Yellowknife (Dec 03/03) - Kimberly Staples-Lakhani, owner of the Merle Norman franchise in Yellowknife, knows how to throw a party.

Staples-Lakhani was throwing a party last Wednesday evening at Merle Norman in Centre Square Mall, introducing the newest and best in laser treatment for hair removal through the use of light-heat energy.

"It's FDA, CSA and ISO approved. The safest in light-heat on the market," says Staples-Lakhani.

Four of the women working at the Merle Norman franchise are certified in the new treatment and one is a nurse, says Staples-Lakhani.

Since November of 1996, Staples-Lakhani has been building one of the finest service-oriented businesses in Yellowknife.

She began by selling her merchandise at craft sales and has graduated to a full-services spa.

Everything in the spa has been planned to the most minute detail. In one room, the lighting has been set so that make-up looks the same outdoors as indoors. The spa also features an area leading to lounge and massage rooms.

Pedicures, mud wraps and facials are also part of the Merle Norman offerings, along with aroma therapies that make you take a deep breath followed by a sigh of relaxation.

The frosted glass at the top of the massage rooms allows for greater light. The hot-stone massage, combined with aromatherapy, is "like dying and going to heaven," says Staples-Lakhani.

The Yellowknife Merle Norman also features Decleor skin treatments. Representatives from the Decleor head office in Montreal came to Yellowknife to provide training sessions.

"We have placed fifth in Western Canada in comparison with Vancouver and Calgary, but a couple years ago we were in second place, which just goes to show how many spas have opened over the past few years," she says.