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(319) 239-6167


  • Services
  • About GSS
  • Shop
  • Reviews
  • Contact GSS
  • Gallery
  • Good Things To Know

An elegant oasis with candles, salt rocks, soft music, whole leaf teas, an indoor garden area, and m

About GSS

spa botanicals

Quality Botanical Products

Friendly, Knowledeable Service

Friendly, Knowledeable Service

Learn which botanicals work best for your skin. Avoid the chemicals from over-the-counter, pre-packaged products.  All products used are plant-based and selected for certified organic and fair traded when possible for superior results!

Genesis Studio Spa

Friendly, Knowledeable Service

Friendly, Knowledeable Service

Friendly, Knowledeable Service

Lyn is a licensed, experienced aesthetician.  She uses her knowledge of science and plants to provide you with factual information on skin care and natural botanical products.

Spa Fireplace

Relaxing Environment

Friendly, Knowledeable Service

Relaxing Environment

Unwind in a natural environment of glowing candles, soothing sounds of nature and natural instruments, subtly diffused oils, all prepared especially for you.  

Caring For You and The World Around Us

Facials from Nature, Not A Box

Facials from Nature, Not A Box

Facials from Nature, Not A Box

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Most spas use premade cleansers, toners, facial masks, etc. from a package.  Often they contain synthetic ingredients and preservatives. GSS uses fresh produce and certified organic herbs, oils and other ingredients for the best, healthiest facials that leave your skin radiant and refershed.

Certified Organic

Facials from Nature, Not A Box

Facials from Nature, Not A Box

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No GMO's, synthetic pesticides or chemical additives, certified organic may cost a little more but the difference is worth it.

Fair Trade

Facials from Nature, Not A Box

Fair Trade

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GSS supports local farmers and vendors by purchasing products that are certified fair trade.  

Reef-Safe

Sustainable Materials

Fair Trade

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Many products contain harmful contaminates. that negatively affect marine life.  GSS seeks those products that are good for you and our oceans

Sustainable Materials

Sustainable Materials

Sustainable Materials

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GSS is doing its part to cut down on landfill waste by using biodegradable gloves, wood mixiers, recyclable packaging, and more. Sugaring pastes and facial ingredients are all biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Rain-Forest Certified

Sustainable Materials

Sustainable Materials

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 Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms are audited regularly to verify that farmers are complying with the Standard's comprehensive requirements, which require continual improvement on the journey to sustainable agriculture. 

Meet Jamie McGilligan

Facial Artisan

Jamie is a Licensed Aesthetician and Certified in Gua Sha facial techniques

Education

Jamie graduated from Columbus High School, in Waterloo, IA and received her Associates (AA) Degree from Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, IA.  While finishing her degree at Hawkeye, Jamie also attended Capri College at the Waterloo campus.  She completed her degree in Esthetics, covering facial anatomy, esthetic practices and techniques, facials, body sugaring and reflexology.  She advanced her facial studies by becoming certified in Gua Sha facial techniques, an East Asian facial technique using special smooth facial stones to improve circulation, encourage lymphatic flow, and help smooth away fine facial lines.  

The Facial Bar

Come meet Jamie at the GSS Facial Bar. Put up your feet, relaxe, and prepare to be pampered!


Experience an amazing Gua Sha facial for yourself. Feel the stress disappear with every soothing stroke...


...Or, schedule a seasonal GSS facial: Pumpkin (Sep-Nov), Chocolate Champagne (Dec-Feb), Pamango Mango Tango (Jun-Aug), Spring Surprise (Mar-May).


In a hurry but suffering from "mascne"? Breakouts and stressed-out skin from wearing a mask driving you nuts?? In 20 minutes, Jamie will cleanse, tone, detoxify and refresh your masked-covered skin (nose, chin and cheek area) Step in, touch up, and be on your way for just $20


Add a hand or foot reflexology treatment to any facial service and you'll leave relaxed and renewed from head to toe!

Meet Lyn Tackett

Owner, Ethnobotanist, Aesthetician

Lyn received her B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Biology as a McNair Scholar from the University of Northern Iowa.  Her research interests include ethnobotany,  paleoethnobotany and indigenous healing practices.  She has presented her research on Tracing Ancient Healing Practices Through The Hibiscus in Buffalo, NY, College Park, MD, and Madison, WI. Lyn received 1st place for the Mary Ann Bolton Undergraduate Research Award for her research project.

Aesthetician

Lyn received her education in aesthetics from LaJames International College in Cedar Falls, IA and is licensed in Iowa. She is certified in reflexology and full-body sugaring. She opened the Genesis Studio Spa in downtown Waterloo, IA in 2013 and moved to her current location in 2019.  Lyn and her husband, Joel, live in Waterloo, IA.  They have two grown daughters and 8 grandchildren.

Research Articles

  • Through A "Green" Lens:  A Paleoethnobotanical Survey of the Cedar Valley (2018)
  • Tracing Ancient Healing Practices Through The Hibiscus (2017)

Publications

  • HAIR REMOVAL METHODS: Shaving, Epilating, Creams, Waxing and IPL/Laser;  https://allthestuff.com/hair-removal-methods/  Allthe stuff.com, March 24, 2020
  •  You, Body Confident In An Instant: Trim Inches With A Peppermint Wrap; First for Women, Jun 15, 2015
  • How To Brighten Winter Weary Faces Without Bronzer (https://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-brighten-skin-without-bronzer-in-winter/ ); Stylecaster, Jan 15, 2015
  • 21 Shortcuts To Health and Happiness; Redbook, Dec 2014
  • 5 Tattoo Cover Up Tips Using The Magic Of Makeup (https://thestir.cafemom.com/beauty_style/175964/tattoos_cover_tricks_makeup), CafeMom, Aug 21, 2014
  • Redheads, The Best Hair Removal System You Aren't Using (https://howtobearedhead.com/redhead-sugaring-hair-removal-technique-best-hair-removal/ ), How To Be A Redhead.com, Aug 5, 2014
  • Battle of the Blemishes: 7 Ways To Deal With Pregnancy Acne (https://www.pregnancycorner.com/blog/pregnancy-acne.html), PregnancyCorner.com, Jun 5, 2014

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  • Good Things To Know

Genesis Studio Spa

211 East 4th St. Waterloo IA 50703, United States

(319) 239-6167

Copyright © 2018 Genesis Studio Spa - All Rights Reserved.