Changes in the works for Inner Health Spa

Michelle Bullock founded Inner Health Spa in 2014 but now plans to make some changes to the business as of Nov. 1. Located at 1733 S. Fifth St., the business offers a variety of spa and wellness treatments. 

Bullock is a licensed massage therapist and has another massage therapist on staff, plus an esthetician. However, she said that having employees has proven to be too challenging. "I can't seem to find new help or retain them. I can't pay myself an adequate wage... I'm truly exhausted with having employees," she wrote in an email to clients explaining her decision. Bullock noted that minimum wage, taxes and other increased costs also factored into her decision to shift the business model.

Inner Health Spa is selling to Inner Health Spa & Associates as of Oct. 31, and Bullock, who is the sole owner of IHSA, will rent space in the building to other providers, rather than having employees. She will also continue to offer services to her own clients.

"I am still offering massage services, reflexology, body treatments, saunas, ion foot baths and colonics," she said. "Shay is renting his room and will be offering massage services, body treatments, ion foot baths and saunas."

Kristin Devocelle, who served as the manager of Inner Health Spa and worked as an esthetician, will be going to Suite 108 Salon, 2205 Wabash Ave.

Bullock said she is hoping to find two additional renters who would provide related services such as a massage therapist, acupuncturist, nail technician or esthetician. She is also looking for a CNA or RN to work as an independent contractor assisting with ion foot baths, saunas and colonics.

IHSA will honor Inner Health Spa gift cards and pre-paid services purchased since Jan. 1, 2023. Bullock said current customers who have remaining balances from gift cards purchased prior to that date should contact her to discuss.

"This decision came after long consideration... sometimes change needs to happen," she said.