EASTHAMPTON — Forget duck lips, lots of filler, and all the other stigmas that surround aesthetic procedures. For the owner of ONDA Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, Jamie Dalhaus, these procedures, which frequently make headlines in tabloids and celebrity culture, are about making oneself comfortable in their own skin.
“I just want people to feel comfortable in their skin, and if they want to have a treatment, I want to be able to offer treatments that are really going to give them realistic results,” she said, standing in her soon-to-open spa at 102 Cottage St.
After its grand opening on Nov. 14, the medical aesthetic and wellness practice will offer laser treatments, injectables, including Botox and filer, microneedling, glace and chemical peels and other elective procedures that aim to maintain, restore or enhance physical well-being and self-esteem.
Dalhaus, a first-time business owner, began her 23-year career as a registered nurse, specializing in critical care across intensive care, surgical, emergency, GI, and interventional radiology units. This clinical foundation laid the groundwork for her transition to nurse practitioner, where she honed her expertise in ear, nose and throat, plastic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.
Having worked under a plastic surgeon and in a dermatology office over the past two decades, Dalhaus says she has acquired her own “style” to offering health care that she will introduce to her business. This will include treatments that enhance natural beauty, whether as part of a comprehensive care plan or as stand-alone aesthetic services.
“I would say my practice style is no pressure, education, science-based treatment options and individualized care,” she said.
Being a salesman isn’t Dalhaus’s forte, and she said her aim is to offer people the opportunity to look the way they want. In western Massachusetts, this often means a natural look, she said.
“Most people, especially in this area, want a natural look, and most people want to age naturally — as naturally and gracefully as possible,” said Dalhaus.
Beyond being simply aesthetic treatments, Dalhaus said, there are also certain conditions, including acne and rosacea, that can be relieved through laser or other treatments.
“The perfect candidate could be anyone from a 15 year old with acne to a 47 year old who is going through perimenopause and noticing some volume loss and some changes to their skin, to somebody in their 70s who wants to talk about things that bother them,” she said.
Dalhaus’s style is also built into the name, logo and physical structure of the business.
“Onda” means wave in both Spanish and Italian, and Dalhaus said the name of the business is an homage to her growing up sailing with her dad and her current surfing hobby. And the logo she came up with incorporates a radiant sun over bent horizontal waves.
“I wanted something that incorporated the waves and the ocean, because for me that’s like peace and serenity, and the overall feeling I want in here is a really calm feeling,” she said.
She gave a shoutout to her husband, Hans Dalhaus, of Easthampton-based Dalhaus Construction who did all the work to give the space the clean, chic, and calming vibe that Dalhaus was going for, replete with plants, a brick accent wall, couches and ornaments.
“Buena Onda means good vibes — so that is really the feeling I wanted in here,” she said.
She also offers an array of products, including ointments, sunscreens, and eye concealer, many of which also double as makeup. Lending some free advice, she said that everyone should be using sun protection factor (SPF), or sunscreen, on a daily basis and even when it is not sunny.
Dalhaus doesn’t own makeup, but said that her SPF cream that doubles as makeup is the only product she is willing to put on her face.
“This is the only way I’ll wear something on my face she said,” further explaining that SPF prevents skin cancer, among other benefits.
Dalhaus has been an Easthampton resident for 20 years, lives just four minutes away from the business, and she expressed her excitement to be on Cottage Street.
“I really love the idea of being local, my home is a four-minute walk from here, and everyone is excited being on Cottage Street — the new businesses, and a lot of things to do together.”
At her grand opening, which will run from 4-7 p.m. on Nov. 14, there will be food, prizes, and two people will be awarded free Botox.