Day spa owner speaks about successful first year and plans for future

Aimee Shergold, who runs Ayano Day Spa in Stanbridge Lane, Awbridge,  has opened up about the challenges of growing her wellness business.

Her spa offers treatments ranging from skincare and massages to beauty treatments and sauna sessions, all administered by “passionate and authentic” therapists.

Despite its glowing reviews and loyal customer base, the first year has not been without its difficulties and sacrifices for working mother Aimee - and she said she owes her success to those closest to her. 

She said: “It was a whole family sacrifice in the first few months, and I’m so grateful for my school mum friends for helping out when I was working long hours.” 

The unique name Ayano was inspired by a name Aimee’s father used to call her as a child, a testimony to the family-based beginnings of this spa retreat. 

The spa (Image: Aimee Shergold) Her partner helped her to kit the salon out, transforming the former offices into a beautiful day spa.

“He has been my biggest cheerleader,” she said.   

With the support of family and friends, and as traction grew month by month, Aimee's trusted clientele expanded, and so did her business.

Now Ayano has 120 regular clients and more than 350 five-star reviews on Fresha.

Aimee has been in the beauty and wellness industry for many years, having worked as a mobile beauty therapist, and also owning a salon, but always had a vision to develop her own spa. 

Her vision for Ayano was to create a therapeutic space where clients could relax “drop their shoulders and forget about their problems”.

Aimee says she hopes to open up in stages, and with stage one almost complete, she hopes to be fully completed by summer next year.

She has been asking customers to give her feedback, in exchange for a 50 per cent discount for treatments in November.  

The reaction from the local customer base has been very positive, says Aimee, with loyal customers excited about the salon’s new developments, which involve a Garden Spa, extended mental wellbeing workshops, acapella nights, twilight mezze platters and much more.

Ayano is holding a spa retreat this Friday, though places are limited and those interested should head to the site at ayanospa.com/treatments or call 01794 652127 for further information.