Not Your Average Russian (Nor Rush-in) Tea Room

Upon first entering Le Chateau de Frenche, it looks like a regular tea house for an intimate gathering among friends. But the smell of flowers in the air and soothing music reveal that there might be more going on here than just social functions.

Behind the sheer curtains and towards the back of the building, clinical aesthetician Nikima Frenche and her team of professionals offer clients a wide array of spa services with a side of tea while their nails dry.

Frenche officially opened the business at the Bed-Stuy location in 2006 but had already been operating as a home business for two years before that. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Frenche says she was always taking care of people's skin.

Although her first goal was to open a restaurant in New York, she was presented with the opportunity to return to her roots when she worked at a skincare room in a spa. "I felt a driving need to do skincare," she says. 

She incorporated her culinary education, which had introduced her to afternoon tea and thought, "Why not combine them both?" Helping clients relax further after a facial seemed like a natural next step. "We appreciate that you're taking a moment to take care of yourself."

When Frenche decided to open the spa, the first step was learning how to do everything herself: proper tea preparation, massage, clinical treatments, manicures, pedicures--everything. When she knew what kind of services she needed and expected, she went looking for experts.

Although Frenche is the founder of the business, she uses the pronoun 'we' when speaking about the spa. "We'll always be a 'we'," she said, referring to the team of massage therapists, manicurists and skincare specialists who work with her, and who she says share her ideas on the importance of self-maintenance and relaxation. 

The full-service spa offers a number of treatments, including microdermabrasion, nail care, seaweed wraps, massages and waxing, and customized packages are available. The spa uses mineral water in the shower, not chlorine, and alkaline water, not tap water in the teas.

Facials are customized to skin type, and Frenche teaches clients how to take care of their skin, recommending products to use at home.

Already a unique spa in the area, Frenche is still itching to add more services to her docket, noting that they are in the process of adding a slew of new treatments to the website. "We're always changing and upgrading," she says. 

Among these new services are wellness journeys to help clients who are struggling with weight loss, and which Frenche hopes to offer by the end of this month. These customized plans include water detox, a guided food detox and a private session with a personal trainer. 

Frenche had originally looked into opening the establishment in Fort Greene but ultimately wanted to be where the services were most needed, which she felt was Bed-Stuy. 

"People here are always spending money on clothes and shoes and food, but not really taking care of their skin and themselves," she says. 

The business is more than just a spa with tea, in Frenche's eyes. "We're about the community taking better care of themselves. I would like my life to reflect that, that we can all make a change," she says. "My passion is to help people change their lives."