Meet The Mint Team

Shirley Dillaman, Master Esthetician is a graduate of American Spirit Institute. Established in 1992, American Spirit was the first Esthetic School in the state of Virginia and is respected by many Spa Owners as “THE School” to hire their new Estheticians. It was there that Shirley was trained in Advanced Skin Care Techniques and Modalities. She continued her education through post-graduate studies. Attending classes on Advanced Peels through Physicians of Arizona and also taking classes at the International Institute in Washington, D.C. in advanced techniques and product knowledge.

Shirley did not start her career in Esthetic’s until her middle forties. While receiving a facial one day at a local spa, the Esthetician made this comment, “Shirley, I think you should consider going to Esthetic School”. She asked the Esthetician why she had made that statement and the reply was, “you already know so much about nutrition and taking care of yourself that it seems like the right fit for you”. What that Esthetician didn’t know was that Shirley also loved working with ladies in improving their self image. With much deliberation and consideration of the time and training that it would require, Shirley took the plunge into the world of skin care. Upon graduation from Esthetic School with her Master Estheticians license, she then got her Master Instructor’s license and taught at the American Spirit Institute for 4 years.

After working in the Spa industry for the next 5 years, Shirley ventured out and opened her first spa, Have A Great Face, where the focus was strictly on skin care. The love for skin care and the desire to teach every individual how to take care of their skin grew more intense. She also realized that she needed to expand the services that the spa provided so that customers could experience not only a great facial, but could also receive other spa services. With limited space and the desire to expand, Shirley knew that she would have to move into a larger facility, therefore, Have A Great Face, which basically focused mainly on facials, has been birthed into the new spa called, MINT.

Jennylle started RVA Regenerative Wellness featuring a host of concierge services and alternative therapies to the Richmond area in a beautiful and relaxed spa atmosphere. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).  She is a highly-trained and compassionate provider, and always strives to help her patients address the root cause of their symptoms. She is considered by many of her patients and peers as a well-rounded and humble practitioner with impeccable bedside manners. She operates with a spirit of collaborative care with her supervisory board certified physician, Dr. Kenneth Luckay, out of Roanoke, VA.
Jennylle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Carmel College of Nursing, in Columbus, OH, in 2011. She immediately specialized in stem cell infusions, caring for cancer patients with a variety of blood dyscrasias at the prestigious UW Medical Center in Seattle, WA. She then obtained her MSN degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from South University, Savannah, GA, and has since studied integrative medicine at the Institute of Functional Medicine, gained regenerative therapy training and experience in Atlanta, GA, using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s Jelly, and has been certified as a BioTe provider in Cary, NC, inserting the gold standard bioidentical hormone pellet.

The focus of Jennylle’s practice fully embraces an alternative, nonsurgical approach to health with the ability to provide regenerative medicine in order for each individual to achieve personalized care. She is always just as eager to stay abreast of the best holistic medical advances as she is to teach and share her knowledge with her family, friends, and patients.

I’ve been a licensed stylist since 2013 and love what I do! I grew up on the Outer Banks and went to cosmetology school at College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC from 2011 to 2012. I began working at a salon on the OBX for a year before I moved to Richmond.
I’ve worked at a couple salons in the area and am now embracing, and loving, the journey of working for myself. I couldn’t ask for a better “home” for my business than inside Mint Spa.
I love helping everyone look and feel their best, and I look forward to meeting new people and developing lasting relationships with my clients.In my downtime, I love to binge watch my favorite shows, buy pretty house plants, and snuggle with my kitties.

Sarah received her education from Brightpoint College and graduated in 2021.
With her passion to help people and her bubbly personality she tries to create a more holistic approach by introducing aromatherapy, and energy healing together with massage.Sarah likes to spend her free time with her husband and daughter. Some of her hobbies include botany, thrifting, and her growing gem and mineral collection.

Tara is an experienced licensed Massage Therapist who has a keen interest in health and wellness. She enjoys giving a massage almost as much as receiving it. Her basic massage style blends a wide range of techniques and is tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Her modality training includes Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports, Prenatal, Lymphatic Drainage, Trigger Point, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Myoskeletal among others.

Hobbies: Fitness Training, Outdoor Activities, Reading and hanging out with her kiddos.

Philosophy: Believes that massage is part of a healthy lifestyle and truly loves helping others achieve it.

Tara joined Mint in May, 2014.

Chey specializes in Beard/Mustache Trim, Shape up, Head Shave, First Responders Cut, Adult, Senior & Children cuts. Call or text to schedule your appointment

Tammy Desper also known as T.J. has been providing color, lightening, curling, straightening, cutting and styling services for over 30 years and has loved every minute of it.
Tammy lends a compassionate ear to everyone who sits in her chair. If you’re looking for a new design or listening ear during your visit, Tammy is the stylist for you! Owner of The Art of Hair, Tammy proudly calls Mint Spa her home. You can reach her directly at 804.982.6418 via text or voicemail to book an appointment.

Kahlia Kanas, Master Esthetician, is a graduate of American Spirit Institute of Esthetics. Since graduating Esthetics school, Kahlia continues to develop her knowledge and skill set, and is pursuing advanced training in therapeutic facial massage, Ayurveda, nutrition, botany and herbalism. She believes that life is a constant quest of knowledge and this persistent quest creates progressive skincare treatments with corrective and renewing outcomes.

