Anej Skin Studio
Jena Salzano boasts 18 years in the “skin”-dustry, and her results-driven atelier in Yardley is a little slice of sophisticated-beauty heaven. Take your pick from bespoke facials, services utilizing cult favorite Biologique Recherche, and high-tech treatments for body sculpting and optimal skin health (like the hyperbaric-chamber-based Glass O2 Dome facial), plus massages, lash and brow boosts, hair removal and personal consults. 19 East Afton Avenue, Yardley, PA 19067, anejskinstudio.com.
Note to Self
The vision behind Note to Self — the women-owned mini spa that opened in November? Slowing down with your wellness. That’s why there’s a menu of restorative services (relaxing massages, nurturing facials, acupuncture, an energy-healing experience) plus beauty services from waxing to makeup sessions. You’ll come in for one treatment, then add on another and another and another until before you know it, you’ve passed the whole day in pure bliss. 1401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122, notetoselfwellness.com.
Vibe Fitness Studio
When Freehouse Fitness closed during the pandemic — a dagger to the heart — we all wondered if there’d ever be another studio like it. Three years later, our wishes came true when Vibe entered the chat, bringing owner Dana Auriemma’s sorely missed rebounding, resistance training, and Pilates-inspired workouts to Collingswood. Praise freakin’ be. 1028 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, vibefitness.studio.
Monarch Yoga
This energetic, community-minded space has it all: a range of all-levels practices, from heated power flow to yin yoga and slow flow; roof-deck, garden and pop-up classes across the city; and regular $5 classes. Plus, the dynamic, rotating event roster includes live DJ sets, journaling, meditation and sound baths. 171 West Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, monarch-yoga.com.
Rescue Spa
Danuta Mieloch’s impressive new space inside the former Barneys is the stuff of beauty dreams. The opulent 9,700-square-foot haven offers luxe facials and massages (natch) but also nail and hair salons, a makeup counter, a brow room, a “Relaxation Room” complete with an infrared sauna and a hydrotherapy shower, and a shop full of 100-plus brands, including Mieloch’s new clean-beauty line, Danucera. Consider your movie makeover sequence handled. 1811 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, rescuespa.com/philadelphia.
Muscle and Flow Massage
You’ll walk in like kiln-dried pottery and walk out like a lump of clay thanks to the deft hands of owner Dorinda O’Donnell, who spent a decade building experience in a variety of techniques at the now-closed (sniff, sniff) Terme Di Aroma spa. Whether you’re in for reflexology, a Thai yoga massage, or deep-pressure therapeutic work, she isn’t afraid to target any back lumps or tight hamstrings from multiple angles until they’re ahhhhh. 1318 West Ritner Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, muscleandflowmassage.com.
Philly Bra Lady
Lansdowne-based Philly Bra Lady Karima Renée Barge has helped more than 1,000 clients find their perfect size, become better educated about bras, and feel confident in their own skin. “It can be life-changing,” she says. Click here for her tips on finding the right fit. 158 East Marshall Road, Lansdowne, PA 19050, shopthephillybralady.com.
Katie Dubree Designs
Take one look at the portfolio of this Philly-based artist, and you’ll see why she’s the go-to pro for some of the area’s top interior designers. Dubree specializes in decorative finishes, meaning she’ll take your empty interior walls and transform them with her arsenal of artistry: real (or faux) Venetian plaster and Roman clay applications, pearlized strié, all-over stencils, faux finishes like copper or antique brass, and sweeping hand-painted murals. Who says wall art needs to fit in a frame? katiedubreedesigns.com.
Du Soleil Photographie
Vietnamese-born Minh Cao didn’t learn professional photography until after she’d started her business as a side hustle in 2015. “My parents never deemed photography fit for a profession, so studying it never crossed my mind,” says the Ridley Park resident. She self-trained online, took some in-person classes, and today is known for snapping weddings through a dreamy, tender — almost wistful — lens that makes you never want to leave that moment. dusoleilphoto.com.
Rue Landau and Nina Ahmad
Cherelle Parker wasn’t the only ground-breaking “first” to emerge from our primaries. Landau and Ahmad made some hard-to-believe history with their victories in the City Council at-large race. Landau will become, shockingly, the first openly LGBTQ candidate to win a City Council seat. And Ahmad will become the first South Asian and immigrant elected. Both communities have fought for decades to be represented within City Hall — we’re excited to see how they’ll impact change now that they’re finally there.
Ocean Casino Resort
Be sure to ask for one of the new suites, with their stunning, unobstructed views of the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Pro tip: The room-service half-pound brisket burger topped with avocado and bacon is quite good — and, more importantly, an excellent hangover helper that you can order until 6 a.m. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, theoceanac.com.
Philadelphia Jewelry Appraisers
Jewelry Appraiser Joshua Hyman at work. / Photograph by Jeff Fusco Is that Rolex you inherited from your shady uncle real? Did you still go by your maiden name the last time you had your engagement ring appraised? Take your treasure to certified gemologist Joshua Hyman. The man knows jewelry: His parents were jewelers. His grandparents were jewelers. His great-grandfather sold precious metals door-to-door during the Depression. Hyman, though? He’s in the appraisal business — and the only independent appraiser on Jewelers’ Row. Make an appointment online, or just walk into his lab/office, and he’ll tell you all about your jewelry’s specifications — including its value for insurance — in a detailed report, right on the spot. He’ll even clean it for you while you wait. 126 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphiajewelryappraisers.com.
Kin Boutique
Five years ago, Joey Clark filled a fashion void that city trendsetters didn’t know was there with women’s-wear concept Kin Boutique. Midway through the pandemic, she relocated to a roomier storefront on the same block and, sensing another retail opportunity, transformed the original location into Kin Men. Clark has won over gents with her West Coast style sensibility, reflected in labels such as Closed, Edwin, and Citizens of Humanity. Apparently, once in a while, lightning does strike twice. 1014 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, shop-kin.com.
Eye's Gallery
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Famed Magic Gardens artist Isaiah Zagar and wife Julia established this Latin American folk-art epicenter on South Street in 1968, covering its ceilings and walls with his signature mosaics. Despite being around for decades, the gallery today remains fresh and exciting, and its three floors contain a one-of-a-kind mix of decor — paintings from Guerrero, Mexico-based La Familia Lorenzo, painted glass pieces from Peru, carved wooden statues from Guatemala. Say hello to Julia at the front when you visit. 402 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, eyesgallery.com.
Aqeel Dix
When then-21-year-old Lincoln U. student Imani Lamarr told public health professor Dix she’d have to miss his class because she didn’t have a sitter for her son Christopher, he told her to bring the baby to school — and then held him so she could take notes. The video, naturally, went viral. A hero for our times.