By KYLA CLARKE

Have you seen the Summer 2015 edition of Ottawa Magazine? Our Shop Talk for that issue can be found in the Exposed! series — and Kyla Clarke, our gregarious and stylish intern, can be found in the background. In this post, she reveals the prepping that went on before the shoot.

Walking through the bright red doors of York Street Spa is like walking into heaven. The converted historic home, which now houses the renowned salon and spa, reminds me of an old mansion or castle — and they  sure treated me like a queen.

Quickly offering to take my coat, the friendly receptionist sat me down in the cozy waiting area (next to an impressively elaborate espresso bar) while I waited for my appointment. When Tanya came down to take me away, she had no idea I was with Ottawa Magazine, but she didn’t treat me any differently after I told her. She offered me one of three (yes, three!) choices of water — lemon, cucumber, or regular. I opted for cucumber and, damn, that stuff is refreshing!

Tanya and I instantly hit it off, chatting about summer, shopping, life … girl talk. But that didn’t distract her from taking great care when handling my neglected tootsies and dry hands. She knew just what to say when it came to suggesting polish colours, caring for my embarrassing toenails, and even what I should get for my mom for Mother’s Day.

I decided while I was there that I should squeeze in an eyebrow wax (when in Rome, right?), but I was worried because I usually prefer threading, a gentler method. Tanya assured me she would be gentle — and I couldn’t be happier. I did not shed a tear (which I normally do during a wax) and the shape was amazing. So thick and full! She gained herself a repeat customer in this writer, and I walked back out through those red doors feeling like nothing short of royalty.