Mother-daughter team Leigh and Brittany Adamson created a new kind of salon and spa that offers experiences rather than treatments, a way of life rather than a haircut or massage. In The Forum at Carlsbad, Quattra Via Aveda Salon, Spa & Inner Beauty Gallery offers a personalized multi-sensory experience that transforms inner and outer beauty through a natural and holistic approach. “We’re committed to changing the face of the beauty industry,” says Leigh.
As business partners, the duo utilizes each other’s strengths. Brittany, a beauty artist and graduate of the renowned Aveda Institute in Denver, oversees day-to-day operations, while business executive Leigh, who co-founded the consulting firm Starizon Studio with her husband, draws from her expertise to expand the brand and design extraordinary experiences. Brittany notes, “We both have very high standards and will stop at nothing to make sure they are achieved.” Unlike other salons where individual stylists rent booths, Quattra Via employs a whole team of artists, each with uniquely defined roles that enable flawlessly orchestrated treatments that anticipate guests’ needs. Leigh adds, “Any mother hopes her children find their passion and their life’s work — well, that is Brittany at Quattra Via.”
Brittany drew inspiration from nature’s elements to develop the service philosophy and design theme of Quattra Via, which means “the way of four.” The saerene and uplifting space includes a nautilus-shaped spa and private beauty studios, along with gorgeous materials and nature images that represent air, earth, fire, and water. Brittany explains, “Throughout history philosophers have seen the connection between these aspects of nature as a source of inspiration for living a purposeful, meaningful life.” The colors, images, and lighting will change with the season, corresponding to each of the four elements. Her plan is “to immerse guests in a place surrounded by nature’s beauty and the life inspirations and insights that come from it.”
I recently enjoyed the lime and mango-scented Caribbean Sugar Scrub body treatment that pairs gentle exfoliation with moisturizing massage. The “balance artist” used customized techniques and aromatherapy to complement my mood and stress level. Calming rhythmic music pulsed through the massage table into my body with SoSound, the state-of-the-art acoustic resonance technology currently found at only a handful of spas throughout the U.S. Post scrub, the en suite rainwater shower sent me into an even deeper state of relaxation. The final massage with body butter sealed moisture into my skin, leaving it extremely soft and radiant, and the high stress level that I felt when I arrived had completely dissipated. Afterwards, I met with Brittany in the salon for a hair wash and style. She treated me to a luxurious scalp massage in an ergonomically-correct Italian basin, and gave me tips about a new hairstyle I wanted to try.
Quattra Via’s extensive menu includes facials, wraps, manicures, and massages, as well as haircuts, coloring and styling, makeup and waxing services, and more. Escape with a combination package or stop in to the blow dry bar with your girlfriends before a night on the town. You can also take home Aveda’s plant-based hair, skin, and makeup products. One thing’s certain — I can’t wait to go back. (760/697-1460, www.quattravia.com) RINA VAN ORDEN
