Gentle Journey

Like many of the people who reviewed Gentle Journey, I came in on a social media deal but I stayed because Lia is just plain old wonderful. Her micro-​dermabrasion appointments include a facial component and shoulder, scalp, and hand massage. Lia is funny and kind, and as gentle as the name of her business. She has a sense of humor (which I guess one of the earlier reviewers didn’t get). Her wise-​crack was simply a joke: If she’d said it to me, I would have laughed. (And I am a teacher!!). Her prices are great, and would cost twice as much in fancier looking digs. Lia also uses great natural products that smell so yummy I even bought some. Fortunately, she is not one of those sales-​driven kinds of facialists who make you want to smack them. I had to practically beg her to sell it to me. Worth going to? You bet. And my skin actually looks a lot better, by the way. Which is why I will continue going to her as long as I can.

I went to Lia because I purchased a Living Social. It’s by far the best microdermabrasion I’ve ever had and I will definitely be going back.

I found Lia 2 years ago when my friend bought us a facial deal on Groupon, and I am so happy that I did! I have adult hormonal acne and Lia does an amazing job with extractions. She always spends at least an hour and a half with me during my facial and microdermabrasion. She also does a great job waxing my eyebrows. She doesn’t push products on you and her prices are more than reasonable. I have been very pleased with her work.

This was my first microdermabrasion session and it went absolutely fantastic. Lia was very informative about the procedure and did an excellent job. The facial, which follows, was an absolute delight. I felt so relaxed afterwards. I set up my second appointment with her on the spot, that’s how great it was. I’m looking forward to sharing this new find with all of my girlfriends in the area.

If you have sensitive skin, acne, or a flawless face, Lia is the professional for you! I can’t speak to her waxing services but I’ve been a loyal once-​a-​month facial client of hers for the last 2 to 3 years. To explain a little bit about me… I have struggled with skin that breaks out on a whim since my college years (now in my mid-​30s) and have seen many well-​regarded Dermatologists and tried umpteen Rxs to treat my skin. Nothing ever really worked and even the most well-​regarded in their field seemed to hardly ever take the time to «get to know» my skin. When an accupuncturist I was seeing for my skin recommended Lia, I thought, ‘it can’t hurt”!
Enter Lia. She immediately said «you don’t have an acne problem; you have sensitive skin»! Believe it or not, this was quite a revelation for me. So, that is how we’ve treated my skin, and I won’t say it was an overnight cure — it wasn’t, but I don’t take any more medications and all-​in-​all my skin has become much more resiliant, less breakout prone and has virtually no sensitivity. Lia is great — she will tell you what she thinks and she can always tell what you have and haven’t been doing just by taking a look at your face. She has a great sense of humor and ultimately really cares about what is going on with your skin and in your life.
Parking is easy and while the building is a little dated, her space is nicely decorated, clean and calming. It’s not a fancy spa (although she does include a great neck/​shoulder/​arm massage with the facial), but she’s not charging spa prices either. It’s a perfect place for routine visits. She’s replaced my dermatologist and I’m a lot happier and healthier for it!

I haven’t gone here in over a year.
(i was just reminded of it when they sent me ‘please come back’ email blast with no way to unsubscribe. just for that: i write this review:)
i was a regular when i first moved to santa monica. fresh off the boat — from arizona. the price was right. the Unilocal reviews were decent. For about 4 months this was my go-​to spot. I even recommended it to a couple of my friends.
later. I come to realize it’s one of those «you get what you pay for places».
the office is sterile and unrelaxing.
the younger gal never remembered a damn thing about me. I’m pretty sure she thought I was a new client each time.
the wax they use sucks. it sticks on your skin for a while after. you need a full shower before certain areas stop feeling sticky.
even with all that — I kept going. It was convenient. I’d ride my bike there — no big deal, right?
then I had an appointment with the owner. She had a european/​russian accent — i remember that. and I remember she offended me. Bless her heart — she probably didn’t know any better. But when I mentioned my boyfriend (now fiancé) was a teacher, she tells me I should leave him. I believe, «they don’t make enough money,» were her exact words.
excuse me?
i met you once.
you wax vaginas for a living.
the man i love teaches children.
he loves it. he’s much better at his job than you are at yours — that’s for sure.
and lady, that was an awful thing to say.

i never went back.
screw that place.
i got over crappy wax jobs from crappy people real quick after that.
This town is too large and there are much better wax jobs out there for the same price from nicer people.
don’t settle for mediocrity.

My friend got me a b-​day facial at Gentle Journey. It was the perfect gift. Lia really cleaned my face, I loved seeing all my clean pores afterwards. The treatment was also really relaxing. She massage my face, shoulder, arms, and head. I cannot wait to go back again.

Great hidden gem in Santa Monica. I’ve been a client of Lia’s for over four years now, and honestly I wouldn’t know what to do if I ever moved! Well actually I’d probably schedule business trips to coincide with all my waxing and facial appointments. Lia is a pro at what she does, and she makes you feel completely comfortable, even when she’s waxing those oh-​so-​tender places. Her prices are very reasonable and the boutique is bright, airy, and always spotless. Parking is not a problem and it’s easy to schedule an appointment.

Jenna is amazing but truthfully when I can’t get in to see her, Lia is fabulous, too! This place is friendly, easy to get to, fair priced, and just so so good. You have a leave a message on the machine but don’t worry, they call you right back. This place is wonderful!

