By Caroline Roosevelt
Contributing Writer

Right off Cypress Street, nestled in the new shopping center on Millers Hill, Studio22 Pilates & Wellness has put down its roots. 

The collective dream of Cathy Pizzini, Bertha Turnbull, and Kathleen Fisher, Studio22 provides a holistic self-care experience focusing on Pilates training and spa services. The name Studio22 pulls from the theory of “angel numbers,” and as mentioned on their website, “The number 22 holds a special significance—it symbolizes balance, harmony, and possibility. In numerology, 22 is known as a ‘master number,’ representing the building of dreams and turning potential into reality, which reflects our mission to empower every member to achieve their wellness goals,” Pizzini said.

The team graciously offered me a tour of their new space - which opened earlier this year - and had been in the making for the past two years. The spa consists of four separate spaces - the Pilates room, the spa room, the private cold plunge/sauna, and the private training room. 

The largest portion of the spa - the Pilates room - boasts equipment for TRX (a workout using body resistance) and barre, in addition to the traditional Pilates equipment. Co-owners Turnbull and Fisher, as well as accompanying trainer Stefanie McGinley, host classes. Built to accommodate 12 attendees at a time, Studio22 creates an intimate yet inclusive environment.

Pizzini, the aesthetician of the group, provides facial services specifically incorporating the Aveda line in the spa room. She also offers a variety of massage services (from chair massages for stressed out people on a truncated timeline (raises hand), to full body massages and body wraps). 

“I love just making people feel happy and, you know, that was always the vision,” said Pizzini, who had come from an administration and management background, “I wanted to extend it to doing what I had loved to do before, so I went back to school to become an esthetician. I go into my room and it’s my happy place. I want to offer that calm to everyone who walks in the doors.”

The private saline cold plunge pool and sauna, which is available for 45-minute sessions, accommodates up to three people per session. Bring your bathing suit, and Studio22 will provide the towels, robes, and a shower to rinse off after your sauna/plunge experience. My mind immediately flipped through friends I could bring with me on a local spa day. Studio22 happily hosts private events and also provides a variety of packages and membership levels. 

While anyone is welcome to stop by for a treatment sans membership, Studio22 also provides a private room for personal training for those looking for a more targeted and personalized workout experience.

I’d have deeply regretted the opportunity to have wrapped up my visit to Studio22 without providing a review on their spa services, so I happily jumped at the invitation to experience the Perfecting Plant Peel facial. I entered the dimly lit spa room and slid between the sheets of a heated spa bed. Incorporating the 99 percent plant derived Aveda products, Pizzini provided a full experience, starting with scents. The facial began with a variety of scents she wafted toward me with a warm towel. She asked me to pick the scent that spoke to me most. All smelled delicious, but I selected something earthy, a little spicy, as that’s my preferred profile.

The plant peel facial is painted on, and, for the sensitive reader, one may feel a slight warmth as the peel is activated. As someone who is (maybe overly) in tune with my body, I assure you per this review that the warmth felt lovely. The peel is followed by ice rollers which tighten up the skin and provide a refreshing contrast to the initial warmth of the treatment. Finishing with an SPF moisturizer, the treatment left me feeling refreshed, gently exfoliated, and ready to conquer the rest of my day.

As a busy mother of two, I look forward to popping by for a treatment at this unassuming oasis, without having to stray far from the beaten path of downtown Kennett Square.

Studio22 Pilates & Wellness is located at 660 East Cypress Street in Kennett Square. To learn more, visit https://studio22kennett.com.