Story by HaLeigh Abbott

A new wellness sanctuary is making waves of relaxation downtown. Oxford Escapes, which opened its doors in August 2024, represents the culmination of founder Angel William's 14-year journey in massage therapy and her lifelong dream of operating her own spa.

The story of Oxford Escapes began with a serendipitous phone call from one of Angel's travel massage clients, alerting her to the rental opening at 209 E. Locust Street. Despite initial hesitation about the risks of launching a full-scale spa from scratch, Angel and her team were won over by the perfect layout and location. After three visits and careful consideration, they took the leap, transforming the space through meticulous renovation into a serene escape.

"Angel's passion for massaging and healing people is inspirational," shares her partner and business owner, Chris Martin. "To many, Angel is more than just a massage therapist – she has changed lives, whether they have chronic pains they need tended to or are in need of stress relief. She really lives up to her name."

The spa's success stems from its exceptional team of four skilled practitioners. Angel's sister Carrie, a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with seven years of experience, has been instrumental in managing daily operations, social media presence, and client communications. The team also includes Shelby, who offers both massage therapy and esthetic services, and Crissy, their newest massage therapist. 

Oxford Escapes has found strong support from local organizations, with the Chamber of Commerce and Oxford Main Street actively promoting the business through social media and word-of-mouth campaigns. The spa's participation in First Fridays has proven particularly successful, allowing them to showcase monthly promotions and special offerings to the community.

Clients praise the spa's peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, where they can escape while addressing their therapeutic needs. Services include massage therapy, facials, and waxing, with plans to add tanning services in the near future. The spa currently operates by appointment only, with convenient online booking through their website at Oxfordescapes.glossgenius.com.

Looking ahead, Oxford Escapes aims to expand their accessibility by hiring a full-time receptionist to manage daily operations and allow for walk-in appointments and gift card purchases during business hours. This growth reflects their commitment to serving the Oxford community while maintaining the high standards of service that have earned them such positive reviews.

The spa maintains professional standards with a clear cancellation policy, charging 50% for appointments cancelled without 24-hour notice and 100% for no-shows, respecting their service providers' time and ensuring reliable scheduling for all clients.

In less than a year, Oxford Escapes has established itself as more than just a spa – it's become a testament to the power of following one's dreams and the importance of community support in building a successful business. As they continue to grow and evolve, Angel and her team remain focused on their core mission: providing a peaceful haven where clients can escape the stresses of daily life and find healing through expert therapeutic care.