In her spare time she enjoys Yoga, hiking, cooking, tending to her plants and traveling whenever possible.  Kahlia’s personality can only be described as infectious and bubbly. She has a way of connecting with people young and old. To spend time with her, you’ll understand, her spirit is infectious.  Her hands have been described as intuitive and healing and her attention to making her clients feel relaxed and nurtured make her facials feel like a restorative retreat.  Kahlia is not just an Esthetician, but she’s also a guide. Helping every person she takes care of to find their path to loving the skin they’re in.

I started my Nail career out of High School after attending the Amelia Nottoway Vocational Center for Cosmetology. I worked and helped manage the Natural Nail Care Clinic of Brandermill for over 10 years. I have since started my own nail care business and will be celebrating 5 years of loyal customers and business!

I specialize in Natural Nails and help to educate clients about the health of their hands, feet and nails. I take pride in the quality and sanitation of my services.

But most of all I admire the relationships that I’ve develop with clients over the years. Mint Spa has felt like home to me since I started in early December 2019. The warm and welcoming atmosphere and dedication from the other Mint Employees makes everyone feel like the number one priority and I look forward to growing my business here!

Rebecca has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2007. She got her training at Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage in Cleveland, Ohio and Heritage Institute in Fort Myers, Florida. Her techniques range from Swedish, therapeutic, deep, and sports. She is certified to do prenatal massage and has taken continued eduction classes for reflexology, trigger point therapy, hot stone therapy, and total body stretching. She’s worked with Chiropractor’s, in spa’s and in franchise clinics.

I have been in the industry since 2003 and have been certified as a Redken specialist as well as received my training in Keratin Smoothing Treatments. The start to finishing process of making a customized look for each guest is so rewarding and I enjoy that moment in the mirror when I see their confidence get a boost! On my days off I spend time with my 2 kids. We love fostering kittens with Richmond Animal League and all things summertime. I was born in Hong Kong but spent most of my childhood along the South Bay in LosAngelos. I am a reader, a foodie, and have an addiction to coffee and sour gummies.

Hello, my name is Nelson Bridgewater.  I have been a Massage Therapist since 2010. My specialty is muscle and joint pain relief and joint function recovery.  After massage schoolI found myself gravitating towards helping people with pain relief.  One of my colleagues pointed me in the direction of Erik Dalton’s teaching, Myoskeletal Alignment, after watching a few of his video techniques I knew I had to go to his class.  I went to Costa Rica for his class in 2013, learned so many wonderful ways to help people I returned in 2014 for another round.  From listening to Erik I learned about another Instructor James Waslaski who teaches Orthopedic massage.  I have combined the two modalities with all of my other education to help improve peoples everyday life.  In addition to these modalities I also have certifications in Hot Stone Massage, Foot Reflexology, Pre-Natal Massage and Arthritis and Fibromayalgia. After 5 and a half years at a chain, at my clients request I went out on my own in 2015. This carereer has made me the happiest I have ever been in life.

Alyssa is a Licensed Massage Therapist who received her training at Centurra College, a two year massage therapy program in Richmond, Virginia. She has been working in the Massage field since 2012. Her training includes Deep Tissue, Swedish, Prenatal, Sports, Aromatherapy, Reflexology along with other massage techniques. She was also trained and certified in Endermology. Alyssa is passionate about teaching her clients on how best to avoid injuries and helping them to understand what has caused the aches and pains.

Philosophy: If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you! A balanced lifestyle and a reliance on something bigger than yourself brings true joy and peace to your life.

Hobbies: Fitness Training, Working with Youth, Traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.

Alyssa joined Mint, A Boutique Spa in 2014.

Hi I’m Donna Stone, I grew up in BonAir and have been doing hair for 45+ years.
I have a love of nature, animals,plants ,crafts and Art!
I feel hair is an extension of that love and I’m passionate about my work and helping my clients
I can be reached at 804-418-5009 Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday and Saturday

Chrystia Bowen, a seasoned professional in the beauty industry, has been passionately serving clients since April 2002. As a licensed waxtechnician, Chrystia’s expertise extends to sugar hair removal, where she holds double certifications. With a specialization in female anatomy hair removal, including both wax and sugar techniques, she is dedicated to helping individuals overcome ingrown hair issues and achieve healthy, radiant skin.

Chrystia’s exceptional skills have been honed through certifications from Sweet and True, the renowned manufacturer of her fabulous products, and Sugar and Skin Spa of Chesapeake, VA, where she attained specialization in the Brazilian technique. As the Founder and Owner of The V Lady, Chrystia brings her wealth of experience and genuine care to every client she serves.

Chrystia’s genuine love for her work is evident in the connections she forms with her clients. Over the years, she has witnessed her clients’ remarkable life milestones, from watching them grow up and graduate to celebrating their marriages and the arrival of their little ones. She cherishes the journey she embarks upon with each individual, forming a unique bond along the way.

Outside of her professional life, Chrystia indulges in some well-deserved rest through a good nap and finds enjoyment in watching scary movies. A fun fact about Chrystia is that she is a Leo rising with a Libra moon, and she takes an avid interest in zodiac studies and psychology, enriching her understanding of human nature.

Lucy girl is our happy and chill hypoallergenic goldendoodle spa dog! You will often find her quietly greeting customers as they walk through the door, laying by clients feet while their hair is being styled or relaxed, laid out in the sun in our main lobby area taking an afternoon nap. She is such a kind soul and we love the energy she brings to the salon. She is part of the Mint family and regular clients love visiting with her when they come in for their regular appointments