Inspired Health & Beauty awaits those who persist in the journey

Nestled in a nondescript office building at the southern tip of West Seattle near the Vashon Ferry terminal is a sweet spot for fabulous skin care called Inspired Health & Beauty. While it might be out of the way for some, it's worth the trip if you love custom facials that use exceptional products administered in a relaxing and inviting environment.

Passionate about plants since she was a girl, owner Betty Story grew up in the foothills of Mount Rainier surrounded by native herbs and flowers. In her 20s she worked in health food stores and in the mid 1990s started working in the spa industry, as a representative and trainer for Jurlique, an Australian skin care line developed by a naturopath and horticulturist.

She's been working as an aesthetician for eight years and opened Inspired Health & Beauty a year and a half ago as a way to showcase her skills and utilize high-quality lines like Jurlique in her services.

Story's treatments range in price from $75 for the 60-minute Great Skin Basic facial that is personalized for your specific skin type, to $120 for the 90-minute Stop & Smell the Roses treatment that uses pure rose oil to elevate your spirits while your skin is rejuvenated.

While I don't usually loved the smell of rose, this service is divine, and highlights the difference between the cloying smell of cheap rose perfume and the transcendent aroma of pure rose oil made from organically grown roses. (Did you know that it takes 60,000 fresh rose petals to make one ounce of rose oil?)

The space itself, which is open by appointment only, is a delight. As soon as I walked in, I new Story was a woman with style. The spa features soothing turquoise walls, splashes of vibrant lime green and a gorgeously merchandised retail area. Even the hot pink Marilyn Monroe-themed bathroom is done tastefully.

Story is committed to using products that are organic and cruelty free. In addition to the entire Jurlique line (from $27), which features biodynamically grown botanicals, she also carries Nvey Eco makeup (from $24) and essential oils from Simplers (from $5).

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