By: Deborah Johnson Wood
When Joy Maulvi opened Elementals in downtown Rockford, she had a dream of establishing a therapeutic massage office. But when she saw the storefront at 67 E. Bridge she realized she could offer much more than physical healing.
With two medical offices in the back and a retail space in the front, Elementals is a massage therapy oasis that also features soul-soothing products— bonsai plants, fancy chocolates, candles, jewelry, kariza skirts, silk robes and more—all purchased directly from crafters in India, China, Hawaii and other places around the globe.
Maulvi's desire to help artists showcase and sell their works prompted her to offer works by local artists such as, Brian Buck's pointillism pieces and Stacy Niedzwiecki's photography.
"We're always looking for local artists who want to put their art in the store," Maulvi says. "We plan to expand the store in the next two years, so we want to build those artist relationships now."
A thriving eBay store, The Unique Gift Boutique, complements the retail store's sales.
"I try to sell items that represent the five elements of earth, wind, water, fire and metal," says Maulvi, a Certified Massage Therapist who specializes in therapeutic massage for clients suffering from ailments that create chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, sciatica, TMJ, and pregnancy.
"Each client receives an assessment to check their spine, gait, and posture before and after each session," Maulvi says, "and a wellness bag to take home, filled with soothing items selected just for them and their needs."
Additional massage offerings include hot stone treatments, castor oil packs to alleviate tight muscles and soreness, relaxation massage, and facials offered by Lizzie Mahaney, Certified Cosmetic Massage Therapist, and Aubrey Schultz, Professional Massage Therapist.
To promote the massage therapy aspect of the business, Elementals will give free chair massages in front of the store each Saturday that the nearby Rockford Farmers Market is open.
Source: Joy Maulvi, Elementals
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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