Small Business Saturday marks the opening of a new holistic center called the Wellness Lounge,  located at 14 South Orange Avenue. “We’re a one-stop place,” said Desiree Watson, President and CEO of Wellness Interactive, the umbrella company for Wellness Lounge. “I love what we do here because it allows me to educate and to help people.”

In addition to offering wellness workshops and classes in stress management, massage therapy, yoga, and body sciences, the Wellness Lounge has a bookstore, green store, free Wi-Fi, and relaxation rooms. 

During a preview event last week, a knowledgeable and courteous staff offered tours of the facility, informed patrons about available services, and treated them to delicious hors d’oeuvres and libations.

Warm and inviting, the Wellness Lounge’s décor features warm tones, natural woods, and soft lighting. While one area is replete with a variety of herbal teas, another features an array of eco-friendly and recyclable products. Included among the many items are organic household products, cups made of corn plastic, school supplies (wheat-straw rulers and corn pens), shoulder bags made of recycled paper, natural dog products, backpacks created from of recycled plastic, and baskets designed from newspaper.

Watson brings a wealth of experience to the center. She has been involved in Complementary & Alternative Medicine for thirty years. Difficulties with a pregnancy led her to explore alternative medicines to treat her body. From there, she went on to train in colon therapy, reflexology, and more.

“My work has allowed allowed me to go out and bring the benefits of wellness to churches, schools, and physicians,” said Watson, who has worked with the Steve Harvey Celebrity Golf Challenge, Marylawn School of the Oranges, and the wives of professional athletes. “But I always wanted to have an on-site location.” Available for consultations, Watson’s center also provides antioxidant screening, line dancing, colon therapy, courses in the Art of tea, and more.

Hours for the Wellness Lounge are 12:00pm to 9:00pm daily. During the holiday season, the center will be open from noon until 6:00p.m. During its first week of operation, the facility will offer 20% discounts on all services and products. Membership discounts will also be available. For more information about the Wellness Lounge and its services, call 973-275-3868.