Luminess Spa and Candle Co. opened Monday at 704 Central Ave., Suite 100.

Owners Glenda Martin and Todd Kuhn are looking to share their passions with the Fort Dodge community.

Luminess provides a variety of facial and skin services, as well as Reflexology for the hands and feet, paraffin wax dips for dry skin and back facials. Martin is a licensed cosmetologist and also performs scalp massages.

“We will also be selling different body care products — body whips and scrubs and butters,” she said. The products are all handmade and organic. “I also want to provide lash extensions and a couple of other things, but I want to go and get the proper training for that before I do.”

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Candles made by Todd Kuhn, of Fort Dodge, are sold in a variety of scents at Luminess Spa and Candle Co., 704 Central Ave., Suite 100.

The shop also stocks the hand-poured candles created by Kuhn, Martin’s boyfriend and business partner. The candles come in a variety of hand-picked scents, all in the Luminess signature light blue

color.

“Dragon’s Blood is one of my absolute favorite scents,” Martin said. Kuhn also makes scents named “Love Spell,” “Black Sea” and a black currant and jasmine

candle.

Kuhn started making candles around 30 years ago with his aunt, and has picked up the hobby off and on over the last couple decades. About six months ago, he started making candles again and decided to make it more than a hobby this time.

Martin comes from a long line of cosmetologists, she said, and opening a spa is something that’s been on her mind for a while.

“It was something that I wanted to do a long time ago, long before I met my boyfriend. It was something my mother and I wanted to do, but my mother passed away,” she said. “And once I met Todd and he kind of had the same ambitions, we just decided we were going to combine his talents and my talents and provide something that everybody can benefit from.”

Martin also offers ear piercing services, but will not pierce anyone under the age of

six.

“I want them to understand what’s happening and how to take care of the piercing,” she said.

Though Luminess just opened Monday, Martin and Kuhn are already planning for the future.

“We’re probably going to be in this same area for about three years before we decide to expand,” Martin said. “At some point, I want to offer other spa services like body wraps and a hydro tub, so you get the whole spa experience, which is one thing that Fort Dodge really doesn’t have.”

Luminess Spa and Candle Co. is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Appointments can be made on the spa’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Luminess-Spa-and-Candle-Co-LLC.