Changes to the Seventh Moon Wellness Spa in Lehighton are underway, and the first stages have already created a more welcoming environment for clients.

Seventh Moon recently moved its main entrance and reception area to the opposite end of the building, creating a more expansive seating area, a low-key check-in desk, and the new Purple Carrot Cafe and Coffee Cellar. They’ve also made small changes throughout the rest of the spa, making better use of space and creating a more relaxing atmosphere.

“We wanted things to flow more efficiently. Now we can be more focused on our spa guests, so they can have a more complete experience,” said Xandria Ahner, a licensed massage therapist who founded and now owns the spa with her daughter, Rowan Laitila.

“It’s always been a dream of ours to open a coffee shop, so it’s great that we can bring this in,” added Laitila, who serves as the center’s spa director and cafe operator.

The coffee house will sell PEACE coffee brand, an organic, fair-trade coffee. Laitila plans to offer a daily drip coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies and smoothie bowls, and baked goods that are both good for your body and good to eat. She calls them baked goods with benefits.

“I’ve perfected a bagel with no grains in our test kitchen that gets rave reviews,” she said. “If you are living the type of lifestyle that requires a grain-free diet, it is a wonderful treat.”

The women said the center is very nourishment-conscious, focusing on the health of its clients both inside and out.

“I try to nourish myself, and take care of others in a way that I’d like to be taken care of,” Laitila said.

A possible next step in the lobby’s transformation could be a “sidewalk cafe” in the hallway outside of the spa.

The idea for these changes started taking shape about two years ago. And while Ahner had been perfecting the layout in her mind and on paper for some time, it took just over a month for the staff to paint and move items throughout the space.

“I like to be as organized as possible, and make things operate as smoothly as possible,” she said. “Life is always throwing stress at us and we don’t often take the time to find some balance. That’s what this place is all about, even if it’s just to find that balance for an hour.”

Ahner hopes the change will only build on and improve the atmosphere and services clients have come to enjoy.

Seventh Moon continues to be an Aveda Concept salon and spa, exclusively using and selling Aveda skin, hair and makeup products.

“We feel it’s important to use the right product. Our skin is the largest organ in the body. Anything you place on it is going to get into your body,” Ahner said. “You still need to take care of yourself after you leave the spa.”

The center also offers a full-service hair and nail salon, cosmetics and a studio space for yoga, barre and qi gong that can be rented by members of the community.

For clients using their spa and massage services, the layout changes mean a quieter atmosphere — the spa itself, with seven rooms and one facial/waxing room, is now on the opposite side of the main entrance. Ahner also plans to add a soaking tub in the new year.

Seventh Moon’s former reception area, located next to the spa rooms, will now be a welcome area for spa clients. There they will enjoy rituals of wellness that can help them prepare for their session, including a chance to choose the Aveda aromas, aroma blends and herbal treatments from the spa pantry that will be used in their foot bath and spa treatment.

“The foot bath is another ritual of wellness. You’re letting go of everything that you’ve done in the outside world,” said Ahner. “It’s a transition to taking care of yourself and washing away the day’s worries.”

Clients so far have reacted positively to the changes, which are taking place in the spa’s 15th year of operation. Ahner continues to be thankful for her hometown community’s support.

“I never would have imagined that the community would recognize and welcome the support that we can offer,” she said. “People say that we are this little hidden gem.”

Seventh Moon will offer a holiday open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29. Current clients and members of the community are welcome to attend.

The Seventh Moon Wellness Spa is located at 701 Bridge St. in Lehighton.

For more information, go to www.theseventhmoon.com or call 610-377-3002.