The invitation stated “black tie cocktail,” attire which may have seemed a bit too much for the unveiling of a newly-expanded medical spa in San Francisco’s Union Square. But when Richard Blum is on hand to cut the green ribbon and read a proclamation from his wife, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Paula West performs, well the fancy attire was quite appropriate after all. And that’s how it was on March 26 when a chic crowd gathered at Serenity MedSpa in downtown San Francisco to toast owners Dr. David Kang and Dr. Lisa Kang on the grand opening of their spa’s new location across the street from Gumps.
Sophie Azouaou, Eileen Blum Bourgade and Dr. Clara Shayevich hosted the green carpet event and welcomed Joel Goodrich, Wilkes Bashford, Brenda Zarate, Jorge Maumer, Teresa Rodriguez, John Rosin, Lora DuBain, Vasily Vein, Aubrey Brewster, Debra Caywood-Rukas, Olga Dubrovsky, S’allie Hunting, Barbara Brown, Mathhew Kimball and other boldface names who sipped white wine and nibbled on passed hors-d’oeuvres as they tried to cool off on an unusually warm day that didn’t cool down much as evening progressed.
Despite the heat, guests enjoyed mingling with one another and the performance by West, a celebrated jazz singer, and violinist Lea Bourgade, Blum and Feinstein’s granddaughter. Afterward, Blum was handed oversized green scissors to do the honors of cutting the green ribbon. Also, the Kangs were presented a Certificate of Honor, signed by Mayor Ed Lee, for Serenity MedSpa from William Lee.
Liam Mayclem handled the live auction duties. Penciled art drawings signed and donated by Sen. Feinstein and high-end beauty treatment packages were among the items auctioned off to benefit the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF). The private cocktail event raised $6,800 for REAF, including a $1,000 birthday day present from Antonio White to Azouaou.
“As a REAF Board of Directors (member), it was a natural thing to do to have the grand opening event benefit the Richmond/Ermert Aid Foundation,” says Azouaou, owner of SophiSticate Interiors, known for its eco and green design of commercial and residential spaces.
As she is known to do, Azouaou and her team, comprised of Studio Perez and RW Simone Company, designed the new Serenity MedSpa in true fashion that is easy on the environment.
“The green and eco-friendly design emphasizes the use of natural daylight, energy efficient lighting and a palette of soothing and serene color materials that make the space feel zen and welcoming,” Azouaou says.
Due to its growing clientele, Serenity MedSpa had outgrown its previous location at 77 Maiden Lane. Now it boasts a whopping 6,500 square feet on the second floor of 126 Post Street, making it one of the city’s largest medical spas. Opened in May 2006, Serenity MedSpa has established itself with its cutting-edge treatments ranging from weight-loss solutions, ground-breaking cellulite treatments and anti- aging procedures to name just a few of its services.
Dr. Lisa Kang says, “We are thrilled with the designs and love all the finishes, the serene yet elegant feel of the spa. Our patients are very happy and can’t stop making compliments. Sophie has truly created our dream MedSpa.”