A space for wellness

Prairie Escape Wellness Center The name says it all. After a lot of hard work, the people behind the wellness center welcomed friends, family and guests to an open house at the new space Sunday in Prairie City.

“Four years ago Kirsten (Weiland) took a gamble on us when she opened her business, Myo Massage Therapy in Prairie City. That gamble paid off for her and for her customers,” Prairie City Business Association member Sue Ponder said. “We are so lucky she chose our small town to open her small business back then and our luck continues with her new venture Prairie Escape Wellness Center.”

Located in the former bank building at 301 W. Jefferson St., the center was brought to life by Myo Massage Therapy owner Kirsten Weiland and members of the PrairieView Partners, LLC. In 2017, PrairieView Partners, including Dan and Marilyn Stravers, Sam and Missy Stravers, Cody and Maggie Wenthe and Bryon and Katie Farris, purchased the building and dedicated long hours, effort, energy and skills to transform the interior from the bank setting it has been for decades to spaces able to house five independently owned small businesses.

After starting to transition into the new space in January, all five spaces are full with professionals offering health and wellness services that allow individuals to take some time for themselves while keeping businesses in Prairie City.

“Business has been going really well, I love the new digs,” Weiland said. “It has been a process from the beginning until now, but it has been so rewarding. Just to have everybody come in for the classes and services and people are coming in early to use the relaxation room, just for a little bit of down time, it came together very nicely.”

Joining Weiland’s massage therapy business is Lori Thompson Cummings, owner of Shades of You by Lori, Kira Norman, owner of Tootsies Pedi Salon, Janna Hansen-Nolin, certified yoga instructor and owner of hOMestead Holistic Yoga and Keslea West, owner of Transcend  Skin.Body.Soul.

Cummings has more than 30 years experience in the salon setting. From starting as a salon employee, moving up to a management position and finally becoming the owner of her own business, Cummings loves her regular clients and having new clients in her chair. She provides services including haircuts, colors, waxing and customized spray tanning.

There isn’t a foot pedicurist Norman doesn’t love. A licensed cosmetologist for the past 17 years, Norman worked in the Ankeny area before moving to Lamb’s Gove about three years ago. At Tootsies, Norman uses her eye for detail and thoroughness to pamper even the roughest feet.

“Of all the services a cosmetologist could perform, I chose feet,” Norman said. “I don’t know why, but I absolutely love feet.”

After first taking a yoga class more than 20 years ago and continuing to practice off and on since then, Hansen-Nolin decided to pursue teacher training for the medium she is passionate about. Saying yoga helped her through some very tough times in her life, Hansen-Nolin said she feels breathing, stretching and mindfulness can benefit anybody, no matter the circumstances.

Classes at hOMestead Holistic Yoga are from 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at $10 each class. All levels at welcome and those attending are asked to bring their own mats.

The newest member to join Prairie Escape Wellness Center is Keslea West of Transcend Skin.Body.Soul. A licensed massage therapist, esthetician and Reiki 3 Practitioner, West offers services including massage, facials, body treatments, Reiki energy healing, lash and brow tinting and waxing.

Along with the businesses, Weiland said the Wildflower Room, where yoga is held, will also be available for rent in the near future. With a capacity of 40 to 45 people, she said it can be used from small event rentals including classes, workshops or gatherings.

With every space full and being used to help people take care of their mind, body and soul, Weiland is excited to welcome members of the community and beyond to Prairie Escape Wellness Center.

“That is one of the purposes of having a place like this, to keep it close to home and take care of ourselves,” Weiland said.

Contact Jamee A. Person at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com