Four years ago an opportunity presented itself to Ben and Mandy Stevens.  As two people who had always felt the call to own a business, finding out that a favorite spot of Mandy’s was for sale was a sign that their dream was about to be achieved.  And that is how the Stevens family came to own Journey Salon and Day Spa.

Ben and Mandy agree that the timing of their purchase of Journey was kismet.  Their youngest daughter, Ella, was born with health issues and, although Ben loved his job, the travel schedule wasn’t conducive to their family life.  Mandy had found peace and relaxation at Journey for years, so when they found out it was for sale they knew it would a great place for them to help others experience the comfort Mandy had found.  Plus, Ben’s degree in management and Mandy’s experience in leadership allowed them to use their knowledge and gifts to help others grow.

Since then, Ben and Mandy have grown Journey into a destination for residents and visitors alike.  They are constantly on the lookout for new services and ways to expand their business, like the addition of a Halotherapy room and an on-location fair trade boutique, Light and Lovely, while continuing the services that initially attracted Mandy as a customer – a full service salon and spa that focuses as much on beauty and style as it does therapeutic and relaxation treatments.

The addition of Light and Lovely was a passion project of Ben and Mandy’s.  They have always felt very strongly about making a difference in the world through the purchase of Fair Trade products.  Fair Trade allows the artisans who make the products to make a fair and living wage to help get them out of poverty (think the opposite of a sweat shop).  With some extra space inside Journey they decided it was the perfect time to open a boutique so their guests could shop for holiday gifts all in one.  This is also allowing them to make a difference in the world at a time that it is greatly needed.

Ben and Mandy have surrounded themselves with great people, both in Journey and in Downtown!  Mandy’s favorite part of owning Journey is working with the team of professionals to make a difference in people’s lives.  She says they want to help make their guests feel better when they leave than when they came in, whether they’re just picking up a product or spending all day in the spa.  They believe that so many people don’t feel seen, noticed or cared for, and want them to know that they are cared for by the our whole team. She says each person matters and they need to know that!

Being part of Downtown is more than just a good location for Ben and Mandy, they truly love being part of the community.  Ben says that they are always looking for ways to support the rest of the Downtown community (which they often do, check out their facebook!) and Mandy agrees, saying that too often it is easy to see competition, but they seem them as their community and want to lift them up.

With the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life Journey Salon and Day Spa offers a respite from the businesses and stresses.  Plan to visit Journey, Light and Lovely, and Ben and Mandy soon for a few minutes of relaxation and peace!

Fun Facts about Ben and Mandy

Names: Ben and Mandy Stevens
Family: Two Daughters, Abbie (14) and Ella (4)
Pets: Feathers, the beta fish
Hometowns: Mandy – Findlay
Ben – Born in Defiance, Raised in Dayton
Dream Home Location: Mandy – One a beach, or at least a large lake
Ben – Anywhere with a warm beach
Favorite Travel Destination: Mandy – Topsail Island, North Carolina
Ben – The Arizona desert
Favorite TV Shows: Mandy – The Office, Psych, Gilmore Girls
Ben – Psych and 80’s & 90’s throwbacks
Community Involvement: Active members of the Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at Cedar Creek Church

Findlay Favorites

Favorite Place in Findlay: Mandy – The reservoir
Ben – Riverbend Park
Favorite Thing to do in Findlay: Mandy – Walk down Main Street
Favorite Local Event: Both – Flag City BalloonFest
Favorite Local Restaurant: Both – Rossilli’s Restaurant
Favorite Local Treat or Guilty Pleasure: Mandy – Dark Chocolate Marshmallows from Light and Lovely!
Ben – Dietsch Brother’s Banana Splits
Favorite Hidden Gem: Both – Donnell Pond!

You can find Ben and Mandy at Journey Salon and Day Spa, located at 127 W. Hardin Street in Downtown Findlay.  You can shop Light and Lovely online, as well as purchase Journey gift cards!