Karma Organic Spa was established in 2011 by Nausil Zaheer. From floor to ceiling and everything in between, Karma Organic Spa is a fully organic spa.

The spa operates in two locations: Ridgewood, NJ and Englewood, NJ.

What’s the best part of this business? The whole experience…

The facility can best be described as peace-filled. When we entered, we were immediately charmed by the beautiful scent, the décor, and the hospitable staff. The spa smelled of essential oils—lavender, mint, eucalyptus— inviting us to take a deeper breath, unwind and stay a while. I couldn’t wait to melt into a cozy deep arm chair and enjoy a luxurious pedicure! The treatment hadn’t even started and I was already relaxed!

The spa, products and services were artfully envisioned to decrease chemical exposure and environmental impact; a truly holistic approach to creating a peace-filled environment. In addition to the gorgeous environment, all of the ingredients used during treatments are chemical free utilizing certified organic essential oils, shea butter, sea salt, fresh flower petals, fruits, and herbs. 

Karma Organic is our top choice for self-care and a MUST stop if you are in the North Jersey area. Services include manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and massage-- you can find a full listing of services by visiting the Karma Organic Spa Website. My photographer Brian and I spent a lovely afternoon with Nausil, learning more about the facilities and products.  We left the spa that day feeling relaxed, pampered, and inspired!  I invite you to read on and experience the business with me!

The Spa: Energy efficient, Up-cycled, Low-Tox, Tranquil.

The facility was designed to be environmentally conscious: The walls have been painted with low VOC paint; the floors are built from recycled bamboo; the furniture is recycled; the nail files are made from recycled materials (although they are not re-used); the ventilation is top notch; and the lighting is energy efficient. During the treatment, nail technicians use latex free gloves that are hypoallergenic to ensure cleanliness. I was really able to take it all in as I melted into one of the deep and cozy arm chairs and enjoyed my rosemary mint pedicure with a warm cup of organic green tea. Brian was totally de-stressed after experiencing the Karma Mister Pedicure; a pedicure designed for the working man who is always on his feet. Wow! Let’s just say we are both big fans!

The Products: Organic, non-toxic, cruelty free, vegan and packaged in recycled and recyclable materials.

Karma offers “7-Free” nail polishes that are free of TPHP, toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalate), camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, and parabens. If you would like to learn more about these chemicals please visit our previous post by clicking here. The nail polish removers are specially formulated non-toxic, and organic, receiving the Allure Best of Beauty award. I am also a fan of their essential oils. The brand offers a wide range of oils that are pure and high quality; my favorite at the moment is the lavender oil.

Polish life: The polishes typically last about two weeks without chipping and stay very shiny with the addition of just one top coat about a week out.

Added Bonus:  All of the products are produced in the United States at certified organic and vegan facilities; this means the facilities only process organic, vegan and cruelty free products. This means no cross contamination and that your money isn’t partially supporting something you may not ethically believe in. The bottles are all made from recycled glass and metal materials and these products are available for purchase just about anywhere!

Online they can be found on amazon and Etsy as well as many other sites. If you would like to shop my favorite products and fall color picks, visit my shop. Karma Hues are also sold at over 38 Whole Food locations in the United States.

The People: Fairly paid, happy, welcoming, and grateful.

As you may know, Spherea focuses on the Triple Bottom Line: the product, the people, and the planet. Nausil seems to have checked all of these boxes and boasts, “…all of my original 11 nail technicians have been with me since day one.” We think part of the reason is because he has taken great consideration for his employees’ health. Due to the absence of harsh chemicals in the products, the workers are safer and don’t have to wear masks to avoid toxic exposure to chemicals. One of the employees told us, I worked at another salon and got very sick from the fumes.” Now that she has been an employee with Karma, she hasn’t been ill and loves coming to work. In addition to the green environment, Nausil pays fair wages and allows paid time off, both rarities in the industry. As a family operation, he even employs the work-age children of his techs to assist with filling bottles, packaging, and shipping orders. He states, “I wanted to offer my employees a safe place to work, bring their children/families to work and know that they are all safe and well taken care of.” What a guy!

The Future for Karma Organic:

Nausil is constantly working to make the business better, refining his process, products, and services to provide more safe options for the conscious consumer and the planet. At the moment, Nausil is ramping up to release a full, luxurious line of skin care products that are USDA certified organic, vegan, non-toxic, and food grade—all of which are edible! To stay tuned into this launch and other updates, make sure to visit www.karmaorganicspa.com

About Nausil: Founder of Karma Organic

Nausil grew up in Pakistan and, for seventeen years, dreamed of coming to America. At seventeen, he received his Visa, came to the United States with big dreams of going to school, and began waiting tables to fulfill his dreams.

After working long shifts, on his feet for hours on end, Nausil would treat himself to a pedicure. Unfortunately, he began feeling sick from the fumes and chemical heavy products that were being used on him and he thought, “There has to be a better option;  there has to be a better service without chemicals. Where do pregnant women go? Where do women bring their children?” When he researched his options, he came up blank. That was the moment he thought of Karma Organic Spa.

He began attending school at Lia Schorr Institute in New York and eventually became connected as a celebrity manicurist. His work has appeared in over 70 magazines including Elle, Lucky, Allure, and Health. After receiving his training and becoming connected in the industry, he told his boss, “I am going to work 365 more days and then I am going to open my own business.” He adds, “…and that’s what I did!”

Nausil has been the successful owner of Karma Organic which includes Karma Organic Spa, Karma Hues, and Karma Naturals, for seven years and has grown the business substantially in that time. He notes, “It was scary to start, but I thought what did I have to lose? The worst case scenario was go back to waiting tables…For anyone out there looking to start their business, I will quote Nike and say, Just Do It!” Although Nausil is enthusiastic about entrepreneurship, he also acknowledges that it wasn’t easy and it took a lot of work to get to where he is today, but it has been and continues to be worth the hustle.

Aside from his business growth and development, Nausil still has his eyes set on his formal education and has been accepted into Rutgers University on full scholarship for a degree in Business in their EPI program. 

In his spare time (I know. What spare time?!)He loves spending time with his wife, enjoying a night on the town, or visiting the beach to relax.

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Next month we’ll dive into information on the fashion industry and speak with Merika Kahn Founder or NIA Knitwear.

Until next time, live well!

Kate

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