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 By K. Reka Badger
Relying mostly on word of mouth from satisfied clients, Deborah Foshee and Sandra Sanger have built a santé, a thriving wellness center in downtown Santa Ynez. Since 2001, their enterprise has brought together skilled practitioners who offer an array of salutary treatments: from counseling and chiropractic to reflexology and massage, all under a single roof. |
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“We like to be able to offer alternative methods of healing,”says Foshee, “different modalities—like acupuncture and lymphatic massage—to combat illness and maintain health. “Many of our clients want to take charge of their own health,” she continues, “rather than take medications. They’d rather beat illness from the inside out.” “We have therapists available Monday through Sunday,” adds Sanger, “and at all hours. We’re very busy, but we have enough practitioners to accommodate people when they call.” As a fringe benefit of co-ownership, both women get to avail themselves of the wonderful services that A Santé offers. “We want to practice what we preach,” declares Sanger, “by getting regular massage and treatment. Everybody should get massage. It’s not a luxury, it’s part of a healthy lifestyle. “We do cross-refer clients,” she continues, “so we always get treatments from our practitioners. If we think someone could benefit from acupuncture or chiropractic, we can set them up with an appointment.” Deborah Foshee has lived in the Santa Ynez Valley since she was three years old, while Sandra Sanger arrived seven years ago, by way of schools in San Diego and Santa Barbara. The two women, who both became massage therapists 10 years ago, met while plying their craft at an area healing center. “We hadn’t known each other very long when an opportunity arose to start our own healing center.” says Sandra. “In a matter of weeks we leased this building and created a santé. It’s been four years and not only do we have a successful partnership, I consider Deborah a great friend as well.” Since then, the dynamic partners have continued to explore the world of holistic healing and alternative therapies and to share their discoveries with their clients. “We cater to locals,” Sanger admits. “We get some tourists, but most are referred by locals. We have a very loyal clientele. “We’re always open to adding other services,” she continues. “It’s great, because we get people who have modalities we’ve never heard of. Before Tonya Roberts came, I’d never heard of Jin Shin Jyutsu, but now that I’ve experienced it, I think it’s wonderful.” Showing all the signs of an extended-family business, both Foshee’s mother and mother-in-law-to-be work at a santé, as does the daughter of their resident esthetician. “Everyone who works here loves coming in each day,” says Sanger. “It’s a great environment. We’re very supportive of each other and our lives, and I think that’s why clients like coming here. They’re part of the group.” As for the range and quality of services available at A Santé, Sanger sees no reason to be shy. “We’re the best massage in the Valley,” she insists with a smile, “even though we may not have the fanciest sign in town. In fact, we don’t even have a sign, but people still find us. “We don’t want these treatments to be perceived as luxuries,” she adds, “so we try to keep them affordable. We’re not a spa, we’re a wellness center.” a santé is located at 3640 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. For information or to make an appointment, phone 688-9049. |
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Copyright 2005, Inside Santa Ynez Valley Magazine, All Rights Reserved |
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