Perhaps there are only spiders there, or something of that sort.
So wrote the Russian novelist Dostoyevsky in anxious rumination on what heaven might be like. Of course since then we’ve become too sophisticated for the one-size-fits-all pearly gates, clouds and harps model, preferring to think of, say, a purely elevated state of being. Yet I well imagine there are many of us for whom any heaven still includes unlimited puppies, hot fudge sundaes, palm trees and massages.
We have the siren song of The Massage to thank for the existence of the Inner Essence Spa, as owner Shana McCarthy – who majored in exercise physiology and originally intended to go into physical therapy – changed her mind once given a gift card for a massage. It “piqued my interest in [it],” she explains. “I visited a massage school and was intrigued by all the creative avenues that the field of massage therapy opens you up to.” McCarthy opened her first space in Woodbridge, and after about four years, moved to a larger facility in Orange; she was there for thirteen years.
On the hunt for larger quarters, McCarthy moved to the Boston Post Road in Allingtown. Her dad’s business is next door; he’s been a fixture in town for decades, He suggested she check out a space he had ready for rental, and it was perfect for her needs.
Inner Essence offers more than the typical day spa. McCarthy specializes in energy healing, a unique procedure that uses techniques from indigenous cultures around the world [which] ” promote clarity, balance and security,” she says, while also incorporating meditation techniques and inner child work.
The spa also offers traditional Chinese cupping massage, which suctions out toxins; Japanese Ashiatsu, in which the masseuse uses bare feet to massage, and lomi lomi, Hawaiian massage incorporating soothing strokes. A weekend course for medicinal aromatherapy is also offered.
“It’s like a spiritual retreat,” explains McCarthy.
Participants submit a paper and receive certification from the aromatherapy company Wisdom of the Earth. In addition, the spa offers more traditional massages, facials, scrubs – the list of offerings requires a booklet of substantial length.
All the therapists at Inner Essence have many years of experience. To quote McCarthy,
“We are a group of authentic and passionate people, highly experienced, who really love the healing arts.” This has garnered the spa its loyal fan base – along with all the traditional spa niceties – the plush suites, softly twilit relaxation room, selection of high-quality spa products for sale, even homemade treats for the holidays (especially Valentine’s and Mothers’ Days). A scrub, Swedish massage, and a moist slice of homemade banana bread? There’s your heaven.
Likewise, Dostoyevsky probably could have used a good grooming for that Rasputin-like hair and beard, and he would certainly have his pick of establishments in our fair city. Nevertheless, it would be hard for his attention not to gravitate to the imposing Major League Barber Shop ensconced at the corner of Campbell and Elm Streets.
Owner Jay Raposa got started in the business long ago.
“I used to cut my friends’ hair in the neighborhood”, he says.
Due to a troubled childhood, Raposa worked “a lot of dead-end jobs” to make ends meet, “but I was always passionate about hair.” He formerly ran a well-regarded barbershop in Fair Haven when one of his clients, a real estate investor, suggested he decamp over the Kimberly Avenue bridge for West Haven. He chose the Campbell Avenue site, moving up from three chairs to twenty-one. New customers mingle with old, loyalists who make the trek from Fair Haven because they appreciate Raposa’s finely-tuned customer service.
Major League is a full-service shop, offering hair cuts and styling and hot lather shaves. Of course, the shop’s major standout is the availability of private suites. These one-on-one enclaves provide a grooming experience which is, according to Raposa, “almost like a therapy session”.
The shop’s personal service and attention to detail continues to win over new customers. Raposa says he likes to say he offers “new school services with old school charm.” And that’s barbershop heaven.