How a Life-Changing Car Accident Inspired the Creation of Austin’s Award-Winning Spa Sway
Learn how Rei Leigh Harmer's tragic setback led to spa success
Ten years ago, a devastating car accident left Rei Leigh Harmer in excruciating pain, with a broken hip and the overwhelming task of learning to walk again. For Harmer, this tragedy became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. What seemed like an insurmountable obstacle inspired her to create a sanctuary for healing, relaxation and self-care at Spa Sway.
Harmer was struggling to regain her mobility after her accident.
“I broke my hip in multiple places,” shares Harmer. “I was in a wheelchair for an extended period, and then crutches and a walker.”
During her rehabilitation, Harmer discovered the power of massage therapy to break up scar tissue and ease her pain. As someone who was already passionate about health and wellness, she was drawn to the therapeutic benefits of these treatments, which sparked the idea for a day spa.
“Being cooped up in a hospital bed not being able to do much, I had a lot of time in my hands. I would write ideas of services that I liked for both a place of healing and a place to build confidence,” explains Harmer, sharing how the concept of Spa Sway was born. “I really wanted to just create a place where there was an attainable kind of luxury and healing for everybody.”
Today, Spa Sway offers a haven of relaxation at the original location at The Domain, which Harmer opened with previous business partner Gabriela Bogner, and now a new second spa retreat in Westlake.
Both locations offer everything from luxurious massages to cutting-edge treatments, but it’s not just about the services when it comes to Harmer’s motivation. She believes that success lies in the relationships that her team establishes with clients.
“I have to give such a testament to my team,” shares Harmer. “I think is the true reason that our clients always come back to us. This is a very intimate kind of industry. Our therapists and our estheticians give so much of themselves to heal a person.”
While Spa Sway began with massage and facials, it has since evolved to offer medical spa treatments like BBL (BroadBand Light) and MOXI laser services.
“For the BBL, that’s going to specifically treat age spots, sun damage, redness and wrinkles. The MOXI is going to simultaneously promote new cell growth, improving tone and texture. You can do them individually, but if you do them together, it’s the crème de la crème,” says Harmer.
Injectables like Sculptura, which stimulates collagen production, have become a client favorite.
“What’s so great about Sculptra is that it boosts your own collagen, as opposed to overfilling, and it’s going to help kind of restore your own natural volume,” adds Harmer. “That’s something that we are really strong and passionate about — we want very natural-looking results.”
While the menu of services offered has grown, Harmer emphasizes that she and her team stay true to the motto of “less is more” when it comes to esthetics, aiming to always enhance one’s natural beauty.
Another popular service is the European Facial Sculpting with Buccal Massage, which boosts blood circulation and lymphatic drainage for a healthy, radiant glow. Harmer says that after the service, “You truly leave with a more sculpted and lifted face.”
Spa Sway is also dedicated to uplifting others.
“Community is so important to us,” she says, noting that Spa Sway offers ongoing discounts to teachers, military, EMS, fire and police workers as a way to thank them for their service.
Reflecting on her journey from car accident survivor to spa owner, Rei Leigh Harmer is filled with gratitude.
“There’s really not a day that goes by that I’m not grateful to be in the position that I’m in. You know, every setback is a redirection in the right direction.”
Learn more and book your appointment at spasway.com.