The recent economic downturn has been hard for small business owners and has forced many businesses to close their doors. In evaluating what she should do about her own business, Lynn Laaper decided to take a different approach. She decided to branch out and expand the services she could offer her customers.

Beginning Feb. 8, Laaper’s Blissful Lounge will open its doors to become a satellite location for Cary Healthcare Associates/Cary Cosmetics to offer laser hair removal services and laser skin procedures in addition to botox, collagen and juvaderm treatments. One day each month, clients can schedule to receive these treatments under the care of a licensed physician and physician’s assistant right at the Blissful Lounge location.

All laser hair removal treatments will be offered at a 50 percent cost savings. For instance, a package of four upper lip hair removal sessions will be $150 instead of the customary $300 and four lip and chin sessions will be $290 instead of the regular cost of $580.

In addition to laser and skin procedures, Laaper intends to continue offering regular manicure and pedicure services, facials and massage to her customers. She is also making room in her salon for a retail shop selling an organic line of lounge wear and lingerie and high-end gift selections from companies such as Pine Cone Hill, Clair Pettibone, Taylor Linens, Bella Notte, and Lollia and Votivo Candles and Scents.

“I opened Blissful Lounge just as the economy was starting to go down. It was not the best time to open a business. This is a way to revamp and take the business in a new direction,” says Laaper.

The Blissful Lounge is located at 225 W. Center Street in Holly Springs in the Mims Square Building. For more information, call (919)285-4856 or visit the website at www.blissfullounge.com