Book Sauna and Ice baths
Call or Text 501-255-0909
Escape and Indulge in a Serene setting of Southern Hospitality
Ask about our rental options avaiable
Chalets Open for rent
Call or Text 501-255-0909
Escape and Indulge in a Serene setting of Southern Hospitality
Ask about our rental options avaiable
Chalets Open for rent
Hey y’all! My name is Desereah Funchess, I am from a small town in South Carolina and I just moved here with my airman hubby. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I love all things spray tan, hair and makeup! Weddings, proms, and everything in between is where you’ll need me. I would love to make you beautiful!! So come see me!
I was born and raised in the metro east. As a military family, we have planted roots in locations around the world for brief periods and landed back home near Scott AFB. When I am not behind the chair, you will find me on adventures with my loved ones, playing volleyball with friends or relaxing With my family.
I have been in the industry for 20 years. The relationships I build with clients is the most rewarding part of my career. I place high value on listening and understanding all your hair needs. Together, we will customize a desired look for you that fits your personality and lifestyle while respecting the integrity and health of your hair. I specialize in maintaining healthy, natural looking hair.
Gray Coverage
Gray Blending
Soft Highlights
Natural Reds
Rich Brunettes
Precision Cutting
My Name is Tammy I’ve been in the business for 30 years and love every bit of what I do. I specialize in corrective color, balayage, hair extensions and perms. I can’t wait to meet you!
Chalet owner Astra Foster is a Belleville native. She specializes in lash extensions, hair and nails. She has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 11 years. Astra has won awards for her hard work and is a master stylist. She traveled to Colorado Springs 6 years ago for training and is a certified lash artist with Lash Savvy.
"The beauty industry is where art meets science, it is truly my passion. I love making people feel beautiful both inside and out"
Ken uses All-Nutrient manufactures organic and natural haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling products, as well as organic haircolor.
Shelley has lived in O'Fallon most of her life. She has been a Licensed and Board Certified Massage Therapist since 2006. The first time Shelley received a massage, she loved the effect it has on the whole body, mind and spirit. She will customize your session for your specific needs by using Swedish (relaxing), Deep Tissue, Ashiatsu (barefoot massage), Stretching, Medi-Cupping, Lymphatic Drainage, and Aromatherapy. Ashiatsu is Shelley's favorite massage to give and receive. She is up on the table using her feet to give you the BEST relaxing deep tissue massage EVER! She absolutely loves learning new techniques that will help you achieve your goals for relief and relaxation. Shelley encourages you to make this the time to focus on YOU!
Welcome to Southern Serenity Salon and Spa. Escape and Indulge in a Serene setting of Southern Hospitality. Michelle Venne, the owner of the spa, is known for her Southern charm and nurturing personality. She has traveled throughout Europe visiting the best spas across the continent. Also, she is originally from Arkansas, which is known for some of the oldest spas in the country. Her calming techniques and hilarious stories will amaze you and keep you coming back for more. She will help you find the serenity you deserve.
Cindy Mcteer Chalet Salon Specialist
Liz Kohlberg Chalet Spa Esthetician
I am Gloria Ostman and bring 37 years of professional licensed nail experience with me, as I join this awesome team at Southern Serenity Salon and Spa in O’Fallon, IL.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have worked with the best in the business. I have had training in all nail applications, pedicures, body waxing and brow tinting and shaping and I am required yearly to train in new procedures and new products. My training in all of these procedures have amounted to thousands of hours.
I humbly bring my experience to this salon to continue providing the best service that I can in appreciation of my loyal clients. I am looking forward to working with this team and having a full service salon associatio
A rice farmer’s daughter from Arkansas, Michelle Venne wanted to honor her heritage when she opened Southern Serenity Salon and Spa in O’Fallon in 2019.
“We live in a very chaotic world. It is a Southern tradition to slow down and enjoy each moment,” she said. “I wanted to bring the South up here. I wanted people to feel at home and experience the hospitality I had growing up.”
That’s why oversized rocking chairs are placed in the waiting area.
Venne recently celebrated relocating to larger quarters at 125 Springfield Court, which is on the other side of South Lincoln Avenue, where her first place was.
She transformed an old 4,000 square-foot insurance building into a relaxing and safe atmosphere. Among the new features are an ADA-compliant bathroom, wheelchair ramp, and elevator. A pavilion outside and a lower level can be used as event space.
She opened July 1 and hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting Tuesday, offering food and sweet tea.
Venne is a cosmetologist, massage therapist and esthetician. She offers all the services spas do — massages (men, women, couples, pregnant mothers), mud body wraps, hot stones, paraffin dip, manicures, detox pedicures, waxing, facials and more. She employs five people.
“It was my dream to own a salon and spa. At 46 years old, I finally did it,” she said. “So far, so good.”
She grew up in Slovak, Arkansas, a town of 86 people.
“And they are all my cousins,” she said, smiling.
“I come from a hard-working rice family. Our blood is in the dirt there. We didn’t have city amenities. Growing up, our playground was outdoors,” Venne said. “I grew up on catfish, deer meat and a garden.”
Something was triggered inside her one day in 2003. She was driving to a college class when she passed a cosmetology school. She pulled into the parking lot and changed her life.
As a spa operator, Venne focused on clientele wanting to feel rejuvenated — to release muscle tension, have mental clarity restored, release energy and renew a sense of well-being.
As an Air Force wife, she traveled in Europe and observed spas in different countries, gathering ideas and calming techniques. Her home state, Arkansas, is home to some of the oldest spas in the country, she pointed out.
In 2015, Venne moved to O’Fallon. In May 2019, she opened her salon in the small office space near Southview Plaza.
She started on expansion plans but then life was disrupted when the coronavirus pandemic was declared in March 2020. Because of the public health emergency, her business couldn’t be open during lockdown.
But another challenge is nothing new to her, she said.
“It was a huge stress, being closed. But once we opened back up, we were booked solid. We have a very supportive clientele. They’re like family to me,” she said.
They returned to revamping the new place. Her two daughters — Cecelia, 14, and Mia, 11 — helped during the COVID-19 quarantine.
“The kids and I ripped up carpeting and wallpaper in the new place,” she said. “Our church friends came to help.”
Another setback happened. Venne was bitten by a black widow spider and underwent reconstructive hand surgery.
“I made it through,” she said.
Known for her Southern charm, she will regale clients with hilarious stories while she is pampering them. A nurturer by nature, Venne said she enjoys meeting new people.
“O’Fallon is a great melting pot of every nationality,” she said.
Now surveying her new space, Venne remarked she never could have imagined the growth of her operation. She rents chalet space to local entrepreneurs wanting a new beginning — experts in yoga, deep tissue Thai massage and a nail technician are among them.
She has staff working seven days a week.
“We all have different schedules — our staff and then the women who rent chalets,” she said.
For more information, visit the website, www.southernserenitysalonandspa.com or call 501-255-0909 or you may schedule online.
Send a pampering e-gift card to friends and family or buy it now for your future use. If purchasing a Physical Gift card schedule a gift card consultation with Michelle Venne. Please no refunds after purchase and not responsible for lost cards.