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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2009 > January > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSave On A Trim, Massage and Meal: Give It The Ol’ College Try
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Got a plan to pamper myself someday soon.
First, drive to the Aveda Institute Atlanta in Buckhead for a haircut and style.
Then, zip up to the Atlanta School of Massage in Dunwoody for an aromatherapy wrap . Finally, swing by Lumiere, a restaurant in Tucker, for a filling meal.
What do these places have in common? The services are provided by students. As a result, they cost much less than comparable businesses staffed by professionals.
The trim would set me back $15, and this is no quick, in-and-out Great Clips experience, either.
The 50-minute wrap goes for $40, the same amount charged for a massage.
The supper at Lumiere, managed by students at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta, seems like the day’s dessert. Only one entree exceeds $12.95. Better yet for the pocketbook, tipping is prohibited.
Hours of operation are relatively limited, seeing as how the students may have to attend classes. Lumiere, for example, is closed Saturday through Monday.
Have you sampled any of these three establishments? Or, any other student-run business?
Tell us about your visits. Good, bad or in-between?
I’m eager to give this trifecta a try. Here’s hoping the pupils earn an A with my hirsute, relaxation and hunger needs.
To find ways to help make you way through a bumpy economy check out Your Money.
Comments
By Eric
January 15, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
I used the Atlanta School of Massage and although the service didn’t quite live up to the standards of say Spa Sydel, the experience was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who wants relaxation on a budget.
By Sandra
January 15, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
I’ve used all of them. I typically try out different schools. The International School of Skin and Nailcare on Roswell Road is great for facials, body wraps, manicures etc. Rising Spirit and ASHA are also great places to get massages. If you book your appointment a week in advance, you can get a one hour massage for $25 at ASHA. The Esani Institute on Mansell Road also does haircuts, coloring and facials. The students are all awesome. I love the massages, facials, and manicures, however, beware on haircuts for women. The students are very hesitant to do anything really drastic or different from your current cut. I’ve had to go back to a professional stylist to get hair re-shaped or re-cut.
By needa massage
January 15, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
where is ASHA?
By Agent 71
January 17, 2009 8:14 PM | Link to this
I received a great massage at Massage Envy in Stockbridge, for $39. They have some wonderful therapists on staff. The service was excellent!
By Maggie
January 17, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this
I am a long-time fan of the Aveda Institute. And it’s not just for haircuts - their facials are to-die-for (make sure you ask for the a private room, instead of the community room). One tip - for a haircut or highlights, allow extra time. The students are usually slower than your usual professional hairstylist, and often the instructor will correct any errors that the he sees when the student service is complete, so extra time is needed.
By Nichole
January 17, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this
I am a fan of Honey Spa in Fayetteville…. The prices are very reasonable!!!!
By shoppinaround
January 17, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
Also try VanMichael Salon’s training salon named NewTalent Salon. It is where their younger staff work while learning the VanMichael training system. I have gone there for a year now and have gotten great haircuts. The prices range from 25 to 40 bucks and their students seem a lot more knowledgeable than the Aveda students!
By AnitaMahsahge
January 18, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
ASHA is on P’tree Industrial, north of I-285.
From Peachtree Industrial Blvd. North: 1. Take Peachtree Industrial Blvd. North for 1.5 miles. 2. Exit at Winters Chapel / Amwiler Exit onto access road. 3. Go past the light and cross Winters Chapel. 4. Turn right into the Sushi Yoko parking lot. 5. Go through the parking lot and pass through the yellow guard rails. 6. Then make an immediate left through the open fence gates. 7. ASHA is building 4, the one-story building immediately on your right.
By Shannon, M.Div.
January 23, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
I’ve really enjoyed going to the Aveda salon for a shampoo, cut, and style. I like knowing that the students are learning the most up-to-date techniques, that I’m helping with their education, and that I’m getting an inexpensive cut. I’m also pretty loyal to Aveda products.
I got started going to students when a friend of mine dropped out of graduate school at Emory to go to the Paul Mitchell School, also in Atlanta. I like the Aveda atmosphere (free tea!) and products better, but if you’re into Paul Mitchell, you might try that one.