After 15 years, Kathy Leavitt will be closing the doors to MedAesthetic Salon and Day Spa on April 28.

The move comes after her decision to retire from her full-time job as owner of the Tucker Road business. She plans to pick up a part-time gig with a multi-marketing business, called NewULife. She also hopes the decision to close will push her employees to follow their dreams.

“Most of my girls have been here for 10 years; we’ve all been a family for so long,” Leavitt said. “I think it’s time for them to expand and grow their wings and I think it’s time for me. I started another business and I want to grow that.”

Leavitt also has two children she plans to spend more time with in retirement. She has a daughter who is sophomore at Dartmouth High School and another who goes to UMass Dartmouth.

Word of the closure spread quickly among Dartmouth residents via Facebook, with many commenting how sad they were to see the place close. Business has been booming as customers are spending gift cards, which will be accepted up until April 28.

It’s been a bittersweet time for Leavitt, who has been receiving caring remarks from both her employees and customers. She teared up recalling how one person said the spa was an institution in the community.

The building is owned by Leavitt, but no final decision has been made about selling it, although she have received four offers so far. Leavitt also has no plans of leaving the area any time soon.

MedAesthetic Salon and Day Spa is located at 1402 Tucker Road.