Meet our staff

Owner + Esthetician

KHAKI PAQUETTE

Khaki has been in the industry for almost 2 decades but found her passion for a more holistic approach to skincare while working at a spa in Seattle many years ago. When she moved back East to start a family she noticed a gap in the natural beauty space on the East Coast. There wasn't much on the market for an Esthetician to utilize if they were looking for healthier, non toxic alternatives to use. Khaki decided to take matters into her own hands (literally) and started a handcrafted skincare line of her own, using only pure ingredients that would garner results while soothing and healing the skin of her clients. Face Food was born! 

Khaki's approach to skincare is a nourishing and nurturing one. In her treatments you will feel taken care of, nurtured, cared for. This was the element of becoming an Esthetician that drew Khaki in the first place. A space to take care of people, to make them feel good, like they can be themselves and can walk away feeling peaceful and more confident... a reset nervous system and glowing, happy skin.

One of Khaki's favorite and frequent things she remarks to her clients after a facial, "Your skin looks so happy!." That glow comes from inside and outside after a facial from Khaki. She had been in business in Newburyport for 10 years and looks forward to treating you and your skin!

ESTHETICIAN

KIM BLACK

Kim began her journey as an esthetician because of her deep belief in the power of physical touch. Having left a 20-year career in social services, Kim was ready for a change and wanted to continue to help people experience healing.  Whether it’s performing services for clients, or making Face Food products by hand, there is an element of intention, relaxation and relief in her work.  

Following a treatment, Kim hopes that the client will love their skin more, and feel rejuvenated and ready to “face” what lays ahead. Improved skin can feel like a deep stretch; a sigh of relief and growth in confidence.

Massage Therapist, LMT, polarity practitioner

Tasha Gruen

Tasha’s passion as a licensed massage therapist is to unravel complex musculoskeletal pain, to bring balance to the nervous system, and help unwind deeply held tensions.
As a holistic and therapeutic massage therapist, Tasha is dedicated to providing a personalized approach that facilitates the relief of pain, restoring balance to muscle tissue, and creating a fuller range of motion. She provides a patient, safe, highly attuned presence of touch that invites change, relaxation, and healing. Tasha’s intention is for her clients to discover how targeted, responsive, hands-on therapy can help improve alignment in all aspects of life. With a mindful
and intuitive approach, she provides individualized techniques to support her clients needs by offering the following modalities:
Deep Tissue
Swedish
Neuromuscular integration
Hot Stone
Prenatal and Postnatal
Cupping
Myofascial Release
Polarity Therapy

ESTHETICIAN

SARAH LEBLANC

Born in Peru and raised in Massachusetts as a transracial adoptee, Sarah (born Carmen) has long been drawn to the intersection of indigenous healing traditions and modern wellness. Her journey into holistic care began with doula training, yoga certification, and Reiki studies — all rooted in the belief that healing happens through presence, touch, and deep listening.

Now a licensed esthetician, she brings her grounded, nurturing approach to skincare — combining science-backed protocols with a gentle, spirit-centered touch. Her work invites clients to feel both deeply relaxed and nourished.

Whether focusing on hydration, decongestion, or simply creating space for the nervous system to reset, Sarah sees each treatment as a chance to support the whole being — skin, soul, and everything in between.

If you are a Face Food "Regular", you will probably recognize Sarah from her position over the last several years and our wonderful retail and reception lead. We are so thrilled Sarah has joined our team of estheticians!

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR STAFF

AT OUR NATURAL SKINCARE SPA

All of our spa services are provided by one of our licensed estheticians.