How did you get started?

I have 5 sisters. My older sister was going to her prom, I was 17 at the time, and she wanted her hair to look like Ginger’s from Gilligan’s Island.  She came home from the hair salon looking like Mimi Eisenhower. So my mother said, “Well your brother is creative, maybe he can do something.”  I grabbed the hairspray and bobby pins and got to work. The next day, her friends were all calling me to do their hair.

I know you have been very busy lately with your launch of Repêchage products. Why did you decide to incorporate a spa in your salon and how did you choose Repêchage?

We were always interested in doing The 4 Layer Facial, and we also really liked that the natural skin care line is marine based. I saw Lydia in Orlando last June and I loved her skin care philosophy.  A lot of brands get too aggressive with skincare and they try to peel away the problems instead of solving them.

Some of the profits from your Repêchage launch went to the Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Foundation. Do you always donate proceeds from events or was this a special occasion?

We also try and do a lot with charities. We also do the Afternoon Tea De Capris and Fashion Show at the Naples Yacht Club in Naples, Florida. The Humane Society in Naples is probably the number one charity that we support as well as the Immokalee Child Care Foundation. We generally support things that support animals and children.

Why Naples?

I am originally from Boston.  I moved here 19 years ago to live in paradise. My parents lived here and I got to Florida 21 years ago when Elizabeth Arden transferred me here for some out of town experience. I thought out of town would be Connecticut but I was sent to Florida. I ended up making Florida my adopted home.

I know you have a lot of celebrity clients; do you have any tips for up and coming professionals on how to break into this clientele?

Educate yourself, take advantage of every opportunity, read all of the fashion magazines and stay current. Stay extremely professional. High profile celebrities can afford the best, but you should be giving your clients your best no matter who they are. You should always be doing your best work.  My first celebrity client was Stephanie Zimbulus and then Nancy Reagan.

What are you doing right now?

We are on tour right now in Beverly Hills; we even have the chihuahua with us! I am doing Katherine Heigl‘s makeup later this afternoon.

How do you keep yourself motivated and energized every day?

I love what I do.  I get up every morning and I can say I love this profession. I love doing hair and I love helping people feel good about themselves. I LOVE the beauty business. I just can’t picture myself doing anything else. We have been going around here in Beverly Hills going to the salons on my “days off” and I am looking around for the best and newest. I am always looking to see what I bring back for my clients.

When you get a real day off, what is your favorite thing to do?

I would work in my garden. Mostly orchids. Just getting my hands in dirt and being in nature and all the beauty that’s there. There is nothing more rewarding than when an orchid starts to bloom.

Have you found that balancing a personal and professional life has been difficult? How do you cope?

Everyday is a new day. Just be open to whatever happens and you just learn from what happened yesterday. There are days where it is all work, others its play.  I don’t want to call myself a “work-a-holic”, but my work is play for me a lot of the time.  I have down time every night, I read in my spare time.  I am reading “The Loves of Louis the XIV” he created a beautiful world to live in and surrounded himself with beautiful people. It is a great book.

What skincare regime do you use to keep your skin looking and feeling its best?

I love the Repêchage Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream.  I was in Saks Fifth Avenue and two girls came up to me and said, “You have the most beautiful skin what do you use”. First I put on the Biolight Brightening Skin Correct Serum and then I top it off with the Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream.

The holidays are right around the corner, what do you think will be the hottest trend in makeup for Holiday Parties this year?

I think it is going to be going back to Hollywood glam. Shimmer and red lipsticks are going to be big. Very sexy, very glam.

Do you have any upcoming events that you would like to shamelessly plug?

Who:              Janet Evanovich (I will be doing her hair and make-up)

What:             Book signing for “Explosive Eighteen”

When:            Sat., Dec. 3, 2011

Where:          Orlando Barnes and Noble, Colonial Plaza, 24183 Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL

Time:              1pm

 RSVP:           239-643-0233

For more information on Philip Douglas Salon visit www.philipdouglas.com or call 239-643-0233 to make an appointment!

For more information on Repêchage visit www.repechage.com or call 1-800-248-SKIN(7546).

Repêchage: You are the Manager of Le Jardin, but you are not an esthetician or cosmetologist. How did you get into this industry?

