By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

CALERA— After serving the Calera area for about two years, Spa 22 co-owners Barbara Gray and Joy Miller decided it was time to add a salon portion to their business.

Spa 22 is located at 10313 County Road 22 in Calera, and Gray said when the space next door became available, the duo decided to seize the opportunity. They officially opened the salon in October 2015.

Gray said they currently have one hairstylist, and others have expressed interest in renting a station. There is room for 10 stylists at the location, and Miller said the best part is everyone gets to be their own boss and set their own hours.

“Being in the spa industry for so long, we just didn’t like working for somebody and having somebody telling you when to come and when to leave,” Miller said.

Miller and Gray have worked together since 2004, about 12 years, and they opened Spa 22 in August 2014.  Miller is a licensed massage therapist with 18 years experience in the industry, and Gray said she has 28 years of experience working with nails.

Spa 22 offers a full array of massage options, including deep tissue, aromatherapy and stone, as well as facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, nail services and more.

“All our clients are family. They come in every week or every other week,” Gray said. “We have lots of regulars, and they tell us all about their lives. When they have good things happen they call us, and when they have bad things happen they call us. It’s not just about the appointments.”

Gray and Miller also carry boutique items in the shop, and said any vendors who make items are welcome to stock their fares at the shop.

Gray sells her own crochet and knitted items, and they currently have other vendors who supply wooden door hangars, spa therapy bags, barn wood signs, soy candles, scrubs and soaps, vintage jewelry and more.

Miller said she and Gray love what they do, and are excited to see what the future holds for Spa 22. The ultimate goal is to expand the business by opening other Spa 22 locations in the future.

Being in the industry for so long, Miller said her favorite part about what she does is still the people.

“We’ve met some really cool, fascinating people over the years,” Miller said.  “Being in the industry so long, we’ve seen people graduate college, then they get married and they have their wedding parties with us. Then they have babies. It’s just really cool. They become family.”

For more information about Spa 22 and its services or to book an appointment online, visit Spa-22.com.