*Open By Appointment Only* Massage & Skincare
I accept cash, local checks, & Venmo! My credit card machine in the shop charges 4% more! Thank You! Have a beautiful day!
Darby Palmer: Owner, Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist
Services
I specialize in massage therapy services including therapeutic, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, w/some Swedish influence & stretch integration. I offer organic facials & body scrub treatments. The building is a 150 year old historic Victorian located downtown Nevada City, CA. An Airbnb is also a new addition & a 10% discount on spa services is available for guests who rent the Airbnb. https://www.airbnb.com/h/coyotestreetstudionevadacity
Organic Products
Dawn Lorraine skincare products are used in my facials. They are organic, paraben-free & made locally.
I make custom body scrubs in small batches. I've been using Young Living products & essential oils for over 25 years & incorporate them into my scrubs & treatments. Organic & chemical free as possible is my mission! Better for your body & better for our earth! Love your body....it's your temple!
230 Main Street Nevada City, CA 95959
530-575-9317
Photo Gallery
Licensed Cosmetologist & Massage Therapist
~I was born & raised in Worland, Wyoming & grew up in a house my Grandfather built. I took piano lessons from the same lady my mom had when she was young, enjoyed our family cabin in The Big Horn Mountains & spent a lot of quality time w/family, animals & nature. My father grew up in California where I spent time visiting family, palm trees, the ocean & falling in love with California each visit. My name Darby is a family name that has been traced back almost 350 years in my family & it literally means Free Man. I like to think of it in terms of Free Wo-Man & will continue to honor the spirit & essence of it & live it in the name of freedom & love! My first fascination w/the body & it's anatomy began at age 4 when helping my dad skin deer & birds & having just about every kind of wild game in our freezer. My career started as an Athletic Trainer in High School & then attending Crystal Mountain Apprenticeship in the Healing Arts in Albuquerque, NM in 1997. In 2002 I attended The Academy of Cosmetology in Bozeman, MT & then finished my training at The Vogue Beauty School in Idaho Falls, ID in 2003. I spent 10 years in Jackson, Wyoming where I first opened Body Essence at age 21. I closed the Jackson location down in 2009 & moved to San Francisco. Then, reopened Body Essence in 2014 in beautiful downtown Nevada City, CA.
~My career has led me to have worked on thousands of bodies as well as had the pleasure of working w/people like Steve Miller, Aaron Lewis, Gary Cole, Miguel Ferrer, Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, Stephen Perkins, Jeff Ketih, Andrew Jones, Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand, & many professional athletes, bands, musicians, dj's, & artists! I offer a ton of modalities & specialize in deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, stretch integration, therapeutic bodywork, facials, waxing & bodyscrubs. I love doing animal spirit medicine readings. Aromatherapy is a necessary attribute to this work & I use the best essential oils that are available! I'm a cut/color specialist. However, I'm not offering hair serivces or ear candling anymore. Massage is the basis to all services I offer. It is my passion & I am SO very grateful for all the beautiful bodies of light that I have been able to encounter throughout my career!
-I've been a musician my entire life & thoroughly enjoy the industry! Performance art, fire dancing, hooping, roller skating, snowboarding, cross country skiing, hiking, biking, cooking, crafting, traveling & festivals have played a major role in my life. Peace Love Happiness is my motto! Love your body....it's your temple!
My mission is to continue working hard & spreading love all over the universe. Educating myself & others along the way & never losing faith in the world, people, places, things & ideas. Helping people & animals feel better & look brighter fills my heart with joy! I am so grateful for all the experiences & amazing friends, family, clients & animals that have supported me through my practice & Body Essence! Thank You!
~I remember when my brochure had about 50 different services offered including hair, nails, & makeup. I have reduced that number greatly to the services I enjoy doing the most! For some reason it took me 20 years to figure out I don't need or want to do all services on the menu just because I am licensed to do so! And, to not have employees anymore has also made me so much happier in my career! Times are always changing & I am very happy to have come to these understandings in my business these past couple years! I am only offering bodywork & skincare services which have always been my passion!
I'm happy to be open! PLEASE NOTE: I do not have employees anymore & am open by appointment only! I can only do services back to back. I do not offer couples massage or any 2 services at a time anymore.
Holding my new sign in 2015. I couldn't use my real logo on it due to the historic code. My real logo was hand-drawn by a dear friend back in 2000 when I 1st opened.
Working at my booth at The Bounce Festival 2013
Volunteering to work on firefighters in 2001 Jackson, WY
Chair massage at The Stone House
Testimonials
"Darby is amazing! She is a true healer. Not only does she give you personal focus on improving ones health, she shares knowledge to help you take care of yourself in your daily life. She is real gift to anyone who experiences her treatments." -Dennis Shephard
"My boyfriend and I decided to escape up to Nevada City for a few nights and we were so happy we decided to go! What a cute little place. We stumbled on Body Essence and we got the best massages. We each did a 1 hour and it was awesome. We will absolutely be back! Thank you Darby, we feel so good!" -Kelsey Hanson
"Darby is my absolute FAVORITE massage therapist. I am always transformed after a session with her, emotionally and physically. I highly recommend her for body work as well as waxing...by far the BEST!" -Tammi Wright
"Amazing services!! Loving and relaxing atmosphere, had such a wonderful time and learned some great techniques to help my body. Thank you Darby!!!" -Miranda Rivers
"Darby is fantastic! Love decompressing with one of her soothing massages. The essential line she uses rocks. I have worked with Darby for years, her knowledge, enthusiasm, character, and skill set is top notch. Rest at ease that you will be pampered and beautified; and guaranteed you will be back for more!" -Maureen F
"So happy that Darby has found herself a new location in Nevada City, but so bummed that I don't get to receive her amazing bodywork anymore! Her years of experience and raining have been such a gift to me. Being a massage therapist myself, I am super picky about who I let work on me. Darby was always my first choice whether I was dealing with a physical pain or a more deeply rooted emotional stressor that was stuck in my body. If you want to feel really great, body/mind and spirit, I highly recommend visiting Darby at her new location." -Juliann C.