Anthony Busso: I work for Le Jardin but the owners also own a few other businesses that I work for as well. I have worked with them for over 15 years now. I do it all here I am the receptionist, human resources, the IT department, and the manager all at once.

Repêchage: What do you like the most about this industry?

Anthony Busso: I love the diversity. It takes a lot to run just one business let alone 4 or 5 of them. Everyday is different I like going in thinking I will be doing one thing and end up doing something completely different. I moved out to California for seven years and tried out the corporate world for a while, it was too blasé for me. I like the challenges that arise here on a daily basis. It is also a rewarding business. We can perform a service and we are changing lives be it giving them the gift of relaxation or reversing their acne. Those things are gratifying. It is neat to know that you can impact your client’s lives.

Repêchage: Le Jardin is a candidate for this year’s Repêchage Spa de Beaute awards, good luck! This year you are the only male candidate, and I noticed you have an entirely female staff! What is it like working with all these women?

Anthony Busso: Well we did have one other man here for a while, he was a certified hairdresser. He was great at washing hair and women would literally line up for him, but he has since changed careers. Some days it is challenging to work with all of these women ::he laughs:: but for the most part I really enjoy it. It is nothing Jerseylicious, those girls are just vicious to each other. We luckily don’t have that problem and we pride ourselves on our hiring techniques. We pat ourselves on the back for having the drama free spa and salon.

Repêchage: I see on your website you have a package named “Girls Night Out”, have you found this to be an effective marketing strategy? What are some of your other marketing strategies?

Anthony Busso: “Girls Night Out” has been extremely successful, it’s harder to get our staff to work the events than to get women to sign up! Guests are lining up for them and 95% of the time people sign up again. Another successful marketing concept was utilizing the press in Cosmopolitan about the Repechage Four Layer Facial. I think we even did a billboard with it! Because we carry Repechage, when the products are in magazines like Cosmopolitan, it makes it look like Le Jardin was in Cosmopolitan. That drives people in, it gives us credibility. We also do a lot of direct advertising via email. If we have open appointment slots we send out an email, sometimes with a discount. Events with samplings also turn into sales. We would like to get the community more involved in the futures so we would like to do a lot more events. We are not a destination spa, its local, that is where we are pulling our customers. Of course we do the seasonal promotions as well, Hydra Dew for dry skin in the winter, and Vita Cura in the summer when everyone is worried about their wrinkles.

Repêchage: Okay now for the most important question. As the Marketing Director, which is better: Facebook or Twitter?

Anthony Busso: They go hand in hand, but I’m going to say Facebook. I am still experimenting with Twitter.

Repêchage: What’s next for Le Jardin?

Anthony Busso: We are hoping to expand and bring in more medical treatments like laser hair removal and cellulite reduction services. We are going to try to be more event driven.

Repêchage: When you aren’t at the spa, what is your favorite thing to do on your day off?

Anthony Busso:  I work six days a week and my day off  is Sunday. I spend it with my family, we do the whole church thing, I cut the grass, and then the day is over! If we get a change though I also like to take my family to the beach, hiking, shopping (they do most of the shopping).

Repêchage: Do you have any upcoming events at Le Jardin?

Anthony Busso: No not for this summer, we slow down for the summer. It’s our 10 year anniversary this year and we are going to celebrate the whole month of April. We are going to be doing Cut-A-Thons, open houses, a gala night, big parties for our regular clients, and of course goody bags. Whatever we can do to help promote Le Jardin.

Repechage: What is the key to your success?

Anthony Busso: Our staff, they are very talented and again drama free. Plus we go above and beyond with our marketing. We are very aggressive with our marketing, we even run commercials on television.

For more information on Le Jardin Day Spa and Salon visit them online or visit them at 378 West Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426, Phone: (610) 489-0800

Repêchage: You are an accomplished hair stylist and a member of the Intercoiffure, in other words, the crème de la crème in the hair industry. What made you decide that you wanted to add skin care to your line-up?

Coral Pleas: I wanted to be able to offer our guests full service. Somewhere they could get everything done at once.

Repêchage: Cutting Loose is a candidate for this years Repêchage Spa de Beaute awards, good luck! What made you decide that you wanted to carry solely Repêchage products?

