Samantha Linhares believes that education is key when it comes to skin care.

“What we offer is not your typical facial,” said Linhares, owner of the recently opened Salt, the Spa on Elm in Padanaram. “Of course, I want to get into the relaxation part, but I also do an educational part with my skin care.”

She said it’s not only important that people take care of their skin by coming in for facials, but that they follow up with the best products and procedures on a daily basis.

“A lot of customers say it’s a different form of facials they’ve had before because of education,” she said.

All of the employees at the spa, which opened in April, undergo the same exact training from Linhares, who’s been in the business for over 15 years, working for herself and others, mostly in the Dartmouth area.

“You’re going to get the same exact level of service — it’s not going to vary from staff,” she said. “Everybody’s on the same page. That’s really important to me.”

The consistency Linhares offers has kept her customers coming back. Liz Martin said she’s followed Samantha wherever she’s worked.

“I’ve been going to Samantha for over 14 years,” said Martin. “That says something right there. I met her in the summer of 2001 when I first moved to South Dartmouth. And I haven’t gone any place since.”

Martin called her “an absolute perfectionist,” noting that she mostly gets manicures and pedicures but sometimes she gets facials and makeup done at the spa.

“She’s particular about how she does things,” said Martin. “She’s very particular about how she wants people that work for her to do things. She’s very good at what she does. She loves it. She knows and understands her industry. All of those things contribute to her end result.”

“I think she’s probably one of the most thorough provider of services — you won’t get better service from her,” added Martin. “You won’t get a better manicure, pedicure, facial. She’s obsessive. She’s a Virgo.”

Customer Linda Othote, who’s utilized Linhares’ services for over 10 years, had comments that mirrored Martin’s.

“Consistency. Absolute consistency,” said Othote. “I’ve probably used every aspect of her services. The perfection's shown through always.”

The new 344 Elm Street location has Linhares excited, as well. An advocate of local, organically made products, she struggled to find a storefront in the area to match her love of all things local. Then she found an ideal location in Padanaram.

“It’s super charming,” she said. “There’s a cute little view of the (Padanaram) bridge. It’s very bright and welcoming. I feel like everybody feels very comfortable walking in.”

As an added bonus, most of Linhares’ loyal customers live right in or around the village.

“They were super happy to walk down and see me,” she said.