Sagittarius Spa
by Sasha Braithwaite photos by Monika Wertman According to zodiac description, Sagittarians are independent and adventurous people who have many ideas that lead them to be accepting of change. So when Marsha Knicley-Masood built her Sagittarius Salon and Spa empire named after her own zodiac sign, these traits became a manifestation shown through the growing and successful business that it is today. Marsha is described by her daughter and Sagittarius coowner, Jordon Knicley, as being someone who lives and breathes cosmetology. Her passion and drive took her from 900 square feet of space, two employees and a couple of chairs, and grew into the state-of-the-art business that it is today—a salon, spa and boutique all in one location. Located in the Galleria in Hagerstown, Md., stepping inside is like stepping into a booming city salon with its creative lighting, décor and architecture along with customer service that exceeds expectations. When Marsha opened the salon in 1973, her first goal was to give her customers the best service as well as keeping them up-to-date with the latest trends in hair color and design. Her consistency in this effort and commitment to hard work gave her a reputation that kept her business and clientele expanding. “When she first started the business, she would work 12 hours every day on top of having two children,” Jordon says regarding her mother.s work ethic. “She was here every day, all day, and then her clients would call her and be like, ‘Could you stop by my house on the way home to do a styling for me?. and she would do it. She did anything she could do to make sure people were happy with her work and how she did things.” Marsha.s dream was always to have her own building for her salon and create the design and architecture that she wanted. When her business grew too large for where she was operating at that time, she decided to become partners with plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo, and they built the Galleria in 2005, a mini plaza that houses both of their businesses as well as LJ.s and the Kat lounge. The modern style and architecture she had wanted now adorns the salon, spa and boutique that make Sagittarius the powerhouse that it is today. The Salon itself is spacious and well-lit with 14 styling stations, twelve color/chemical stations, plasma screen televisions, a color and formulating lab and a coffee bar for guests in addition to several other impressive features. Upon entrance, guests are greeted warmly and helpfully by the front desk receptionists, and to avoid any interruptions in customer service, both in...
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