HUNTINGTON -- A local salon and spa has been helping the Tri-State relax for 10 years.

Established in 1997, El Haijj Salon and Spa has offered massages, facials, body treatments, hair designing and more. Owner Susan Hage says El Haijj was Huntington's first day spa.

"When the business started, no one believed that a day spa would make it down here. Me being into challenges, I was going to make it work," said Hage. "We've had our ups and downs as a whole, but watching this business grow and flourish is really a tribute to what we've started here."

Although the official anniversary passed in October, the salon's employees will be celebrating it in the spring with renovations to the exterior of the building, including a new coat of paint and new roofing. The salon and spa also plans on adding new services for men and women to their menu in the fall. Hage says an open house is planned for Saturday, May 31, to exhibit the building's new look and celebrate the anniversary.

Hage started her business in its current location when her accountant found the building and helped her acquire it. After 10 years, the building is almost completely paid for and is still offering a relaxing setting for her business.

"It's a relaxing, calming break from reality. The clients have often told me that they feel at home here, even though this is a large place," Hage said.

Ava Bicknell, owner of Savannah's Restaurant on 6th Avenue, has been a customer of Hage before the opening of El Haijj in 1997. Bicknell says that Hage's attention to detail and individual service makes her business unique.

"It gives you that big town feel," Bicknell said. "It started out great and has maintained those standards because she's always keeping trends and products up to date."

According to Hage, one of the most difficult aspects of the salon and spa industry is the constant change. From trends to products and services, El Haijj is always rebuilding and updating.

"I've learned to try to stay on top of things and stay one step ahead," Hage said. "I always try to remember why I started this business in the first place which is to give them a wonderful experience by treating them like royalty when they're here."

The name "El Haijj" comes from Hage's genealogy. Her grandfather on her father's side came from the United States from Lebanon. When he arrived in Ellis Island, he was given the name "Hage," but the salon and spa bears his original name.

"I named it as a tribute to my father who died the year I opened the business," Hage said. "My father himself said, 'Susan, no one will understand what this is,' and I'd say, 'Dad, I'll get to speak about you to everyone who asks me what this is.' So it's really special to me."

Hage first got the idea for a day spa after graduating from beauty school in 1982 when she worked in Columbus, Ohio. A business owner had a chain of salons and decided to condense them and open a day spa.

"I was really intrigued with what he had done, and I wished I could come home and try to do that. It has always been my dream to do this and my dream came true."

El Haijj Salon and Spa can be reached at (304) 522-7553.