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Oyster Pointer Salutes: Lorraine’s SpaSalon: Escape the everyday
Upon entering Lorraine’s SpaSalon, there’s a sense of something different. A quiet atmosphere, coupled with Oriental rugs, antiques, and comfortable chairs sets the stage for the pampering to come. But it’s also about what’s missing: the hustle and bustle, the chemical smells, the bright lights, and the glaring surfaces. Jerry Adams, co-owner with his wife Lorraine, was once an antique dealer and he has decorated the hair salon area with refinished vanity tables, now serving as workstations.

Lorraine’s is located at 10856-B Warwick Boulevard (in Warwick Shopping Center) and features 4,300 square feet of connecting rooms, which support a variety of services. In addition to hair salon services (perms, color, cuts, waxing, and nails), there are many spa packages. For example, the “Warwick” includes a 90-minute aromatherapy massage, face, hand, and foot therapy, hairstyle, and makeup. And lunch is included.

Jan Dumas is spa director. Packages can be tailor-made to suit a customer’s interests. Special events can be planned for the bridal party, either as prenuptial parties or for preparing everyone for the big day. There’s even a Honeymoon Package, which includes a spa day for two, plus dinner, hotel, and limo service. Also popular are mother-and-daughter or girlfriends sessions. Lorraine’s has been in business since 1988. It was formerly located on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, where it offered only hair salon services. Lorraine herself has spent 30 years in the hair business. She likes people and says, “It’s what I do best.” Forty percent of her customers come weekly, so it’s tough to get away. They depend on her and have been coming for so many years that many are now senior citizens. She is actually on the fourth generation in one family. Lorraine personally enjoys all the services at her spa, especially pedicures, since she is on her feet so much.

Adams does not use many of the services himself. He admits that men, in general, are the biggest challenge. Currently most men limit themselves to the massage. Adams has set up the inter-connecting rooms in the suite to allow reconfiguration, depending on the group size, so that privacy is assured. At all times Adams wants the customer to be relaxed and enjoying
the spa experience. Subdued lighting and soft music add to the atmosphere. The spa side now accounts for more than 50 percent of the business. Adams works 70 hours each week as business manager. He also directs activities outside the shop. For example, he went to every hospital during Nurses Week last June, offering free chair massages to the nurses. During Teachers Week, certificates for free facials were given. Lorraine’s is also represented at bridal shows, where chair and hand massage are highlighted. Adams handles inventory and is now selling a new line called “Ouidad,” designed for hair with special needs. Customers come from all over to buy it.

Lorraine’s is open seven days a week, as late as 8:00 p.m. on some evenings, to accommodate the busy schedules of their customers. There are 15 employees. Adams has little spare time and doesn’t travel any more (he traveled extensively with his antique business). He says that he has a set of golf clubs somewhere. He does enjoy spending time with his granddaughter. Adams and his wife of 33 years are both from north Maine. He visited here every summer with his father and stepmother, who owned Jan-Mar Beauty Academy. He says he used to fold a lot of towels! Eventually he gave up his former businesses and opened his own salon with his wife. He expects to have a second location in a couple of years, possibly in Lee Hall.

Lorraine’s has been highlighted in the American edition of Esthetiques. Adams reads the trade magazines regularly. He and his employees also attend conferences and training on new products and techniques.

The family dog Elvis, a lovable black Labrador, comes in every Saturday. Many customers stop by with their children to see him. He is always at the door to meet the customers who bring treats. Adams vows he can tell time!