Combine close to four decades of experience, a fantastic location and a passion for their work and their clients and the result is one of the hottest hair, nail and day spas in town - Salon 119. Michele Gerber and Wende Rae are partners in the salon with Gerber owning the salon and Rae the day spa end of the business. The salon's name comes from its location at 119 North Indian Canyon Drive.

"We adore Palm Springs and think it is absolutely charming. Prior to opening our salon we had developed a Palm Springs clientele while working at other places so it was just a natural for us to open here," Rae explains. "It took us two years to find the right spot and we couldn't have chosen better now that construction is underway for the $90 million Spa Resort Casino," adds Gerber.

Salon 119 was a partnership meant to be. Both Gerber and Rae share a similar vision and each brings a unique expertise to the enterprise. Gerber had owned two Palm Springs salons before teaming up with Rae. In the business for 27 years, she travels at least three times a year to places like Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles as well as Europe for hands-on workshops where she can continuously be educated on the latest products, styles and techniques.

"Hair coloring is my passion," Gerber says. "And, I love to have my own hair done. Everywhere I travel, I have my hair done." Rae is equally as passionate about her work. "I always wanted to do skin care. My mother was a big influence on me because she always took such good care of her skin with facials and sun protection."

Rae specializes in Epicurean facials and trains other aestheticians in the use of the product. Epicurean is a highly regarded enzyme product noted for its ability to nourish, replenish and energize skin cells. Many of Rae's facials include hand and foot massage."We never leave the client once we begin a facial. We want them to feel totally pampered and special. It's so much more than getting debris out of the skin. I have a really wonderful touch and want my clients to enjoy their treatment and when they leave feel that they've gotten away for awhile," Rae says. "We try to bring a little happiness to everyone," Gerber adds.