Our services are very personalized. Everyone here truly cares about the people we serve.” — Christine Messick, co-owner and esthetician
Tucked off Hog Neck Road in Pasadena is a quiet gem of a salon that has grown into a local sanctuary for self-care. The Parlor, founded in 2016, may be modest in size, but it’s filled with big heart, welcoming energy, and a deep-rooted connection to the community it serves.
Christine Messick, co-owner and esthetician, didn’t just open The Parlor—she and her team built it from a dream she’s had since she was 13 years old. A native of the Carvel Beach neighborhood, Christine grew up just down the road. “I always knew I wanted to own my own spa,” she said. “When I had my first facial, I remember the smells, the sounds, the warmth of the treatment table—and I knew, even then, that was my atmosphere.”
Christine’s journey into the world of beauty and wellness began at the Von Lee School of Esthetics, from which she graduated in 2007. While still in school, she worked as a receptionist at About Faces in Canton, where she quickly transitioned into a full-time esthetician. “I never turned down a client,” she recalled. “I worked long hours, but I gained so much knowledge and experience.”
Eventually, the pull of home led her back to Pasadena. She joined Rumors Retreat Salon and Spa, where she spent six years perfecting her craft before partnering with fellow professional Ashley Shade to launch The Parlor. What began as a two-person team—a single esthetician and one hair stylist—has now blossomed into a full-service salon with nine professionals: four estheticians, four hair stylists, one massage therapist, and a nail technician.
But The Parlor is more than just a salon. It’s a place where clients come not only to look better but to feel better. “We’re unique,” Christine said. “We’re considerably smaller than other salons, and our services are very personalized. Everyone here truly cares about the people we serve.”
Each service provider at The Parlor operates independently, many with years of experience behind them. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, Christine added. “It always smells good, there are cookies and lollipops for our guests. The space is very clean and organized. It is a laid back, family-friendly feeling.”
In 2020, like many small businesses, The Parlor faced its biggest challenge when the pandemic forced a temporary closure. Christine remembers that night vividly. “I locked the door and just cried,” she says. “It was terrifying not knowing what the future held.”
But The Parlor persevered. Today, it’s stronger than ever, offering a wide range of services including hair styling, waxing, threading, lash lifts and tints, custom facials (from gentle peels to hydro facials and micro exfoliation), massage therapy, nail care, spray tanning, brow lamination, and Thermo Clear treatments.
Now, with 2025 underway, Christine and her team are focusing on a full refresh. The salon has been repainted, updated signage has gone up, and social media efforts have ramped up to keep clients informed and engaged. “This is our refresh year,” Christine says. “We want our clients to rediscover all the services we offer—and maybe try something new.”
The Parlor is currently planning to expand again, with two new hairstylists expected to join the team this summer. While hours vary by provider, all bookings, pricing, and availability can be found through their online scheduling platform.
A fun fact: The Parlor originally started with just one storefront but expanded into two within the first year. That early growth reflects what this space has always been about—evolving, thriving, and meeting the needs of the community.
Whether you’re a teen seeking your first facial, a busy parent in need of a massage, or simply someone craving a fresh cut and a warm welcome, The Parlor is a place to be yourself. “Life is beautiful, but it’s also hard,” Christine says. “This is a space where you can come, relax, and let someone else take care of you for a little while.”
And in a town like Pasadena, that kind of care goes a long way.
The Parlor is located at 8010 Hog Neck Road in Pasadena. They can be reached by calling (410) 317-4605. Appointments can be scheduled online at www.theparlor.schedulista.com.
