Secret Garden Skincare

This place is lovely, and Carrie is wonderful! She is down to earth and personable. I came here as a test run, because I saw glowing reviews and wanted to give some skin pampering a try. But in the past, at other places, my rash-prone skin has always given me grief afterward. Not so, with Carrie's skilled and experienced touch! My skin is clear and happy and I feel pampered and luminous! =)

I had an amazing wax from Carrie right before a recent vacation. This was my first time at Secret Garden Skincare and Carrie made me feel welcome and comfortable. She listened to my preferences, while also talking me through her recommendations. Once we agreed on a plan everything was pretty quick and relatively painless (especially for not having done this in a very long time!). I felt very taken care of by Carrie. On top of that, their shop is clean and beautiful. I am definitely going back.

Loved loved loved my experience with Jess! I only go to her for my Brazilian waxes and I cannot give her enough praises. She makes a normally painful and anxiety inducing experience into a calm, pleasant one. I will follow that woman anywhere that she sets up business. The room and space is so cozy and relaxing and I love supporting small, women owned businesses. I cannot recommend this place enough!

Carrie is a goddess! She really put her full self into my facial treatment today by using lovely products, making the space cozy and being fully present and nurturing for the entire session. As someone who prioritizes skincare that’s natural, she really delivered. Not to mention she gave me an incredible neck and foot massage. My skin is glowing! THANK YOU CARRIE!

I have been going to Jess for years now (at a different business) and as soon as she opened up shop here I knew I was switching my business to wherever she was going. She is THAT good. She is warm and kind and creates an incredibly safe and empathetic environment that always leaves me feeling better than when I came. I wouldn’t go to anyone else! So excited to try the other services that are offered here. I’m sure they will be just as amazing as the service that I got today!

The Secret Garden is truthfully one magical place nestled in the cutest neighborhood with the most spectacular Carrie Coldren! She has the most gentle way of waxing and near painless experience! I would really recommend her to anyone! It’s hard to find people who know what they are doing these days and she is a pro! Plus she is so nurturing and makes you feel right at home. This place is so special, clean, inviting and all the good vibes!
Thanks Carrie!

My signature facial with Carrie was amazing! The space is cozy and comfortable and she made me feel so pampered. All the products she used smelled so good and my skin was smooth and glowing after. I may be addicted to regular facials now. If you’re thinking of booking, don’t hesitate!

I go here for waxing, skin care, and massages! Carrie is one of the sweetest, kindest, most fun, and highly talented estheticians I have ever been serviced by! The environment of the shop is adorable and relaxing! She truly is an artist at her craft! Of every service I have with her, I never am anything less than thrilled!!

Carrie, as always, is FANTASTIC! She consistently does a brilliant and very thorough wax job. I recommend her to all my girlfriends. You simply cannot go wrong seeing Carrie.

This is by far the best spot for all of your body needs! I’ve been getting waxed by Jess for ~years~ and she always takes such care to ensure it’s a wonderful experience with the outcome I want 🥲 I just started getting massages from Jess when they opened shop and it has truly been life changing. I, like many, hold so much in my body. Not only does Jess offer a healing energy experience, but she always helps me understand where I might be needing to pay extra attention and care. She gives massages that a meant to heal, not just relax. She knows soooooo much about the body and that expertise really shows in her work. Planning to get a facial next, but I know it will be great. The tldr is GO. I’ve never had a better massage or wax and you will almost certainly feel the same way.

Secret Garden is a beautiful space located just through the tunnel in Alameda, an easy commute for anyone coming from the East Bay. There's lots of free 2hr street parking in the surrounding blocks, and the storefront is easy to find. The ambiance is unmatched- thriving plants, hanging herb bundles, vintage furniture, and a lovely selection of candles, art, and other small items to purchase in the lobby area. It feels like a healing space from the moment you enter! The unit has a lot of charm with an old fireplace in the lobby and unique tiling in the bathroom but is also updated, functional, and very clean. I visited Secret Garden for a 75-minute "My Trainer Told Me To" massage with Jess Hardy. Jess is a radiant, welcoming, and warm person, and takes the time to understand your goals, body, and preferences. Especially as an LGBTQ person, I felt very safe with Jess. The massage itself was deeply relaxing and made me feel like my body had been factory reset. Jess was so thorough in her work, and, even though I listed about 5 areas/issues I'd like to address with no expectations we would get to them all in the time, she was able to cover them all! She also used sliding cups on my back which felt nice and aided in the deep tissue work. The pressure was intense (as I requested) but she was great about checking in and the level always felt beneficial. I was especially impressed by some spots she worked on that typically don't get attention in a standard full body massage, including working on my shoulder via my armpit and working under my ribcage to address in between my ribs. For what you are receiving, the prices are unbelievably reasonable. I can also fully recommend Jess as a thorough, knowledgable, and skilled waxer. My experience was amazing, and I will be back soon. Secret Garden is a new can't-miss gem for all Alameda/East Bay residents to receive true care via bodywork, facials, waxing, and more.

I had such an incredible session with Jess! I did the My Trainer Told Me To (combo of massage and cupping) and worked through some intense pain in my scapula area. She was very attentive to my needs and her intuitive touch made for a really productive hour and a half. I felt the benefits for days afterwards. Highly recommend! Will be back!

Hands down my favorite facial on Alameda! Carrie really understands the facial/body connection. I left with glowing skin, clear sinuses and the knot in my shoulder gone. I will be back and plan to purchase gift certificates for friends!!!

Jess is a true healer. I've been working with her for years, and I can say she is the best bodyworker I've ever been to! She is kind, empathetic, calming and her session helped me release a lot of tension from stress and working out. The space is also a beautiful oasis!

The cutest store! When you walk in you’re greeted by an apothecary of plants and trinkets. The massage was amazing. Friendly and healing staff. I highly recommend. They also offer post top surgery massage.

Truly the best. Jess listens to you and your body. Not only do you feel loose & 3 inches taller when you leave but her massages give you hope when dealing with chronic pain. Highly recommend! #bestinthebay

Carrie is a magician. Her application and technique is all natural applied with a firm touch and specially designed tonics. I leave her feeling renewed with glowing skin and confidence.

Face, Spirit, and Soul care! Beautiful, relaxing setting, knowledgeable Carrie, and customized service! So happy to have met Carrie and for taking the plunge. My face looks gorgeous!

Such an amazing experience! I always have a great experience with Jess. Such a comfortable and relaxing ambiance. I will refer anyone who's asking to this establishment, my experience is always so wonderful!

The business may be new but they're definitely pros with lots of experience with all kinds of bodies! Carrie and Jess are both so warm, non-judgemental, and educated on transgender and non-binary language which is super rare when getting a wax or massage. It's always a little nerve-wrecking being naked in front of a stranger, especially as a person of trans experience, but Carrie's playfulness immediately calmed my nerves before my wax, and I was actually able to fully relax and feel at home in my body during my massage with Jess which is something everyone deserves. Secret Garden is truly such a safe space for people of all genders and I've officially found my new home!