If you want to remove unsightly body hair, desire advanced skin care - or simply wanted to be pampered - there’s a new business in Penticton where you might want to book an appointment.
Bethany Armstrong, the proud new owner of Smooth Effects Laser Hair Removal, held an official grand opening of her new franchise location all day Thursday.
The new business is located in the Riverside Plaza, Unit 132, at 300 Riverside Drive.
Smooth Effects has been accepting customers since its “soft opening” Oct. 15. The official grand opening on Thursday included free facials, food treats and a the official ribbon-cutting ceremony with fellow members of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.
“Laser hair removal is the core of our business and what we specialize in, but we also do skin care … detailed, medical-type skin care,” said Armstrong. “We do what is called hydra-facials, derma-planing, micro-needling … we have a machine where you can see under the layers of the skin and we can work out your problems from there.”
Other services offered include chemical peels, skin tightening, makeup, teeth whitening and more. The store also sells the popular Glow makeup line and a variety of skin care products.
Removing unwanted body hair has become very technical and the laser machine she uses on clients is state-of-the-art, said Armstrong.
“You will need multiple treatments, depending on the body and the treatment and the hormones and genes, but we can typically get you to a point where the client is happy,” she said.
Armstrong took courses to become a certified laser technician and Smooth Effects management also provides training before entering into a franchise agreement.
“They have protocols that every franchise owner has to go through and they put you through a rigorous training program,” she said.
Armstrong’s new business features one laser hair removal room, a second room for facials and skin care and a third room now being used for storage that can easily be converted into a third treatment room once more clients sign up.
There’s also a spacious front reception area, small staff room and laundry area.
Armstrong moved from Vernon to Penticton to pursue this business opportunity.
“I’m new to Penticton, I come from Vernon,” said Armstrong, who was considering opening her new business in the Lower Mainland, but changed her mind after paying an extended visit to Penticton earlier this summer. “Penticton has been so warm and so welcoming and I know I made the right choice opening my new business here.
“I was looking at the Lower Mainland, but Penticton just had this enormous pull for me and it all fell into place. I only decided in July that Penticton was my choice and here we are open and running in November. It all fell into place so fast.”
Once she decided she wanted to have the Smooth Effects franchise in Penticton, she contacted company headquarters and they quickly found a quality space in the Riverside Plaza, she said.
“We made a phone call and this location literally became available the next day,” she said. “The timing was perfect. I couldn’t ask for a better location.”
The majority of her clients will be women, but laser hair removal and skin care has become much more popular with men over the past few years, she said.
Armstrong has a proven record of success as an entrepreneur as she co-owned Freedom Tattoo and Body Piercing in Vernon with her brother. She also owns Piece of Mind Weddings and organizes the Okanagan Bridal Exposition held annually in Kelowna at the Delta Grand Hotel.
“I just brought on a partner to help with those two businesses,” she said.
Smooth Effects offers free consultations for all its services, she said.
“People can come in any time for a free consultation or they can book online,” she said. “You can also call in at any time at 236-422-3230.”
Smooth Effects Laser Hair Removal will be open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For more information on Penticton’s Smooth Effects Laser Hair Removal, click here.
