really does affect all of the areas of your life.” 

Nathan Erickson got his first facial when a girlfriend gave him a gift certificate as a gift. 

“Now I go every month,” he says. “It’s always a great experience. Kyymara is so easy to get along with, and the results are amazing!” 

In fact, he says, sometimes he doesn’t even book a specific facial. He comes in and lets Kyymara suggest the best treatment for his skin. 

“It was already awesome,” he says, “and the new location is even better.” 

Esthetics 813-The Spa at Saddlebrook Resort is open Mon., Wed., Thur. & Fri., 10 a.m. –6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat. & and Sun. For more information, follow “Esthetics813 – The Spa at Saddlebrook Resort” on Facebook or Instagram, call (813) 474-4486, visit Esthetics813TheSpaAtSaddlebrook.com

SOHO Wellness Med Spa Brings A South Tampa Experience To Wesley Chapel 

Becky (left) and her mother Debbie Dubikas are the owners of two SOHO Med Spas, including the location in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Long-time former aesthetician Becky Dubikas and her mom, certified hypnotherapist Debbie Dubikas, came up with the idea to collaborate and open a business together in 2014, providing their services to clients in South Tampa at their SOHO Wellness Med Spa on S. Blvd. 

Over the past nine years, they have added services and considered how to make the experience of visiting SOHO Wellness Med Spa more relaxing and sensual as they offer personalized treatments in cosmetics (also known as cosmetic services) for skin and for body. 

Becky and Debbie have lovingly built up their business — even as they have stepped away from providing services at their med spa themselves — so much that they knew they needed to open a second location to keep up with demand. 

They chose Wesley Chapel, opening a new med spa this past May in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off of S.R. 56, between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 

They named their med spa SOHO, for the “South Howard” (Ave.) area of Tampa, a part of the Hyde Park neighborhood that is home to the pair’s original location. Becky and Debbie recognized that areas of large cities also called SOHO are often the most high-end areas of those cities throughout the world, and Becky and Debbie want their clients to know that SOHO Med Spa is a high-quality boutique spa that brings an abundance of services together. 

What started as a mother and daughter merging their specialties together has evolved into a relaxing, luxurious med spa that has any service you need in skin care, cosmetics and body treatments all under one roof. 

“Today we offer a wide range of services from each category,” says Becky, “From injections and Botox to cosmetic machines, body treatments such as wraps and scrubs and basic facials to dermaplaning, microneedling, and peels — even laser hair removal.” 

Becky says clients love that the place they go to get their monthly massage also can be the place they get a facial or even Botox or facial fillers. 

Laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE Platinum machine by Alma is quick and painless.

She says laser hair removal is a new service being rolled out at both locations. Debbie and Becky have held off on offering the service as they were evaluating the very large number of machines available on the market to ensure they chose the very best one for their clients — the Soprano ICE Platinum by Alma. 

“The machine is awesome,” Becky says. “It’s absolutely painless and we’re excited to launch it in both locations.” 

Becky says the Wesley Chapel location of SOHO Wellness Med Spa was designed to create a clean, modern space that is relaxing and calming, while their South Tampa location is a little more “homey.” 

Both locations feature a relaxation lounge, showers and an infrared sauna. Anyone taking advantage of the spa’s packages can use the relaxation lounge to wait between services. 

Anytime a client is scheduled for more than one service, they are given a robe so they don’t have to get dressed and undressed as they move from room to room. 

Use of the infrared sauna is complimentary with the purchase of spa services, along with extras such as champagne, wine or a mimosa, hot tea or coffee, and snacks. 

Amazing Reviews… 

Becky also says the Wesley Chapel location is growing and getting busier, and that people have had wonderful things to say about it when they come in. 

In fact, every Google review posted for SOHO Wellness Wesley Chapel so far has been five out of five stars. 

“I went in for a glow facial, infrared sauna and therapeutic massage and had the most relaxing experience,” says Emmalee Gregory in her Google review. “The spa was beautiful and decorated to perfection. The girls at SOHO all had a great attitude and I can’t wait to go back!” 

A review from Darieliz Lopez echoes Emmalee’s compliments. 

“This new location is so beautiful and I absolutely loved my experience,” Darieliz says. “The front desk staff were very welcoming and made me feel at home before my services. My aesthetician and massage therapist were so sweet and very knowledgeable, too. I can’t wait to book again!” 

Lip fillers are a popular service at the Wesley Chapel location of the SOHO Wellness Med Spa 
(Photo from SOHO-Wellness.com). 

Becky wants everyone who walks through the doors to feel comfortable and have as wonderful an experience as Emmalee and Darieliz did. 

