Dawn Dettmer, co-owner of DG Body Therapy Day Spa in Wilton Manors, Fla., wanted to make her Victorian-style day spa a little different. So she added a sophisticated and civilized touch, a guest book. Here, clients can record their thoughts on their salon experience for the benefit of salon staff and for the reading pleasure of other clients as well. Dettmer came upon the idea while doing research on the Victorian era Name cards, place cards, and scrolls with the names of party guests were an integral part of the etiquette of the time. “Guest books remind me of special times, like a wedding party or kids signing each other’s yearbooks,” says Dettmer “They give you an opportunity to create memories and touch people’s hearts. Besides that, you never know who’s going to walk through your door.” No celebrities have signed in so far, but she has collected numerous tributes from grateful customers.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.