Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 22/02) - Andrea Evanson's new business is tiny, but she's proud of it.

The burgeoning entrepreneur agonized over the details when decorating her one-room skin care and esthetics business, Oasis, which opened two weeks ago on Franklin Avenue next to Pan Asia.

Certified aesthetician Andrea Evanson opened a skin care and esthetics business two weeks ago. On the receiving end of a facial is regular client Kerry Walsh. -- NNSL photo

It's the closest you'll get to a tropical paradise in Yellowknife.

Walls are peach-coloured, floor tiles resemble rocks worn down by sand, and a pleasant smell lingers in the room -- the result of an aromatherapy lamp. Soft, relaxing music and dim lighting add to the affect.

"I'm going to get an aquarium," said Evanson, who moved to Yellowknife in July 2000 and worked for another spa in town before branching out on her own.

"I figured it was time to be my own boss," she explains.

In other businesses, it might an insult if a customer dozed off. But this is the desired effect at Oasis.

"I had a girl fall asleep during a pedicure," said Evanson. "That's a real compliment if they can come in and fall asleep and forget about the stresses of their day."

Like any new entrepreneur, Evanson is both nervous and excited.

"You have lots of doubt and wonder if you're doing the right thing. But I get so much positive feedback, I know it's the right thing."

"It will grow a client at a time."

Evanson, a certified aesthetician, said esthetics is a personal thing for clients, and you have to create both a comfortable atmosphere and offer quality services.

"It's not just a matter of slapping on some cream and wiping it off."

She said those who come in for services like massage, waxing and facials must know the services is private and confidential.

"You're very vulnerable when you're lying naked on somebody's bed," she said. "It's private and confidential."

Her clients aren't just women -- about 20 per cent are men. Most men come in for massage, facials and pedicures, and waxing said Evanson.