Botanica Organic Salon is advertised as a salon that's "as chemical free as a salon can be". The brainchild of Phyllis DiSalvo, this Medina, OH salon is not your average beauty spot. "Botanica," she says, "is dedicated to the health and wellness of all who enter and uses only the safest and most natural products available." Clients coming in for the first time will notice immediately that Botanica doesn't look or smell like any other salon. That's because Phyllis DiSalvo has boycotted many "traditional" salon supplies and even a few traditional services in favor of a healthier, more natural approach to beauty. From the decor and location to the selection of the products used and those sold, everything at Botanica has been chosen to provide clients the most relaxing and comfortable salon experience.

Phyllis is an esthetician, makeup artist and has been a hairdresser for more than 28 years, working in various salons, representing top hair care lines and even educating others in the hair industry with her vast experience. After working in environments filled with ammonia fumes and odorous acrylic nail chemicals for countless years, Phyllis did some research into the ingredients and chemicals found in many of the salon products she was exposing herself and clients to. "What I found surprised and bothered me," she says. "I found out that there are other product lines that either had none of the toxic chemicals in them or had significantly less of them." With her newfound knowledge, Phyllis opened Botanica Organic Salon, alongside partner Nancy Bruening, to provide clients a complete salon experience that is both safe and odor free.

Phyllis made a conscious decision to go against the established salon norms by offering only a few select product lines, ones that didn't contain any of the commonly used chemicals or harsh ingredients found in many of the popular professional salon products. In fact, 99% of the products used and carried at Botanica are certified organic and vegan. "The products we offer provide all the benefits of their traditional counterparts without the chemicals that can cause a variety of health problems, including asthma and allergies," she explains. "I am continually researching additional products that are safe and yet effective."

In keeping with her standards, when it came time for Phyllis to add to her salon service offerings, she began searching for something that would complement the relaxing, soothing environment she had cultivated. Xtreme Lashes were an easy choice, providing her with some personal quiet time, while her clients reclined and slept through the comfortable service. "Doing hair for 8 hours a day can be exhausting. I was constantly talking. I can tell my clients when they lay down on the table for their lashes, Ok, now we're going to relax, you'll sleep; no talking. It's become my way of relaxing, too," she says.

Phyllis says she chose Xtreme Lashes as her eyelash provider because of the superior training offered by the company. "I'm a perfectionist," she says. "I want to know why and how and all the details." After her initial training in 2006, Phyllis has continued to perfect her technique by auditing two additional trainings and following up with an Xtended Education class in 2008. "I have to know I'm doing it right," she explains, "and I want to keep up on anything new going on."

Botanica Organic Salon is a full-service salon offering everything from hair cutting and styling to up-dos for special occasions, coloring, perms, highlights and lowlights, organic facial waxing, and Xtreme Lashes® eyelash extensions. Xtreme Lashes provide clients an alternative solution for those who suffer from sensitivities to certain eye cosmetics or simply want to avoid the harsh chemicals often found in mascaras, a concept that works well with Botanica's overall philosophy.

In keeping with the natural product offerings at Botanica, the salon itself is rustic and calming. Botanica is located in a beautiful, historic Medina home, surrounded by nature. The salon features a stone fireplace, wood ceiling, and calming artwork complemented by soothing music and an abundance of light shining through its numerous windows.

Phyllis and her unique salon have been featured by The Medina, Ohio Community Advocate and The Medina Gazette. Her fans are many, both for her skills with lashing and for the amazing environment she performs her services in:

"“I have never had long lashes even with mascara. I feel so sexy!” - Paula S.

"People often comment on how long my lashes are, but I keep my little secret and just say Thank You!" - Susan T.

"I just love coming into Phyllis’ salon. It is so soothing and comfortable. I always look forward to the time I get to go in and relax." -Sue C.