COURTLAND—Paula Hatfield and her staff at Kathara Spa invite you to live pure.

“Kathara means ‘pure’ in Greek,” said Hatfield about the name she chose for her business in which is at Suite G, 28319 Southampton Parkway.

“I’ve always been interested in alternative therapies that take a natural approach to health,” said Hatfield. “They – conventional medicine and alternative therapies – can work hand-in-hand. My brother is a physician in Texas, and we’ve had many interesting conversations about integration and how they can truly work together.”

She said her formal training took place at the Advanced Fuller School of Massage Therapy, and she’s also certified by the Board of Nursing.

Fortuitously for Hatfield, work in her profession became almost immediately available on graduation in 2001. This is thanks to Naomi Koontz.

“She posted an ad at the school. I applied and she hired me. I was just coming out of school,” said Hatfield, who had worked 12 years off and on as a massage therapist for Koontz at her location in downtown Franklin.

One and one-half years ago, Hatfield went to Thailand for three weeks to learn advanced techniques.

“While there I was just able to receive and give massages in a place with a sanctuary feeling,” she said. “It was wonderful, quiet and beautiful. I was inspired to recreate that feeling.”

Deciding to go on her own, Hatfield looked for many different potential locations in Franklin, but with no success until she saw an opening at the business center across the road from Hardee’s and the Food Lion.

“I saw this place was vacant, and began praying and thinking on what to do,” she said. “I entered negotiations in the summer of 2013. I mapped out my clients, and everyone’s been very supportive of the move.”

No less encouraging is her former employer.

“Naomi Koontz is great and has been wonderful to work for,” said Hatfield. “She’s been very supportive. I’ve learned a lot business-wise from her.”

Obviously, Kathara Spa offers massage. Different kinds are Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, couples, hot stone and Thai.

“(Thai’s) accomplished through a series of rhythmic stretches and acupressure,” she said.

“The client is fully dressed, but lying on the floor. It’s an ancient healing art that increases flexibility and achieves balance and deep relaxation.”

Assisting with the massages is Melissa Felton, who Hatfield describes as “fabulous.”

There are different skin treatments, all intended as anti-aging. For example, the botanical stem cell facial gives a resurfacing treatment of the skin. Another, the raindrop facial, is a two-hour treatment that uses medicinal-grade oils.

Most treatments last about an hour, but there’s also an express service of 30 minutes.

In addition

Bethany Wiles will be the personal trainer. An aesthetician and a few alternative receptionists are on staff. In a few months a yoga instructor is anticipated to offer classes at the spa.

Infrared sauna is done at 30-minute intervals, which “heals at the cellular level and detoxifies,” said Hatfield. There’s a reduced price if you add that to other services you receive.

Memberships to the spa are available on an annual basis, and include discounts on many services and products.

The latter includes medicinal teas, vitamin supplements, a detoxification system, nutritious shakes, bars and a line of aromatherapy oils.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, soon followed by an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be drawings for free massages and spa treatments.

“Come and experience the quiet of the place,” said Hatfield.

To learn more about Kathara Spa, call 304-1431, or visit www.katharaspa.com or Facebook. Appointments can be made online.

“Live pure,” said Hatfield. “That’s what we’re trying to help people achieve.”