Cory Michael brings his natural skin care line to town and launches a cozy South Lake Union spa

One thing that I really like about my job is meeting small-business owners who are passionate about what they do. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and since they've put so much of their own expertise into their project, I always end up walking away inspired by our interview.

Passion, enthusiasm and expertise are perfect words to describe the husband-and-wife team behind the body care line Cory Michael Enterprises. Cory Michael and Jesseca Clark have been manufacturing their line since the late 1990s, and until recently operated two boutiques and spas in Dallas that showcased their products.

The couple moved to Seattle a year and a half ago, and just a week ago opened a spa in South Lake Union. A large loft functions as their home, their manufacturing facility and an appointment-only spa, allowing the Clarks to pursue their passion for natural body care at all hours.

Michael formulates and manufactures the line, which includes soaps, lotions, bath salts, room sprays and more. He uses natural ingredients like shea butter, brown sugar, green tea, chamomile and pure essential oils for their heavenly smells and therapeutic properties.

I was wowed by the Butter and Sugar Foot Scrub ($16), with its sweet and spicy lavender scent; the fragrant Breathe and Sleep Pillow Spray ($13.50) from the Remedy line that opens the sinuses and helps with sleeplessness; and the luscious pear-scented Body Butter ($28) that smells good enough to eat.

Clark, a licensed aesthetician, uses her husband's products exclusively in her aesthetics studio, Fresh Facials and Skin Care. Her services are inventive, luxurious and completely customized to her clients' needs.

Sign me up for the Chocolate Pomegranate Antioxidant Facial, which includes a chocolate pomegranate mask, a cocoa butter hand-and-arm massage and a chocolate sugar foot scrub in addition to cleansing, toning and moisturizing ($95 for 70 minutes).

The cucumber, avocado, papaya, yogurt, honey and white clay masks that Clark uses in the facial are made weekly from local and organic ingredients. Clark is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the products, and has formulated the services to highlight their decadence and showcase their effectiveness.

Cory Michael products are available at Earthly Rituals Day Spa in Fremont, Central Market in Shoreline and online at www.corymichael.com. Skin services using Cory Michael products are available by appointment at Fresh Facials and Skin Care.

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