Yesterday I stepped foot into the soon to be opening Antidote Apothecary & Spa on Sanford Ave. in Downtown Sanford and I’m in L-O-V-E!!! The decor had me at the large black wall with the rustic letters located behind the front desk. The owner Julia quickly dove into all of the wonderful and natural products that she will be selling including a line of her own. Makeup, tea, vintage purses and clothes, not to mention the massage room and the available facials…I could easily go broke in this store, as I wanted to buy two of everything!! Julia’s style and love of antique decor is impeccable. You’re all going to love this place!!!

I’ll allow Julia to answer some questions that you might have running through your mind right now as well as give you a sneak peek of the spa with a few photos.

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© Benevolence Photography

 A unique spa like yours I think is going to be loved by many, tell us a little about Antidote Apothecary and Spa.

…Your Prescription to Holistic Beauty
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© Benevolence Photography

Welcome to Historic Sanford’s Antidote Apothecary & Spa where we blend turn-of-the-century recipes with modern day beauty. Our products are vegan, organically certified and cruelty-free. We offer expert services for both men and women in the areas of massage, skin care, body sculpting and makeup.

Our services include:

Massage:

  • Ah-shiatsu Massage
  • Deep tissue Massage
  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Swedish Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Fire Cupping
  • Tok Sen

Skin and Body:

  • Organic Facials
  • Chemical Peels
  • Skin Tightening (Face & Body)
  • Body Contouring & Cellulite Reduction
  • Brow Design & Body Waxing
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“I want to mention that Antidote is also the first of any spa in the Orlando metro area to carry Antonym Cosmetics. They are also a vegan, cruelty-free and Ecco-certed makeup line that is simply spectacular! I am very excited about carrying their makeup. It’s an honor to have them in our spa.”

Makeup:

  • Makeup applications
  • Makeup Lessons
  • Lash Extensions
  • Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Embroidery

Meditation Classes:

  • Mindfulness and Meditation for stress reduction, mood regulation, and overall well-being

You can schedule a complimentary consultation or book an appointment by telephone at 407-942-3422 beginning next week. We also invite you to visit us in-person and take a tour of our spa, and shop our array of vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, and organic herbal teas.

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© Benevolence Photography

Our spa hours will be as follows:

Sunday: Meditation Classes

Monday: Closed

Tuesday through Friday 10am-7pm

Saturday 10am-2pm

Our website is still under construction but it will offer an online booking feature when it goes live.

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© Benevolence Photography

What is your background? 

I’m a skilled medical aesthetician, cosmetic laser technician and makeup artist with over 18 years’ experience in the medical aesthetics industry. I have worked side-by-side with top Board Certified Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists, consulting, administering and improving cosmetic appearance through aesthetic techniques and state-of- the-art cosmetic laser. I’ve acted as a managing consultant for various spa start-ups in the Orlando and surrounding area. My skill set also includes professional makeup artistry where I have provided styling tips and makeup for photographic shoots.
Over the years I have become more consciences of what I put in and on my body thus the primary reason for choosing a holistic route vs. products that can contain harmful ingredients. I’m a result-driven technician and I do believe that correction and results are best achieved via integrated modalities with the least harmful affects on our health. I am very proud of our private label of Antidote Skin Care and Body products that I have created. I consider myself a skin care and makeup snob of sorts. I have been using these products myself for months while implementing their creation and have received lots of compliments on my skin from others. I want to mention that Antidote is also the first of any spa in the Orlando metro area to carry Antonym Cosmetics. They are also a vegan, cruelty-free and Ecco-certed makeup line that is simply spectacular! I am very excited about carrying their makeup. It’s an honor to have them in our spa.
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© Benevolence Photography

Your shop is so unique and very well decorated how did you decide on the style?

Even as a small child I had a passion for antiques, vintage and the anything victorian in particular. I admit that my taste is a little bit eclectic and dark but I wanted to bring my two passions together and somehow create a synergic relaxing atmosphere that isn’t super cliche to a typical spa setting. I think I’ve succeeded in accomplishing that.

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© Benevolence Photography

Do you have fun plans for future events, etc. that we should all be on the look out for?

 Oh yes! I love events! I am in the process of  incorporating a mixing bar in the spa so that I can teach others how to make some of their own skin care and bath products. I  plan on offering makeup classes for those who wish to become a little more knowledgeable with their application techniques.  I really love recreating era makeup so that will be fun for those who wish to learn!  I haven’t forgotten about the gentlemen. Many of my current clientele are men so I have cool events already in the works for them too!  I plan on collaborating with some of the other local business’s here in Sanford. I think it’s really important to support each other.

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© Benevolence Photography

When can we expect this fabulous spa of yours to open?

The soft opening will be on Saturday January 23rd from 10am-2pm. There will be light refreshments. We will be offering tours, answering questions, and taking appointments for the following week.   Our retail space will be open and ready for purchases. Gift cards will also be on hand. Keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!
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© Benevolence Photography

Anything else you’d like your local Sanfordites to know?

I’ve been saying that I was going to open my own spa since I moved here from Winter Park almost 8 year’s ago. I am so excited that the time has finally come. I have a clear path of the direction in which I would like the spa to grow and I am always open to people’s input because every demographic is different. It’s my firm belief that if a business can provide quality service at a competitive price that it will become a success.  Antidote Apothecary & Spa promises to do that.