The Congaree Vista Guild, a non-profit, membership-based organization comprising a wide variety of restauranteurs, shop, business and gallery owners, homeowners and museums in the Vista, announces the opening of two new businesses in the district. You and Improved Esthetics, a full service skin and body-shaping treatment center, opened late June at 911 Lady Street, Suite D. And Kao Thai Cuisine, an authentic Thai restaurant, opened July 2 at 1001 Senate Street.

You and Improved Esthetics

Owned by Dusty Rushton, You and Improved is a full-service skincare and esthetics treatment center (911 Lady Street, Suite D), offering a full line of services designed to enhance skin and change a client’s appearance with non-surgical body-shaping techniques, including facials, waxing, teeth whitening, massages, body sculpting and more.

“I am thrilled to bring You and Improved Esthetics to the Vista and Columbia,” said Rushton. “The Vista is a special place with plenty of dining options, and the neighborhood’s public art makes it different from anywhere else in the city. I know clients will love what we have to offer. I look forward to helping men and women enhance the beauty they already have.”

You and Improved invites members of the public to its grand opening celebration this Friday, July 13, from 7 – 9 p.m. Owners will offer complimentary food and beverages and attendees can see You and Improved’s luxurious spa-like facilities.

Kao Thai Cuisine

Owned by Gai Wilson, a Bangkok native, Kao Thai Cuisine (1001 Senate St., Suite 300) offers authentic street food that can commonly be found on the streets of Bangkok. Kao will also feature some Pan-Asian influenced dishes that will excite diners as well as classic Thai dishes that lovers of Thai food will appreciate. Wilson’s goal for Kao is to display the diversity of Thai cuisine and give diners an intimate look into Thai culture. 

Wilson opened Tamarind Thai Cuisine in Arden, NC outside of Asheville in 2007. She was raised in a traditional Thai home and taught the art of Thai cooking at an early age. Kao explores the unique flavors of Asian ingredients with an emphasis on fresh preparations.  

“We are thrilled to welcome You and Improved and Kao Thai Cusine to the Vista,” said Meredith Atkinson, executive director of the Vista Guild. “They each speak to the sophisticated clientele with worldly, diverse tastes we have in the Vista. Kao joins more than 90 bars and restaurants we have here in the Vista and You and Improved joins several unique spa and beauty businesses here in our district.”

For more information on the Vista Guild, visit www.VistaColumbia.com or call (803) 269.5946. Follow @VistaColumbiaSC on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.