“We want to provide people in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area with excellent services so they will hopefully find their home with us,” Becky says. 

She describes SOHO Wellness as “kind of an oasis of wellness where cosmetics and relaxation combine.” She believes so strongly in this idea that she and her mom made “Where Cosmetics and Relaxation Combine” their tagline for the spa. 

Becky explains that means your cosmetic procedures are provided as part of a spa experience. You won’t be rushed in and out for a 15-minute appointment like you might be at a clinical facility such as a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office. 

All medical procedures are performed by a nurse practitioner and overseen by medical director Joseph Castellano, M.D., a cosmetic surgeon who also has his own practice in Tampa. 

If you have questions about the wide variety of services, discounts and specials, or how to address a specific skin, cosmetic, or body issue, the friendly staff at SOHO Wellness Med Spa is happy to take your phone call and discuss the many options available. 

Every service starts with a consultation to make sure the staff understands each client’s goals and is ready to meet his or her expectations. 

There also is a variety of packages that are designed to help clients save money, or you can “buy and bank” services, such as purchasing a package of five services, for example, and get one free. 

Appointments can be made quickly and easily online at SOHO-wellness.com. Also, be sure to check the website for specials, which change every month. 

For those who read this article, Becky and Debbie are offering a new client special of $10 off any service at the Wesley Chapel location if you mention that you saw this story in the Neighborhood News

To make an appointment or for more information about SOHO Wellness Med Spa’s Wesley Chapel location (2008 Ashley Oaks Cir.)., call (813) 512-6920 or visit SOHO-wellness.com. 

Rejuvenate Your Skin, Hair & Body At Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa 

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner Karma Nguyen and her Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa are located in the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek, off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Many of us want little touch-ups to our look and some are even ready for a total body transformation. But, when there are so many different products, lasers and injectables out there, where do you begin? Karma Nguyen can help you. She is the owner of Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa in the New Tampa Professional Park off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Pebble Creek and her education as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN-FNP) makes her well-qualified to educate and administer the latest image-improving treatments. 

You may have gotten a facial before, but Defining Beauty has five options for facial skin care. If you have facial hair or acne, no problem. Men, women and teens can receive personalized facials from Karma with recommendations for daily skin maintenance care afterwards. The spa is also known for offering HydraFacial™, a facial performed using a device with a vacuum-like effect to cleanse, moisturize, and brighten the skin. You also can get a PRX Derm Perfexion or PRX-T33 facial, microneedling with or without plasma-rich protein derived from your own blood, or chemical peels with superficial, medium, or deep skin activity. 

Are you interested in IV infusions? Karma offers more than a dozen different IV therapies that offer specific combinations of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for different needs, including hydration, mental health, athletic recovery and performance. 

With all of these specialized treatments, it is often recommended or required to receive them from a licensed professional only. Thankfully, Karma has been a licensed nurse since 2003. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees through a combination of online coursework and on-site clinical rotations, from Chamberlain University, based in Chicago, IL. After graduating with her MSN degree, Karma became an APRN. 

Karma says that one of her clinical rotations exposed her to the work of an aesthetic nurse. That sparked her interest in aesthetic treatments and since then, she has traveled to New York, Texas and different parts of Florida to obtain additional certifications, including her national certification as an FNP through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), as well as hands-on training in aesthetic techniques before opening Defining Beauty in July 2021. Dr. Binu Jacob, M.D. is the med spa’s medical director. 

“Every person has a different anatomy and wants to achieve a different look,” Karma says. “To get pronounced, versus subtle results, it is important to know the different ways to inject or apply products and devices.” 

When it comes to cosmetic needs like wrinkles, sagging skin, hair removal and restoration, or medical conditions like acne, psoriasis and rosacea, there are many laser and injectable treatments available that can help. In order to decide the best option for your needs, you need a specialist who will be honest about each one’s pros and cons. 

Before providing any treatment, Karma performs a thorough consultation with each client to understand their current state of health, address their skin care or body concerns and figure out what they hope to achieve. 

“Often there are different options for various skin care or body goals,” she says. “I go over the options with the patient to see their comfort level and interest. And, most important is that I am open with my patients so they have realistic expectations. You can’t achieve surgical-type results without surgery, but I can let you know what you can reasonably expect.” 

Do Your Research 

Karma says she appreciates patients who like to do their own research. On Defining Beauty’s website (see link below), there is a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for each proprietary laser (Neo Elite®, Lumecca IPL, and Morpheus8) and injectable product (Botox®, Juvederm®, Kybella®, Ozempic® and more) she uses. This is really helpful to answer your basic questions including what to expect, who should and should not receive treatment, the possible risks, side effects and recovery period for each treatment and how long you can expect your results to last. 

