A ceremonial check representing the seed capital matching grant funding approved for MSS Webb’s Spa and Boutique in Claypool Hill, Va., was presented recently to Stephanie Webb, owner of the spa and boutique. On hand for the presentation, from left, were Pam Warden, Tazewell County economic development manager; Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel; Stephanie Webb and her daughter, Mia; and Ruby Ratliff Hale, Webb’s grandmother.
CLAYPOOL HILL, VA – JULY 1, 2019 – Helping area residents look and feel their best is just a part of the routine every day at MSS Webb’s Spa & Boutique in the Claypool Hill Mall in Claypool Hill, Va.
MSS Webb’s Spa & Boutique, LLC was recently approved for a $10,000 seed capital matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) which owner Stephanie Webb said is enabling her to expand the business offerings and to provide a more spa-like atmosphere.
“VCEDA was pleased to work with Stephanie in expanding her business through our Seed Capital Matching Grant program,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “The grant program was established to help new businesses start and grow, which in turn adds jobs to our local economy.”
Webb worked with Margie Douglass, of the Small Business Development Center at Southwest Virginia Community College, in the development of her business plan and application to VCEDA.
“The seed capital grant is enabling us to purchase a cocoon wellness pod which has many benefits,” Webb said. “It improves skin and breathing and it can assist in weight loss and overall health management. There’s really nothing like it in this area.”
The wellness pod, which measures 89 inches in length and is 39 inches in height, cradles the body using a combination of heat and steam to assist in skin hydration and wellness, natural whole body fitness and weight management and relaxation solutions, Webb said. The salt sauna feature can help with conditions including black lung, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and COPD, according to Webb. Plans are, she added, to educate coal miners in the area of the benefits of the service.
In addition to the wellness pod — which is expected to be delivered and set up at the spa later this summer — Webb noted her business also offers lash extensions; permanent micro blading; lash lift and tint; brow tint; and permanent eyeliner. Essential oils designed to enhance sleep and energy and reduce stress are sold at the business, as well as bath salts and bath bombs and sugar scrubs Webb makes on site.
“The seed capital grant made a difference for me and my business,” Webb said, adding it is enabling the business to expand and grow.
Webb is a licensed occupational therapist and a licensed cosmetic tattooist. She holds a degree in health science and a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice.
The spa just began offering facials. Webb said all organic skin care products – with no artificial preservatives — are utilized for the facials.
Currently, the spa is open by appointment with plans to add permanent daily hours in the near future.
The business employs one full-time employee and has plans to expand to two full-time and thee part-time employees within five years.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.