The debut of the Silken Tent (Glenview, IL) last year gave spa-goers in the northern Chicago suburbs something they had long desired: a healing haven based on eco-friendly and organic concepts. Designed to offer denizens of the Windy City a respite from their daily lives, the spa was the brainchild of Sherri Stewart, who first recognized the need for a spa in the area after hosting a party for 25 women five years ago. That day, talk turned to the topic of spas and the fact that there weren't really any in the immediate area and certainly none that offered the comprehensive experience the women wanted.

Spa-goers can browse through a range of eco-friendly merchandise in the spa's lifestyle boutique.

Although she had established a successful career in corporate human resources, Stewart always knew some type of entrepreneurial venture was in her future. "I wanted to create a business that was focused on wellness, health, and peace—something very different from the corporate world," says Stewart. That simple get together planted the seed that would later become the Silken Tent.

Guests are invited to experience the Silken Tent Water Ritual area before or after their treatments (below).

Just because Stewart was looking to make her exit from corporate life didn't mean she left behind the experience she had gained there. Before venturing into the spa industry, she did plenty of research, such as attending numerous conferences, participating in classes, and talking with industry insiders. It was through this process that she found herself in a seminar on how to develop a spa being taught by spa consultant Alexis Ufland of Lexi Design. Finding that they shared a lot of the same sensibilities and regard for the environment, Stewart eventually enlisted Ufland to consult on the project. She also conducted various focus groups of women living on the North Shore to test and refine her vision of a beautiful, eco-friendly spa that combined a variety of elements, such as retail, an organic café, yoga, and more. "Women were so energetic about the concept of a place that is focused on the community," says Stewart.

The research didn't stop there though, as Stewart wanted to make sure it would be a sustainable business. Concerned about the long-term effect of medical spas and their growing popularity, she researched that side of the industry as well. Once she was satisfied that there was a market for those interested in less clinical treatments, she put together a business plan and set about lining up investors.

Involved from the beginning, Stewart's sister-in-law, Tiffany Cannon, was a guest at that life-altering party five years ago. At the time, she was consulting for Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company. Although the timing wasn't right then, she later left her job in corporate America and came onboard as a partner in the spa.

With a concept in mind, a business plan in hand, and money in the bank, Stewart and Cannon faced their most difficult challenge: finding an ideal location. According to Stewart, they wanted about 9,000 square feet that wasn't in a strip mall or spread out over several floors. It was also important that it be centrally located and offer good visibility. After an extensive search, they finally gave up on the idea of finding the perfect building and decided to buy a lot on which to build the spa they envisioned. As luck would have it, Stewart received a call from her realtor asking her to have a look at one more building just as she was on the way to negotiate the property deal. The 11,000-square-foot building turned out to be the ideal site. The fact that it overlooks a nature preserve with a scenic lake was just icing on the cake.