The front area is used to teach students the importance of retailing products with clever, well-stocked displays.

The front area is used to teach students the importance of retailing products with clever, well-stocked displays.

This month I stopped at the La James International College Tuscany Day Spa, a school with a true “spa” atmosphere and full menu to go with the Greek-flavored Mediterranean decor. La James International College has seven campuses. I visited the largest campus, which is in Des Moines. This location boasts 31 spa treatment rooms, one large pedicure room with nine pedicure thrones and seven manicure tables, as well as a more intimate spa room with five pedicure thrones and three manicure tables. There are also private waxing rooms, a sauna, and a hydrotub. In the spa area, I was captivated by great details like Greek art, twinkle ceilings, and beautiful rich gold and red curtains.

There are two pedicure rooms at the school’s Tuscany Day Spa. One with nine pedi thrones (shown here), and a smaller room with five.

There are two pedicure rooms at the school’s Tuscany Day Spa. One with nine pedi thrones (shown here), and a smaller room with five.

Walking in the front door, there is a boutique-style retail area that offers up clever displays, high ceilings, two reception desks, and two sitting areas. While you are waiting, the receptionist even offers a complimentary hand massage! After a phenomenal hand massage from Marcus, I was definitely in the mood for a SpaPedicure.

I thoroughly enjoyed my SpaPedicure from La James student Kelsey Rose. The school teaches students great customer service, as you can see from my crystal water glass.

I thoroughly enjoyed my SpaPedicure from La James student Kelsey Rose. The school teaches students great customer service, as you can see from my crystal water glass.

Kelsey Rose, who is auditioning for a spot on the CND Elite Nail Team, greeted me in the reception area with a smile and led me to the large pedicure room. Team members enjoy many perks within the program like advanced in-school nail training and priority booking for nail services. Kelsey took me to my chair where her products, tools, and rolled towels were neatly arranged and ready to go. Kelsey demonstrated how she shares product knowledge with guests, offering professional advice for take-home products. Once she graduates she will definitely be an asset for some lucky salon!

Once clients are finished with their services, they can come in to the makeup area for a touch up

Once clients are finished with their services, they can come in to the makeup area for a touch up

One of the great things about receiving services at La James is the extensive service menu. I was tempted by a facial, but customized my service with foot reflexology at the end of the SpaPedicure. The room is spacious and almost begs for you to come back and bring friends to make a party of it. La James offers packages for adults, as well as party options for their younger guests.

Nail instructor Melissa Finch and student Kelsey Rose were happy to host me at La James.

Nail instructor Melissa Finch and student Kelsey Rose were happy to host me at La James.

This definitely is a unique school — the students get to learn in a real day spa atmosphere and their guests are free to indulge — you can even purchase a spa membership. If it were not for the posted notices that you will be worked on by supervised students it would be easy to believe you had stumbled into your new favorite day spa!

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