T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM Susan Sung, owner of the Cherry Bliss Spa, wants to give customers a holistic self-care and beauty experience. The downtown business provides massage, facials and nail care.

A new relaxation and rejuvenation spa opened its doors in downtown Marshalltown at the beginning of June.

Cherry Bliss Spa on South First Street is owned by 46-year-old Susan Sung.

“After a decade of calling Marshalltown home, I chose this location for Cherry Bliss Spa due to its strong sense of community and familiarity,” she said.

A native of Myanmar, Sung wants to provide a holistic approach to self-care and beauty enhancement, ensuring customers leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.

“I decided to open Cherry Bliss Spa out of a genuine desire to help others alleviate stress and discomfort, which resonates deeply with my own experiences,” she said.

Having previously worked physically demanding jobs, Sung is familiar with injuries and aches such as back pain. She managed to find relief in massage therapy which alleviated her discomfort and also inspired her to create a welcoming sanctuary where others could find similar relief and rejuvenation.

Sung is focusing on catering to a diverse clientele who are seeking relaxation and self-care. She said her business welcomes guests of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

“Whether you’re a professional needing stress relief, a parent in need of ‘me time,’ or someone simply looking to treat themselves, our services are designed to meet your unique needs,” Sung said.

Looking to create a positive experience for her customers, Sung partnered with massage therapy, esthetics and nail care experts who share her commitment.

“This venture is a natural extension of my passion for both wellness and beauty,” Sung said.

Inside the spa, white, relaxing rooms are dedicated to specific services — massage, facials and nail care. Cherry Bliss customers looking for a massage will be treated by the soothing skills of Sung from her massage table.

The different massage techniques offered are:

Swedish and deep tissue, which are tailored to address specific needs such as stress relief or chronic pain management;

For couples in which two people can receive massages simultaneously in the same private room. Each person is on his or her own massage table with two therapists coordinating treatments;

Asian techniques incorporating methods such as Tuina and Thai, which blend precise pressure points and rhythmic strokes for a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience;

Hot stone massages to enhance relaxation and alleviate muscle tension;

Cupping therapy offers benefits such as detoxification and improved blood circulation.

In addition to massages, customers can receive beauty treatments for skin and nails through services like facials, manicures and pedicures. Sung said the facials and face massages are personalized to cater to individual skin types and concerns, offering a unique skincare experience. Beyond basic nail care, services include hydrating paraffin wax treatments and custom nail art using premium organic products, ensuring optimal nail and skin health.

Sung brings four years of experience to her new venture. She first worked as a nail technician before pursuing higher education in Des Moines and Chicago, earning diplomas and certifications in massage therapy and esthetics.

Now, as a Marshalltown business owner, Sung’s goal for Cherry Bliss is to become a premier destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Her aim is to build lasting relationships with clients, ensuring every visit exceeds expectations in terms of service, comfort and overall experience.

“I am excited to bring Cherry Bliss Spa to Marshalltown, offering a range of services designed to promote wellness and relaxation,” Sung said. “Whether you’re seeking relief from daily stress or pampering yourself with our luxurious treatments, we look forward to welcoming you to our spa.”

BUSINESS INFO:

Name: Cherry Bliss Spa

Address: 29 S. First St.

Hours of operation: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday

Phone: 641-844-7381

Website: https://cherry-massage-therapy-spa.com/

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.