Elle Day Spa Reopens in Lanesborough
Spa owner Michelle McGuire says Lanesborough's business-friendly atmosphere played a part in her decision to move her spa there.
The event marked the end of 18 months of renovations and five-year hunt for a bigger location.
Ella Day Spa owner Michelle McGuire hopes that her business from the scent, ambiance, and customer service gives the clients a safe place where they can feel comfortable, loved, and nurtured.
The spa offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing eyelash services, and other treatments to "rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit."
Although the journey took a lot longer and was more expensive than she originally thought, McGuire is happy they did it.
She started her business in 2006 at the former Crowne Plaza but over the last 18 years has developed a larger clientele and outgrew the space.
McGuire said she started this journey alone behind a desk, scared to death but has now grown about 18 staff members. In addition to providing clients a safe space, the spa also gives McGuire's staff a place to grow and build their clientele, she said.
"Not only do I love my clients, but my staff is so important to me, and creating a safe space for them to work and flourish in their careers and that that actually is really important to me," she said.
Esthetician Nicole "Nikki" Peeteros has worked with McGuire for about four years and said she feels very supported.
"I did manage the spa for her for a few years and we've really just had great teamwork together and we've always bounced ideas off each other … So it's really important to work with women who support each other," Peeteros said.
The larger location allows for the spa to expand its services and staff, and solves a lack of parking at the old site.
The move from Pittsfield was nerve-wracking at first, McGuire said, because she was not sure her clientele would follow her.
"I'm seeing clients that I haven't seen in a few years because of the parking issues," she said.
The previous location only had four treatment rooms but the new space has seven so they are able to accommodate a lot more people. It also has more opportunity for growth through an addition.
McGuire settled on Lanesborough because of the town's real estate taxes and welcome to businesses.
"They're really business-friendly and community driven. All of the Select Board and council people have reached out to me congratulating me and the staff," McGuire said.
"They've popped in, they've seen the progress the whole way, and they've been so supportive. So, I love the community and Lanesborough."
It is clear that McGuire has put a lot of time and effort into the renovations and the opening of this is very exciting, Select Board member Michael Murphy said.
"It's a better location for them and their employees from where they came from. So we're excited about that and just the fact that they're bringing people not only here to their business, but hopefully to their other businesses and to other businesses in Lanesborough," Murphy said.
Select Board Chair John Goerlach agreed with this sentiment adding that what McGuire has invested in the town by opening the spa and owning Bob's Country Kitchen is great for the town.
McGuire's father, Peter McGuire, had owned the restaurant for 17 years prior to his passing. She become principal owner after buying out her two siblings four years.
"I had worked at Cranwell for a few years and I always wanted to own my own business. My dad always had businesses on the side so I guess that's where I get my entrepreneurial spirit from," McGuire said.
"So it was always my passion to have my own business and do what I love, which is skin care and nails and helping people in a really positive way."
More information on Ella Day Spa here.
Tags: business changes, spa,
