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Local spa thanks local bank, state for business funding
OneGeorgia pic2
Nicole Wimpy, owner of Jolie Day Spa, gives a pedicure, one of several services offered at one of Dawsonville's newest businesses. A recipient of a loan from the OneGeorgia Authority, Wimpy say she is thankful to have been able to get her business started. - photo by Photo/Elizabeth Hamilton

May 11 was a milestone in the lives of Chad and Nicole Wimpy, owners of Jolie Day Spa, one of the newest businesses the county has recently welcomed.

  

After celebrating a grand opening nearly two months ago, Nicole Wimpy is glad to be in Dawson County and thankful for the doors that were opened in order for their business to become a reality.

  

Jolie Day Spa, an upscale spa nestled just off Ga. 400 in the North Georgia Mountains, was chosen as a recipient of a $20,225 entrepreneur and small business development loan guarantee fund from the OneGeorgia Authority at the beginning of this year, which made the Wimpy’s business plan come true.

  

“Mike Underwood from First Citizens Bank helped us out and really went out of his way to help us apply for this loan when we otherwise would not have been able to get the money we needed from a bank,” Nicole Wimpy said.

  

“When we were getting started, banks just weren’t lending any money, but Mike went the extra mile to help us get started. I am really thankful to him, as well as the authority, for providing us with the loan,” she said.

  

Wimpy noted that the loan in its entirety was used for labor costs to complete the build out phase of getting the spa started.

  

“Without it, we would not be here today,” Wimpy said. “This was a door that God opened up for us and we were able to complete the project because of the loan from the authority.”

  

Gov. Sonny Perdue and board members of the authority announced which businesses from the authority’s portfolio of financing programs received a portion of funds from $16.2 million worth of monetary awards June 24.

  

The awards will assist with a variety of economic development projects in rural Georgia aimed at creating jobs, stimulating new private investment, supporting the retention of existing jobs and enhancing regional competitiveness through capacity-building projects. The projects, along with their respective local leadership representatives, were recognized at the OneGeorgia board meeting.

  

According to its Web site, the OneGeorgia Authority utilizes one-third of Georgia’s share of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement to assist the state’s most economically challenged areas. The goal of the authority is to offer financial partnerships with rural communities to create strong economies in all business sectors, allowing new and existing industries, both large and small, to flourish.

  

The Web site states: “OneGeorgia is bridging Georgia’s economic divide by ensuring balanced growth across the state. Helping to guarantee that all Georgians have access to economic opportunities in their own communities.”

  

Awards given out range from entrepreneur and small business development loans to economic development, growth and expansion funds, to equity funds and broadband rural initiative to develop Georgia’s economy.

  

The spa offers a variety of relaxing and accommodating services.

  

“Our services include various massages, facials, make-up application, waxing and specialty manicures and pedicures,” said Wimpy.

  

An exclusive line of retail spa and beauty products are also available.

  

Wimpy described the spa as a peaceful place to get away for an hour or for a day, an aspect that makes Jolie Day Spa unique from others.

  

“Another unique aspect is that it does not look like a normal spa,” she said. “We decorated and furnished to have a more home-like and comfortable feeling. We want our clients to have an overwhelming feeling of peace and comfort while they are here.” 

  

As the number of people moving from Atlanta grows, the Wimpys realized the need for an upscale spa in the North Georgia Mountains. They partnered with, and are located in the same building as, an already established and successful salon in Dawsonville, J. Thomas Salon. The two entities perfectly compliment one another and offer services to its clients in one convenient location.