Still Waters Retreat Center

12/11/2025

✨ Still Water’s Retreat Center Update + Holiday Gratitude ✨

As many of you know, earlier this fall I transitioned my business home — and I am absolutely loving it. Working here in Flanagan has brought such a sense of coziness, peace, and personalization to every service I offer. I have so many “pinch me” moments realizing I get to do this right here in our hometown. 🧡🖤

🌿 If you’d like to shop Rowe Casa Organics or any of my wellness products, just send me a message! I’m happy to arrange personal shopping hours from home.

And for anyone looking to give the gift of rest + wellness this Christmas, I’m offering $10 off all gift cards from now until December 19th.

Purchase online here:
➡️ https://retreat2stillwaters.square.site/s/gift-cards

Prefer a physical gift card? I’m happy to arrange a pickup time — and I also offer gift card delivery in the Flanagan area. 🎁 🚗

This beautiful photo of our family at Hideaway Tree Farm (📸credit to Eplin Smith Photography) is a sweet reminder of how blessed we are. Every time you support Still Water’s — whether you shop local, book a service, or purchase a gift card — you are directly supporting our family and our homestead. And we are so, so grateful. ♥️🌲

Thank you for being part of this journey.
With love,
Kristy

09/04/2025

✨ Experiencing so many pinch-me moments this week as I open the doors to this new stretch of the journey. God has truly surpassed my wildest expectations and visions for this space.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” – James 1:17

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory forever!” – Ephesians 3:20–21

🙌 All glory to God the Father for this beautiful transition.

08/28/2025

Make Note of these

IMPORTANT UPDATES

Dear Friends,

I’m so thankful for your continued support during this season of transition. I’m excited to share some important updates with you!

🌸 Kristy’s New Location in Flanagan

I, Kristy, am all settled into my new location in Flanagan, IL and would love to welcome you there!

Services I offer include:

Massage (Therapeutic, Prenatal, Lymphatic, Cupping, Graston Technique, Raindrop, Castor Oil Treatments)

Himalayan Salt Infrared Sauna

Ionic Foot Detox Sessions

📍 Book with this link: retreat2stillwaters.square.site

📞 Call/Text: (815) 348-9220

🎓 Student Massage Clinic (Pontiac Location)

The Student Clinic will remain at 725 W. Madison St., Pontiac through mid-October. Students will be offering massage services on Wednesdays only:

$45 / 60 minutes

$75 / 90 minutes

📍 Book with this link: retreat2stillwaters.square.site

📞 Call/Text: (815) 348-9220

🌿 Serene River Spa & Wellness (Pontiac Location)

Our Student Clinic shares space with Serene River Spa & Wellness, where you can continue to see Julie, Tara, and Stephanie for:

Massage & Facial Needs

Ionic Foot Detox Sessions

Sauna Sessions

They are located at the same great building in Pontiac, with the same familiar faces!

**Direct Booking Links Below**

👉 Be sure to follow Serene River Spa & Wellness on Facebook for the latest updates.
Or Call 815-844-2333

Thank you for walking alongside us in this journey. We are here to continue serving you with care and excellence.

With gratitude,
Kristy Folkerts

Click here for an update from Still Waters Retreat Center!

08/25/2025

✨ Exciting Update for Our Spa Family! ✨

The new page is live 🙌
Same location, same amazing therapists – Tara, Julie, and Stephanie – but under a new business name and new ownership!

📍 Location: 725 West Madison Street, Pontiac, IL
💆 Therapists: Tara, Julie & Stephanie

➡️ If you are a client of Tara, Julie, or Stephanie (or would like to book with them going forward), please use their new booking link and contact information found here on this page or by calling the new spa number.

➡️ If you are a client of Kristy Folkerts or would like to book with her, please connect through the Still Water’s Retreat Center page or by reaching out directly there.

💖 We are so grateful for your continued support as this beautiful transition takes place. You’ll receive the same quality of care you know and love – just with a fresh new chapter!

08/22/2025

Here is Tara's new booking link! https://book.squareup.com/appointments/45yvyqaci0q1da/location/LFR0AEDA1TXH5/services

08/21/2025

🌿✨ Big news for Pontiac! ✨🌿

Our very own Julie is taking a huge leap of faith and stepping out on her own as an esthetician! This is such a big deal, because not many in her field take this bold step. She’s creating a way right here in Pontiac, Illinois, bringing spa services that you won’t find anywhere else locally.

