Gentle Journey

I have been going to her for a couple of years. She's wonderful and my skin looks amazing afterwards every time. It's not a fancy looking place but don't be fooled it's wonderful!

I went to Lia because I purchased a Living Social. It's by far the best microdermabrasion I've ever had and I will definitely be going back.

I found Lia 2 years ago when my friend bought us a facial deal on Groupon, and I am so happy that I did! I have adult hormonal acne and Lia does an amazing job with extractions. She always spends at least an hour and a half with me during my facial and microdermabrasion. She also does a great job waxing my eyebrows. She doesn't push products on you and her prices are more than reasonable. I have been very pleased with her work.

I haven't gone here in over a year. (i was just reminded of it when they sent me 'please come back' email blast with no way to unsubscribe. just for that: i write this review:) i was a regular when i first moved to santa monica. fresh off the boat - from arizona. the price was right. the yelp reviews were decent. For about 4 months this was my go-to spot.

I even recommended it to a couple of my friends. later. I come to realize it's one of those "you get what you pay for places". the office is sterile and unrelaxing. the younger gal never remembered a damn thing about me. I'm pretty sure she thought I was a new client each time. the wax they use sucks. it sticks on your skin for a while after. you need a full shower before certain areas stop feeling sticky. even with all that - I kept going.

It was convenient. I'd ride my bike there - no big deal, right? then I had an appointment with the owner. She had a european/russian accent - i remember that. and I remember she offended me. Bless her heart - she probably didn't know any better. But when I mentioned my boyfriend (now fiance) was a teacher, she tells me I should leave him.

I believe, "they don't make enough money, " were her exact words. excuse me? i met you once. you wax vaginas for a living. the man i love teaches children. he loves it. he's much better at his job than you are at yours - that's for sure. and lady, that was an awful thing to say. i never went back. screw that place. i got over crappy wax jobs from crappy people real quick after that. This town is too large and there are much better wax jobs out there for the same price from nicer people. don't settle for mediocrity.

Great hidden gem in Santa Monica. I've been a client of Lia's for over four years now, and honestly I wouldn't know what to do if I ever moved! Well actually I'd probably schedule business trips to coincide with all my waxing and facial appointments. Lia is a pro at what she does, and she makes you feel completely comfortable, even when she's waxing those oh-so-tender places. Her prices are very reasonable and the boutique is bright, airy, and always spotless. Parking is not a problem and it's easy to schedule an appointment.

Jena and Lia are both fantastic. The first time I came here, there was some appointment confusion; I recommend calling them rather than booking online. They send reminders when your appointment is coming up and are both extremely friendly and personable (without being too nosy!). Both the Gentle Journey office and the restroom across the way--which I assume they help maintain--are impeccably clean, if not overly spa-like. Also, you get a discount on your wax the month of your birthday! So speak up! :)

Totally overdue. I went to Lia (though Jenna is my usual) to have my underarms and lower legs done, Lia even threw in a free bikini wax because she thought it was uncivilized how wild I had let things get. I have always had amazing waxes here, both Lia and Jenna are extremely thorough. I had somehow managed to book Lia at the exact time her parking meter was about to run out so my leg wax was a little patchy but I forgive her because mine was too and I know what quality they can provide. (Also I had a bad sunburn and my dry peeling skin was not helping) Aside from one slightly off experience, Gentle Journey is my favorite spot to get waxed. Totally professional, friendly, and just plain wonderful.

Best experience EVER. Lia was a definite expert and would make anyone feel at ease. I plan on going back again and again. Note that it is unit 410 inside building 710 on Wilshire. Once you enter their office you feel immediately welcomed and taken care of. I am shocked at how comfortable I felt. Just outstanding. "Gentle Journey" lives up to its name and I will recommend it to all my girlfriends.

7th and Wilshire is a fine location, but Gentle Journey is on the 4th floor of a scary building that, on weekends, a customer must access from the back door. There are NO SIGNS anywhere, and the elevator shakes. The Gentle Journey space itself, however, is quite clean and zen. Lea did my bikini wax - it took a long time (about 30 min) but was remarkably painless.

I have super sensitive skin too, and the products used were very gentle. I felt a bit exposed, however, as there are large windows in the waxing room that overlook Wilshire Blvd - not a tiny street that Wilshire Blvd. I was extremely satisfied with the results at Gentle Journey, but somewhat dismayed by the surroundings. I'll probably go again though - I will just ask for the curtains to be drawn.

This place is great and let me tell you why: a list of reasons. 1. Lia Katz-waxing goddess.personable, adorable and funny. 2. Pretty painless as far as waxing goes.hence the name 'gentle'-they stay true to their name! 3. Affordable-$25 for bikini.and it's even ON Santa Monica Blvd.; 4. Parking was super easy.meter, but not a problem. 5.

Nice ambiance.small place, but relaxing and tranquil none the less I was VERY pleased with this place and although I don't live in the area, I will def come back when I am in town! Thanks Lia!

Hi! Thought I would share my experience at Gentle Journey. I was very scared to get my first bikini wax and could not believe I was even setting up the appt. But the gal that runs the place was so sweet and took her time so I was not in pain. Since then it has been over 3+ years and I would never go anywhere else. Olia and Jenna are the best at what they do for any wax or facials. They use fantastic skin products and I recommend this place to all my friends! Try it out and see for yourself!

As you scroll through the reviews you will see one terrible review - please ignore. The person who worked on that woman no longer works at GJ and they have also changed locations. I have been going to Gentle Journey for almost 2 years and I plan to never go anywhere else. Olia and Jenna are not only very professional and very good at what they do, but they are quite friendly and make the experience as painless as possible.

I originally started going there just for my eye brows and bikini line, but after Olia's playful nagging about getting a Brazil, I now get one and my lip done as well. She's now onto "nagging" about a facial and I'll be getting one this month i'm sure. They are on Wilshire and 7th, and definitely worth checking out. The place is clean as can be with a lot of light coming in (they are on the 4th floor, no one can see you) and it's just got a very laid back vibe. Call and clean yourself up already;)

I've been back to Gentle Journey religously almost every two weeks to get my waxing done and I'm happy to report they have moved into a wonderful space in "downtown" Santa Monica. The atmosphere is very light and airy and very very comfortable!

This place is ok, theyve always done a good job but i guess i just dont like the fact that it has a medical office type feel to it rather than a spa atmosphere. Nothing bad to say really, except the fact that i went here to get my underarms (vverrrrry sensitive skin) waxed for my high school prom, and they were red for a week. Not a hot prom look, trust me.

Olia and Jenna are very nice and will take good care of you as well as give you lots of skin care advice & tips (w/o selling anything). I get all my waxing done at this place. They do a lovely job on my brows!

I have tried many places for bikini waxes, and believe me when I say there are places you just don't want to go! This one is very small but they were quick and painless. I don't like to get the every popular Brazilian wax--a little too aggressive more me--so the regular bikini wax is what I usually opt for. The woman who helped me did so with truly a gentle hand.

I was really amazed at how little ripping there was. If you've never had a bikini wax, and are thinking about it, I would either come here or to Brentwood Skin--both offer a light touch and good results.