The Summerhill neighborhood of Atlanta is trendy, buzzy and up and coming, but there is an Atlanta beauty scene staple hidden among the new hotspots. Aviary Beauty + Wellness first opened its doors in 2009 in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, and most recently expanded into its Summerhill location in 2021.

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On a Friday afternoon I walked into the Summerhill location and was instantly transported to a state of bliss—the spa is well designed, curated and gorgeous. That can easily be attributed to founder Amy Leavell Bransford, who is high on the list of spa owners we love. Aviary is a reflection of her positive energy, chic aesthetic, and forward-thinking attitude towards beauty. It’s easy to see why her original location did so well and has now resulted in a second location.

Here’s what you’ll love about Aviary Beauty + Wellness: 

• Founded in 2009 by Amy Leavell Bransford, Aviary Beauty + Wellness was founded on the belief that beauty is not, in fact, skin deep.

• They have two locations in historic Atlanta neighborhoods (Old Fourth Ward and Summerhill), making it easier to book an appointment.

• The spa has a well-designed and curated interior that is a reflection of the owner’s positive energy, chic aesthetic, and forward-thinking attitude towards beauty.

• Their staff consists of passionate and highly experienced salon and spa professionals.

• They use only the highest-quality products on the market with pure and effective ingredients from brands such as Biologique Recherche, among others.

• Aviary is one of only two Atlanta-area spas that are trained in Biologique Recherche techniques.

• They are committed to diversity and equality, and aim to foster an intentional climate of inclusion of all people.

• In addition to exclusive facials, Aviary also offers cosmetic appointments ranging from hair color, cuts, treatments and lash lifts, brow lamination and more.

She told me about what it takes to train with Biologique Recherche, the RMF facial they are launching (more on that below), and how it is the same facial J-Lo had right before her Super Bowl half-time show. It’s apparent her passion and ability to offer the most exclusive products and treatments is a key to the evolution of Aviary, which is one of only two Atlanta-area spas that are trained in Biologique Recherche techniques.

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On both of my visits Sophie was my facialist and she was so skilled and thorough. We discussed my current skincare routine, areas I wanted to address, and what goals I had with the treatment, then she explained what she planned to do. She mixed up a perfect cocktail of serums each time while also incorporating sculpting and cold therapy massage techniques.

For my second visit, I had the privilege of receiving the Biologique Recherche Remodeling Face© (RMF), which Aviary added to its offerings last year. To give you the ultimate lift and glow, the machine uses the power of three different currents  (galvanic, microcurrent and high frequency) to address lift, fine lines, texture and really make your facial features pop and appear more defined.

After one session, I felt like my skin was more toned and defined than any contour stick could ever achieve. The lifting effect is truly unparalleled. As someone who is getting married this year and isn’t ready to use injectables (personal decision—no judgment zone!) I will certainly be getting an RMF facial as close as possible to my wedding day, as well as throughout the months leading up to it.

Bransford said in our initial conversation that she hopes this is something more clients will consider, and that this service can offer an alternative to injectables, or at least prolonged timing before starting or continuing them. And that’s another plus—typically, with my sensitive, redness-prone skin, I would never book a facial the same day I had a social obligation, but with the RMF it’s actually best to have the facial the same day as an event or the day before a big weekend. There is zero downtime!

And of course, I couldn’t leave without purchasing the cult favorite Biologique Recherche P50w exfoliating lotion to continue my skin care at home. That’s another bonus to Aviary—it offers the best of the best in retail products ranging from Biologique Recherche to Vintner's Daughter, Supergoop and much more.

Leaving Aviary I was on cloud 9, and no doubt my cheekbones were much closer to the sky too. If you’re interested in a facial that offers not only same day immediate results but also lasting revitalization, look no further than the triple lift remodeling facial at Aviary.

 If you’re ready to experience a skincare and facial experience like never before, book here.

Cost: 60-minute RMF Facial ($350)

Insider Tip: The RMF Facial is great for all skin types, but cannot be performed on people with a pacemaker, cancer, diabetes, a history of epilepsy/seizures, cardiovascular disease or those that are pregnant.

Parking: The Old Fourth Ward location has plenty of parking via a paid parking lot/deck and free parking on the street along the perimeter of Studioplex Lofts. The Summerhill location has plenty of free, on-street parking in front of and on the streets, as well as a 20-space parking lot right behind them (entrance beside Maepole.) There is also a bigparking lot (Parking Lot A) located two blocks down at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Fraser.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Mon - Fri), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sat), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sun)

Old Fourth Ward Location: 659 Auburn Avenue, Studio 123, Atlanta, GA 30312 (404) 577-2460

Summerhill Location: 72 Georgia Avenue SE, #400, Atlanta, GA 30312 (404) 313-3383

For more information and to book a service, visit the website. Follow on Instagram: @aviary

[Photos by Sable Massingill]

Sable Massingill is a PR pro, brand consultant and freelance writer who loves to explore the intersection of beauty, travel, and creativity. She has worked in all facets of the media landscape from public relations to on-camera work for almost 10 years.

Her commitment to storytelling has taken her to Helsinki Fashion Week in Finland, the first sustainable fashion week in the world, to learn more about eco-friendly supply chains; to the Sahara in Morocco to collaborate and work with women’s Argan oil cooperatives. Follow her on instagram @sablemassingill