Julie is kind, gentle, and incredibly driven. She’s always learning, open to feedback, and continually growing her skills to serve her clients even better. Whether you’re looking for waxing or a facial that leaves you glowing, Julie is the one to call. 💆‍♀️💫

Now is the time to cheer her on, share her link, and book your appointment. Let’s keep this amazing service available in Pontiac by supporting her as she starts this exciting new chapter.

I am beyond proud of her, and I know you will not be disappointed when you give her a shot. 💖

👉 Book with Julie here: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/5k4t9lul1q55hi/location/LT1SHA2T7RWWF/services

08/16/2025

COMING SOON to 725 W Madison:

Serene River Spa & Wellness 🌿

Closing is set for Thursday, August 21. From start to finish, this entire transaction has been beautifully peaceful—truly covered by the peace of God. ✨

What’s changing? Only ownership and my location.

What’s staying the same? The same amazing practitioners you love (with some wonderful new faces joining!) who will continue taking great care of Pontiac.

There will be no interruption in hours. There’s not an official “closing of one business and reopening of another.” The girls will continue to see clients as usual through this transition.

Please show them your love and support—I know I will. 💛 Stay tuned here for their website and booking links as soon as they go live.

As for me:
• I’ll still be in the building every Wednesday teaching students and running Student Clinic (Show them love & support and book with them)
• I’ll begin taking clients out of my new space in Flanagan starting September 2.
• You can continue booking with me using this same link: 👉 https://retreat2stillwaters.square.site

Thank you for walking with us through this transition. It’s been peaceful, gracious, and good. More details soon!

❤️ Kristy

08/05/2025

Book your back to school student massage TODAY! One hour $45 or 90 minutes $75

https://retreat2stillwaters.square.site

07/19/2025

Another Season of Transition

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to share some important updates about the future of Still Waters Retreat Center.

The building at 725 W. Madison Street has been sold, and new ownership will take over beginning August 22, 2025. I’m thankful for the new owner's heart for this space and am confident that it will continue to be a place of healing and care under their direction.

As for me, I will be relocating my practice to my home, where I’ll continue offering massage and wellness services in a smaller, more personal space. This decision, while not easy, has come with great peace. It is an act of obedience and trust, following where God is leading in this season. He has made it abundantly clear that it’s time for a shift—one that allows for more space to breathe, rest, and realign with the next chapter ahead.

What About the School?

Our current massage therapy class will graduate in October, and at that time, True Essence School of Massage will pause operations. I’m taking time to rest and focus on my home-based business and will remain open to what God has for the future.

I want to be clear:
If all the work it took to start the school was just for the five women who will graduate this fall, then it was absolutely worth it. That is fruit. That is legacy. And that is enough.

What You Need to Know:

Your Favorite Therapists:
Stephanie, Tara, and Julie will continue seeing clients as usual. Please follow them directly for updates on how to schedule with them. I fully support each of these amazing women and encourage you to continue supporting them in their next chapters.

A Note About This Transition:
As we shift from my ownership to new management, there may be small adjustments in how services are booked or processed. We ask for your patience, grace, and flexibility as we navigate these changes with care and integrity.

Thank you for the love, encouragement, and support you’ve shown over the years. Still Waters was always about more than services—it was about creating sacred space for rest, renewal, and healing. I pray that it has been that for you, and I look forward to continuing that mission from a new place.

With peace and deep gratitude,
Kristy
Still Waters Retreat Center
Kristy@retreat2stillwaters.com

Click here for an update from Still Waters Retreat Center!

07/09/2025

🙌Student Clinical Hours today 9 to 6 pm.

💆‍♀️1Hour $45
💆‍♀️90 Minute $75

🔗Book Now ⏬️
https://retreat2stillwaters.square.site
Or Call 815-844-2333

06/16/2025

Dear Friends of Still Waters & True Essence,

We’re excited to announce enrollment is open for our September cohort at True Essence School of Massage Therapy! If you—or someone you know—has been seeking a purpose-driven career in healing and holistic wellness, this 10-month, hands-on program could be the next step.

Our classes are intimate, faith-rooted, and flexible—designed especially for adult learners, working parents, and those seeking meaningful change.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Small class sizes for personalized instruction

Practical clinic hours right here at Still Waters

A career path that aligns with holistic and Kingdom values

Classes are held Tuesday–Thursday, starting this September. Whether you’re brand new or have always felt called to healing work, we’re here to walk with you.

📞 Call 815-844-2333 or reply to this email to set up a tour or ask questions.
🎓 Limited spots available—don’t wait!

With hope,
Kristy Folkerts
Director, True Essence School of Massage Therapy

Click here for an update from Still Waters Retreat Center!