PALESTINE — Starting out in 2004 as a “one-woman” operation in an old 8x12 file room, Palestine native Jamie Pettiette-Rhone began achieving her dream of bringing a state-of-the-art day spa to her home town.

Just one year later, Rhone expanded Jamie’s Therapeutic Touch for the first time to include an additional room and a secretary. After another 18 months, she purchased a building on Palestine Avenue — adding two massage therapists, a nail tech and hair dressers.

And now, just three years after her last expansion, Rhone has upgraded again to a 2,000-square-foot building on Crockett Road that includes eight treatment rooms housing six massage therapists, three estheticians (skin care therapists) and two nail technicians.

“I started with nothing and I feel like we have almost everything now,” Rhone said in a recent interview. “When I started, I didn't have any clients and didn't know if I make it or not, but I jumped in it with both feet forward and have never looked back.

“I can't believe that was almost five years ago — time has flown by so fast, and I love every minute of it.”

Along with the growth of her facilities and staff, the services offered at Jamie’s Therapeutic Touch also have expanded profoundly since opening.

“When I first started I just did a basic facial, microdermabrasion and weight loss body wraps,” she said. “Now we offer a variety of facials, peels, wraps and massages and provide treatments like Lamprobe, AquaDetox and Ionithermie.”

Permanent make-up, manicures and pedicures, spray-tanning and product lines such as Dermalogica (skin care), Jane-Iredale (make-up) and Tahitian Noni are also offered at Jamie’s.

“We are always looking for the next greatest and best thing to offer our clients,” Rhone said. “All of our therapists are licensed in their fields and we encourage continued education.

“We are always attending trade shows, and seminars to be able to stay on top of the ever changing market.”

With their expanded facility, the local day spa is now better able to accommodate small groups for parties, ‘girls night out’ events, children's birthday spa parties and bridal parties for the bride and her whole bridal party.

“We can get the bride’s face and body ready for her big day to make it less stressful,” Rhone said. “We offer couples treatments and spa packages that range from two hours to eight hours at the spa with lunch and champagne provided.”

Rhone’s plans for growing her business are not quite complete, she said, as an expansion to her new building is already in the works.

“Right now our five hair dressers are still operating at the Palestine Avenue location,” she said. “We will be adding space for the hair dressers and another treatment room as well.”

Rhone cannot take all the credit for her success, though. Without her loyal and always-growing customer base, none of the dreams she has achieved for the spa would have been possible, she said.

“We have a wonderful client base that we are blessed to have as our clients and friends,” she said. “Some of my clients have been with me the whole five years in business, which I thank God for everyday.

“Palestine has everything to offer that the bigger towns have, and we strive to always bring them the best service possible,” she added. “I just want to give back what God has blessed me with.”

Jamie's Therapeutic Touch, 1730 Crockett Rd., is holding a holiday open house Dec. 12 and 13. The public is invited to tour the spa, meet Rhone and her staff and enjoy a selection of desserts, champagne and coffee.

“Dermalogica educators will be available to answer questions and we will offer microzone and skinbar treatments,” Rhone said. “A Jane-Iredale make-up artist will be demonstrating the latest looks; and we also will offer hand and arm massage.”

For a complete list of services, to make an appointment or for more information about Jamie’s Therapeutic Touch call 903-723-SKIN (7546), e-mail jamie@spajamie.com or visit www.spajamie.com.

Therapists at Jamie’s include: Kathy Klauser, licensed medical massage therapist; Christine Pennington, nail technician and licensed massage therapist; Monika Comancho, licensed massage therapist; Christy Parish, licensed massage therapist; Brandy Leblanc, licensed massage therapist; Amy Gordon, esthetician; Diane Wakeland, esthetician; Jolonda Freeman, permanent make-up artist; and Charlie Yaunk, assistant.