Jena and Lia are both fantastic. The first time I came here, there was some appointment confusion; I recommend calling them rather than booking online. They send reminders when your appointment is coming up and are both extremely friendly and personable (without being too nosy!). Both the Gentle Journey office and the restroom across the way – which I assume they help maintain – are impeccably clean, if not overly spa-​like.
Also, you get a discount on your wax the month of your birthday! So speak up! :)

Totally overdue…
I went to Lia (though Jenna is my usual) to have my underarms and lower legs done, Lia even threw in a free bikini wax because she thought it was uncivilized how wild I had let things get. I have always had amazing waxes here, both Lia and Jenna are extremely thorough. I had somehow managed to book Lia at the exact time her parking meter was about to run out so my leg wax was a little patchy but I forgive her because mine was too and I know what quality they can provide. (Also I had a bad sunburn and my dry peeling skin was not helping) Aside from one slightly off experience, Gentle Journey is my favorite spot to get waxed. Totally professional, friendly, and just plain wonderful.

Best experience EVER. Lia was a definite expert and would make anyone feel at ease. I plan on going back again and again. Note that it is unit 410 inside building 710 on Wilshire. Once you enter their office you feel immediately welcomed and taken care of. I am shocked at how comfortable I felt. Just outstanding. «Gentle Journey» lives up to its name and I will recommend it to all my girlfriends.

7^th and Wilshire is a fine location, but Gentle Journey is on the 4^th floor of a scary building that, on weekends, a customer must access from the back door. There are NO SIGNS anywhere, and the elevator shakes. The Gentle Journey space itself, however, is quite clean and zen. Lea did my bikini wax — it took a long time (about 30 min) but was remarkably painless. I have super sensitive skin too, and the products used were very gentle. I felt a bit exposed, however, as there are large windows in the waxing room that overlook Wilshire Blvd — not a tiny street that Wilshire Blvd. I was extremely satisfied with the results at Gentle Journey, but somewhat dismayed by the surroundings. I’ll probably go again though — I will just ask for the curtains to be drawn.

They are on the 4^th floor of an office/​medical building. It is potentially off-​putting if you’re used to going to the first floor for your beauty rituals, but I’ve driven to the VALLEY for crazier things, so the 4^th floor at 7^th and Wilshire isn’t exactly Tijuana. Once I found metered street parking, quarters, the hallway to the lobby, elevators, and finally the suite on the 4^th floor, I was asked to fill out paperwork with unnecessary personal information. It’s just a wax, people!
So, the fun part: she showed me to a treatment room that had windows wide open. It really adds a level of exhibition to have the windows completely open when you’re going to be naked for your treatment. I decided to believe there was no one looking through binoculars from nearby building tops and go on with it. Now, I’m «fairly sure» no one was looking, but if you did notice me in the window the other day, be sure to say «hey» the next time you see me around town and mention you saw me getting waxed. That would be neat.
The next idea was that she was going to exit the room, have me undress, and then she was going to open the door to come in while I was lying on the table. No problem, right? Wrong: the door opens into the main lobby area. So, let’s say she opens the door at the same time the UPS guy decides to make a delivery to their office. I would bet he’d be friendly the next time he saw me around town. I’m not a shy person, but C’MON. Although she disagreed with my dilemma (not sure how the line-​of-​sight could be disputed) she gave me one of those really nice paper blankets you get at the OB/​GYN. My usual waxer just stays in the room — problem solved.
Now, why do some waxers (including this one) use your hands as props during the wax, and put you in strange positions? A good waxer won’t do this to you. Also, the powder goes on BEFORE the wax, not after. That’s waxing 101, for me.
I should mention that she was a very nice lady — she would probably make a great birthing nurse. She suggested deep breathing several times, and asked if I was okay countless times. Every time, I let her know «I’ve done this before, I’m really okay.» Strangely, I think it was harder on her than it was on me.
So, if you need someone to baby you through a long 30 minute waxing (I prefer the 7 minute version), you think a brazilian wax might be a little like childbirth, and you’re probably going to cry, Gentle Journey just might be the place for you.

This place is great and let me tell you why: a list of reasons…
1. Lia Katz-​waxing goddess… personable, adorable and funny.
2. Pretty painless as far as waxing goes… hence the name ‘gentle’-they stay true to their name!
3. Affordable-​$ 25 for bikini… and it’s even ON Santa Monica Blvd… ;)
4. Parking was super easy… meter, but not a problem.
5. Nice ambiance… small place, but relaxing and tranquil none the less
I was VERY pleased with this place and although I don’t live in the area, I will def come back when I am in town!
Thanks Lia!

Hi!
Thought I would share my experience at Gentle Journey. I was very scared to get my first bikini wax and could not believe I was even setting up the appt. But the gal that runs the place was so sweet and took her time so I was not in pain. Since then it has been over 3+ years and I would never go anywhere else. Olia and Jenna are the best at what they do for any wax or facials. They use fantastic skin products and I recommend this place to all my friends! Try it out and see for yourself!

I’ve been back to Gentle Journey religously almost every two weeks to get my waxing done and I’m happy to report they have moved into a wonderful space in «downtown» Santa Monica. The atmosphere is very light and airy and very very comfortable!

This place is ok, theyve always done a good job but i guess i just dont like the fact that it has a medical office type feel to it rather than a spa atmosphere.
Nothing bad to say really, except the fact that i went here to get my underarms (vverrrrry sensitive skin) waxed for my high school prom, and they were red for a week. Not a hot prom look, trust me.

Olia and Jenna are very nice and will take good care of you as well as give you lots of skin care advice & tips (w/​o selling anything).
I get all my waxing done at this place.
They do a lovely job on my brows!

I have tried many places for bikini waxes, and believe me when I say there are places you just don’t want to go! This one is very small but they were quick and painless.
I don’t like to get the every popular Brazilian wax – a little too aggressive more me – so the regular bikini wax is what I usually opt for. The woman who helped me did so with truly a gentle hand. I was really amazed at how little ripping there was.
If you’ve never had a bikini wax, and are thinking about it, I would either come here or to Brentwood Skin – both offer a light touch and good results.