Riverview Wellness, a boutique, day spa and med spa, has officially opened in downtown Elkader.

Owner and head aesthetician Anna Drees said she is excited to bring the business’s services to the community.

“We want to bring the best to small towns,” Drees said. “I believe small towns deserve to have really cool stuff too.”

Riverview recently celebrated its two-year anniversary at its original Manchester location, where the business has seen significant growth. What began with a team of about seven staff members has grown to 26 employees.

Drees said the idea of expanding to Elkader first came after conversations with Main Street Elkader.

“After being approached by the Main Street committee a few times, we finally took the meeting and absolutely loved the community,” Drees said. “This location just seemed like the perfect spot for us and our vision.”

While the Manchester location has expanded into a broader wellness model that includes movement classes, personal training and additional wellness offerings, the Elkader location will focus primarily on Riverview’s spa, med spa and boutique experience.

Services in Elkader include facials, massage therapy, brow and lash services, waxing, body treatments, head spa services, permanent makeup, IV therapy, B12 injections, chemical peels, microneedling and injectable aesthetic treatments.

On the med spa side, Riverview offers wrinkle relaxers, dermal filler and SkinPen microneedling, which staff said is the only FDA-approved microneedling device.

“The goal is natural-looking enhancements,” said Amy Whitman, operations manager and social media/marketing manager.

Riverview also emphasizes transparent pricing, particularly with massage services, where therapeutic modalities such as cupping, trigger point therapy, hot stones, aromatherapy and deep tissue work are included without additional fees.

“I don’t ever want someone to not get the care they need because it’s either not in the budget or an upcharge,” Drees said.

Staff said Riverview takes a comprehensive approach to care, offering complimentary consultations to help clients find services that fit their goals and needs.

In addition to Drees and Whitman, the Elkader team includes Mallory Cunningham, nurse injector; Taylor Frost, esthetician and permanent makeup artist; Reagan Stelken, esthetician; Elizabeth Stocks and Alyssa Sparrgrove, massage therapists; and Kelly Schanbeck, cosmetologist and head spa technician. Mark Odden serves as Riverview’s medical director.

Several team members also have local ties, including Stelken and Stocks, both from the Strawberry Point area.

Ongoing education is another major priority for the team. Massage therapists complete mentorship and training under Riverview’s Manchester-based head massage therapist and mentor, Emily Kehrli, before offering services independently, while estheticians and other staff continue learning through guidance from Drees, product educators and additional in-person and online training opportunities.

Riverview’s first official Elkader event was a makeup master class featuring an international educator with Jane Iredale, the professional skincare makeup brand carried by the business. Staff said offering products that are both high-quality and affordable aligns with Riverview’s goal of bringing options to small communities that may not otherwise be readily available.

Community education is also something the team hopes to continue through future workshops and events.

So far, the transition into Elkader has been a positive one. With many staff members new to the area, the team has especially enjoyed getting to know community members and neighboring business owners.

“Everyone here in the Elkader community has been incredibly welcoming and kind,” Whitman said.

Whitman and Drees also highlighted support from nearby business owners, Main Street Elkader, the Elkader Chamber and Danielle and Caleb Shea, who own their building.

“They’ve been a wealth of knowledge and resources,” Drees said.

Appointments can be scheduled online through Riverview’s website or by phone, but community members are also welcome to stop in.

“We’d love to see people come in, check out the space, meet our team and browse the boutique,” Whitman said.

Drees added, “I truly believe we have something for everybody.”