"Darby at Body Essence was my go to gal for many years. Despite the fact that I haven't lived near her shop for many years now, she is still my all time favorite hairdresser, esthetician AND body worker! I truly have not been able to replace her in my life. She's passionate about what she does, super knowledgeable and dedicated to making you feel pampered. Plus she's got an awesome sense of style and is a super sweet person to boot. I wish I could give her more than 5 stars!" -Terri M.
"I was a long time client of Body Essence in Jackson, WY. Darby provided all the beauty and healing services that a woman (or man for that matter) could ever want. Darby's intuitive and precise massage kept me limber for all the activity I do. My first bikini and Brazilian wax were at Body Essence, and I still haven't found a better esthetician than Darby for these services. And the list goes on... Hair cut and style, make-up, lash tints, facials. I cannot tell you how lucky those of you are who live in, or near Nevada City, to take advantage of Body Essence day Spa. I am jealous and wish it were still located in Jackson, WY. But believe me I will be sure to get an appointment for a full day's worth of beauty services the next time I am in Nevada City." -Jessica Baker
"Darby is a kind, hard working body worker. Her downtown Nevada City space is easily accessible, charming and spotless. She always has the treatment room prepared and ready, gives deep, healing massages, and seems genuinely concerned with my physical well being. It is obvious that her profession is her calling.
Darby has a retail space with unique jewelry, therapeutic products, essential oils, Thieves products, incense, clothing, and more. It is worth stopping by just to look around and her prices are extremely reasonable.
I was given a gift certificate for Darby. I went in without knowing her and have been a client ever since. ----- Do yourself a loving favor.... Book a massage with Darby. You will leave her red Victorian down a sweet garden path.... and you will be feeling SO much better!" -Lisa G
"Darby is an unbelievable massage therapist who combines relaxation with deep tissue work. She knows the body so well and finds every kink that needs attention. She is detailed, kind, skilled, and a pleasure to be around. We drive up from the Bay Area to enjoy her expertise. Darby is a true gem." -Renee V
"Wow! That was really something. Have you ever gotten a massage that makes your head tingle and takes you somewhere, and afterwards you feel younger? That's what I experienced. Darby really knows her craft. I will be going back, and going for longer next time. I often forget the importance of self care and body work. This was a strong reminder to stay more on top of it. What better way to spend your money than on a business that makes you feel great?" fabuous".Matthew L
"Darby provides excellent body work and has an extensive knowledge of physiology. She's extremely nice and does a great job explaining available exercises you can do at home that will improve your muscle condition." -John G
"Best massage EVER!!!!! I am a massage snob and with my gift card, was wondering where I could go ( Thanks, Spa Week!). Darby has oodles of positive reviews so I booked my same-day appointment. The place is a victorian home set back from the street. Huge and cute with multiple rooms. I could tell immediately she knew what she was doing. Within minutes, I was melting. Darby is magic! Her fluid massaging and knowledge of the body had me floating at the end of my 75 minute massage! There was never pain but I can tell she got deep into my achy joints! I am a Darby believer and will be back! Thanks, Darby!!!! Best massage ever!!!!" -Denise V
"Body Essence is the place to go for all your self care needs! Darby is the best massage therapist I've ever gone to and I always enjoy her skin care regimens as well. The therapists here are knowledgeable and great, and the environment is comfortable. I will continue going to Darby for all of my massages and waxes! Love this wonderful place!" -Alexandra Maloney
"I was in a lot of pain and was calling local therapist shops by looking on Yelp ( which I rarely do ) I called this business after reading all the positive reviews and was so happy someone answered the phone, and quickly helped me get into a In fared Sauna ( complementary ) and an hour massage with Darby, who helped me get some of the pain out of my left side and behind my shoulder blades. Her hands were like magic she is very skilled and has the right touch ! Her place of business is absolutely adorable. She then took the time to show me some stretches to do with tennis balls, that also have helped me. The Bio Freeze is amazing it helped me be able to sleep some last night pain free. I have been to a lot of massage therapist's in the county and hands down this was one of the best experiences I have had. Thank you Darby I am grateful to have your magic touch yesterday." -Carrie Suhr
"Wow! Ive been going to Body Essence for over a year now for massage and waxing and it just gets better and better. Darby just added a infrared sauna which is complimentary with a massage or facial and it is INCREDIBLE. The whole salon is comforting, cozy and professional- super staff and you are taken care of from the moment you walk in the door. Darby is a masterful body worker - and is extremely thorough with everything she does. And super generous with her energy and also often has specials and deals. Ive been getting massage, etc all my adult life and this place is my all time number ONE! Truly!" -Deanna Reardon
"Fantastic experience. Was a powerful experience. Darby has great flow and takes things into a realm I haven't experienced with any other massage in the past. Fantastic!" -Ben Lewis
"Darby has been doing my hair, waxing, and massages for 15 years. When I left Jackson Hole , WY I knew I would never find anyone like her! I was so happy when she moved to California! I drive HOURS because her services are worth it. Darby is exceptionally knowledgable in numerous modalities and can accommodate your personal massage preference. She's also skilled in Aveda treatments so you can expect that type of customer service (tea, head/shoulder/scalp massage, etc.). One time I made the mistake of going somewhere else. I walked into Darby's salon so she could help me fix my hair. Even though I was a walk in, she made time to fix my hair which took hours. When I left, my friends were shocked at how healthy my hair looked. I can't say enough positive things about Body Essence!" -Jo Anna Davis