After reviewing the different options, Karma will develop a patient-specific treatment plan and schedule a treatment session that same day or, if more time is needed, within the next few days. 

Karma, who lives in New Tampa with her mom Lucy and youngest son Kevin (a high school senior), does her best to accommodate patients by offering weekend and evening appointments. 

Kimberly Clawson (photos below) is a Defining Beauty patient who speaks highly of Karma’s professionalism, expertise and flexibility. 

Defining Beauty patient Kimberly Clawson at 168 lbs. (above) & 126 lbs. (right) has received medical weight loss treatments and lip injections from Karma Nguyen. (Photos provided by Kimberly Clawson) 

“I was referred to Karma by a close friend,” says Kimberly. “My main (goals were) continuing my weight loss journey on Ozempic® and finding a more affordable option for some cosmetic issues that have been bothering me for a few years. I have been a cardiac nurse for almost 20 years in the Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, so the first thing I did was my research. I found that Karma has the same amount of medical experience under her belt; and her reputation in the community is that she is trustworthy, dependable, and competent.” 

“I was a regular at a med spa in south Tampa, but after my first visit with Karma I made the switch. Karma works with my schedule — including appointments on the weekends — and her pricing is about half the cost of what I was paying [before], and the location is very convenient.” 

Kimberly adds, “To date, I have lost 42 pounds under her careful guidance on Ozempic. She leans on the side of caution by requiring lab work, ensuring my dosing is safe, providing dietary counseling and checking in with me regularly. Now that I have reached my goal weight (over about 5 months), I am on a maintenance dose of Ozempic, which she monitors closely.” 

And finally, she says, “I can also testify that Karma will not perform any services that could cause unintentional harm to her patients. I begged her to restore my Juvederm® lip injections. However, she noted my history of angioedema (severe allergy) while taking a (blood pressure) medication called Lisinopril® at the same time as Juvederm®, and advised me that she would not do that. Even though I no longer take that medication, she refused to take any chances with Juvederm®. Instead, she performed a “Lip Flip” using Botox®, which evened out the embarrassing damage caused by my previous experience. Finally, after 3 years of fearing my lips would remain grossly uneven, I smile with confidence!” 

If you want to continue your beauty maintenance process at home after your spa visit, Defining Beauty offers a large selection of ZO® and Obagi Medical® skin care products. From quality cleansers and toners to specialized acne, anti-aging, redness and cellulite control products, Karma will let you know which product or combination of products will offer the best results. 

Monthly memberships also are available for clients who want regular treatments at Defining Beauty. Gold ($160), Platinum ($200) and Diamond ($240 per month) members will receive a free HydraFacial® each month plus 50% off any additional facials as well as discounts on products, injectables and packages. Monthly treatments can be gifted to another person once every 4 months for a $20 transfer fee and there is a free add-on given during the member’s birthday month. 

Karma has plans to expand Defining Beauty in the near future. She has brought on a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) named Michael to offer massage services at the spa. She also is adding a new treatment option for rejuvenation to improve wrinkles and skin laxity near the eye. 

Contact Karma at Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa today to see how she can help your with your cosmetic and wellness needs. 

Mention Neighborhood News to receive 30% off of your first service. Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa is located at 8911 Regents Park Dr., Suite 510, #9. The spa is open by appointment only. Call (813) 955-0408, visit definingbeautymedspa.com. You also may follow “Defining Beauty Wellness and Med Spa” on Facebook or “@definingbeautymedspa” on Instagram for pictures, tips and special offers. 

Touch Is Wesley Chapel’s Largest & Most Luxurious Nail Spa!

Having recently celebrated two years on S.R. 56, Touch Nail Spa now offers even more space to accommodate even more clients.

Located in the Cypress View Square shopping plaza on S.R. 56 (the same plaza as Capital Tacos), Touch Nail Spa offers a beautiful, luxurious setting to enjoy a pedicure, a manicure, or one of the salon’s many other services, including eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and massages.

Timmy Pham and his wife Tiffany opened the salon in March 2017. Business has been brisk, which led them to expand their space from 3,200 square feet to 4,800. The additional 1,600 square feet allowed them to add 17 additional pedicure chairs (for a total of 33) and nine additional stations for manicures (for a total of 30).

The new space opened last August. It’s a perfect area for private parties, and Timmy invites guests to reserve the space for groups from six to 20 people.

“You can pick any services you want,” he says, “and all services are 10-percent off for everyone in the party.”

Touch Nail Spa celebrated its two-year anniversary on March 24 by giving a free manicure or pedicure to the first 50 guests that day.

Timmy designed the salon himself, and it is beautiful, relaxing, upscale and clean.

In fact, Timmy describes it as “flawlessly clean,” with gleaming floors and spotless tabletops, a tidy restroom, and all surfaces and tools sanitized for each individual person.

While the salon is large, it maintains a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Timmy says he and the staff pay attention to every detail to ensure a nice ambiance is maintained. For example, they immediately greet each visitor as they walk through the door and the TVs are kept quiet. Touch Nail Spa offers a complimentary beverage with every service, such as water, soda or even wine, served in a chilled glass (limit one per adult customer with I.D.).

More Techs, More Services

While the décor reflects a more upscale experience, with its high ceilings, large windows, and beautiful surfaces and fixtures, don’t let that fool you. Touch Nail Spa’s prices are affordable.

Timmy says most customers come in for a manicure and/or pedicure, and the salon offers a menu of options to fit everyone’s individual taste. 

Currently, there are 43 employees working at Touch Nail Spa, all of whom are State-licensed in cosmetology. They can help you figure out which services are the best fit for you.

Manicures may include a simple polish, gel polish, dipping powder or acrylic nails.

A variety of spa manicures and pedicures are offered, and even the “Simple Touch” pedicure (just $25) includes a callus treatment, pineapple sugar scrub, hot towel wrap and lotion massage, along with nail trimming and shaping, buffing and cuticle grooming.

For an even more spa-like experience, a variety of “Hot Touch” pedicures are offered ($45-$60). These include a hot stone massage for your legs and feet, plus additional treatments — such as specialized exfoliation for the bottom of the feet and a mask for legs and heels.

A couple of specific brands of pedicures have been recently added, by customer request. One is the Volcano Spa pedicure, which includes a bubbly, fizzing treatment added to the pedicure water. Another is the Nu Skin organic pedicure.

Timmy says that you’ll always be able to find the color you want at Touch Nail Spa. He carries 1,700 different colors, and every color available in a regular polish is available as a gel color, too. That means you have access to 3,400 bottles of color.

Manicures using dipping powder, which is a newer service, add a layer to your nails that is as strong as acrylic, but much healthier for your nails. Timmy says he offers the dipping powder in 2,000 colors.

The thousands of colors are one thing that really sets Touch Nail Spa apart.

“Everyone has dips, everyone has gel,” says Timmy. “We have more colors, and we have less waiting because we have more employees.”

So, while he offers a relaxing experience, you can get in and out quickly if you need to.

Joy is a Touch Nail Spa client who says she has been coming in since it opened. She still comes in once a month for a pedicure and dip for her nails.

“Their customer service is amazing,” she says. “The atmosphere is nice and it’s not too noisy. It has a nice ambiance and is very clean. For example, they have a disposable wrap for the pedicure chair, which decreases the risk of infections.”

Joy’s favorite nail technician, Mai, says all services at Touch Nail Spa are guaranteed for two weeks. If your nails don’t last two weeks, come back and they’ll fix it. 

“But, you don’t need to come back because they do such a good job,” Joy says.

Specials & Perks

Treat yourself to a birthday manicure and pedicure! Timmy says if you come in on your birthday and purchase two services, you’ll receive 50-percent off the more expensive service. You must show ID that it is your actual birthdate; not valid any other day.

Touch Nail Spa also offers a new customer reward program. Upon arrival, sign in on one of the salon’s iPads, and sign up for your free membership. Rewards members receive 1 point for every dollar spent, and when you reach 500 points, you receive your choice of a free simple touch pedicure or $25 off any other pedicure service.

You also can now purchase e-gift cards for Touch Nail Spa online at the spa’s website, TouchNailAndSpa.com.

Originally from Vietnam, Timmy has been in the U.S. 23 years and has been doing nails almost 19 years. Tiffany and Timmy met when he spent a year in Chicago about 12 years ago and have now been married about six years.

Timmy previously owned a nail salon in Kentucky. He moved to Florida seven years ago and has worked at other salons in the area. He says he opened Touch Nail Spa because of his desire to serve customers at a higher level.

“It’s been a lot of hard work,” he says, to grow the business the way it has, “but the results of that hard work are showing.”

Touch Nail Spa currently is looking to hire a full-time receptionist. If you’re interested in applying, please call the salon at the number below.

Touch Nail Spa is located at 27233 S.R. 56 and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. To make an appointment or ask about services, call (813) 973-4111.