Coral Pleas: You know what? I know it sounds corny but I saw Lydia at an Intercoiffure event three years ago. I thought her Facial Bar Concept and express skin care was the biggest thing in skincare in a long time! To be honest I had never even tried the products, I just fell in love with Lydia. We fell in love with the products later. At first we tried another line, we favored Repêchage and haven’t had any other products since!

Repêchage: Your website’s mission statement is “E squared- Exceeding Expectations” How do you think Cutting Loose stands out against other Salons and Spas?

Coral Pleas: Not to boast but, we are only three and half years old and we are on target to do two million this year. We have a commitment to education at all levels; I wish our hair care products were as good with education as Repechage is! Your programs are amazing. We are also committed to growing our own. All our stylists have been hand picked and selected and trained. Our hospitality and customer service is very important to us and that is why we work so hard to train our employees.

Repêchage: What do you think lies ahead for Cutting Loose?

Coral Pleas: We are opening a third location in Lakewood Ranch, my son will be my partner in that one. We don’t have plans for a spa yet but we plan on incorporating the express treatments.

Repêchage: You also own another salon, “After Hours” that is run by your daughter. How would you say this salon differs from Cutting Loose?

Coral Pleas: This serves as our training salon and it has a lower price point. Stylists go over there after they graduate from their apprenticeship then can come to Cutting Loose or soon they will be able to go to the location in Lakewood Ranch. Guests love it because we are open later and on Sundays and Monday. Non-traditional salon hours have been very successful.

Repêchage: What is the dynamic like working with your children? Do you all cut each other’s hair?

Coral Pleas: I think I enjoy it more than they do. I left a successful salon with partners for 13 years, because it is hard to be on the same page. It is much easier with your kids to have the same image and to support the brand. Taelor and Travis are both stylists. Taelor is a manager now and Travis is a busy stylist behind the chair. Taelor cut my hair the last time, and she doesn’t even get behind the chair. She did a great job!

Repêchage: Have you found that meshing business and your personal life has been a positive way to have both?

Coral Pleas: We still have Sunday dinner together and we still work together so I think we’re doing okay.

Repêchage: When you and you’re children aren’t at the Salon’s, what is your favorite family activity?

Coral Pleas: When we aren’t working we get to travel a lot. Even on work trips we always tie in a little fun. Occasionally we like to take family vacations together, the last one was to Colorado.

Repêchage: Being in Florida, it has got to be hard to escape the sun! What service do you suggest for those clients that are “sun-worshipers”?

Coral Pleas: Definitely that they need to get facials! Sunscreen for the skin and for the hair! I love the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial!

Repêchage: What do you use to keep your skin looking beautiful each day?

Coral Pleas: I use Vita Cura, I love the Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum, and I just did the seaweed bath! I don’t know if I was tired or if it was the bath but I fell asleep! I also love the travel packages, they are great for people to get into the products!

Repêchage: You recently had a very successful event with the Repêchage team! Do you have any upcoming events? What will you be offering?

Coral Pleas: We do tons of events but summer is quiet. Once a month we invite our VIPS to our “Pamper Lounge” for massages, express facials. Actually today I hired a girl to do some marketing so she will be planning the events. I was so blown away by Lauren (Repêchage Educator) everything she brought for our event was amazing! The graphics, everything!  August 3^rd is our next pamper lounge. It will be from 6:00-8:00pm, cocktails and Lauren gave us a great drink recipe, a frizzy something! So we are going to use that. It should be fun!

For more information about Cutting Loose Salon and Spa, please visit www.cuttingloose.net or call (941) 358-6000 to make an appointment today!

In this Success Story, we explore Kelly White’s (owner of Body Sense Day Spa in Cape Cod, Massachusetts – a Rep ê chage Spa de Beauté Concept Spa) rise to the top. Blending her love for the industry with her business-savvy-side, Kelly has now successfully run her own Day Spa for five years and counting. Find out how her journey led her to running a successful Day Spa, staying competitive, and ready to take on what’s next!

Repêchage: How did you get started in this industry?

Kelly White: Way back in high school, when you had to make your choices with what you want to do with the rest of your life, I decided to go to the tech school in my high school.  I worked as a nail technician in Long Island, NY and then decided to get my associates in business at the local community college. After I received my degree I was working seven days a week and I wasn’t making any money. I decided to get back into the nail business and I think I made more my first day at the nail salon than I had made in an entire week as a administrative assistant.

Repêchage: When did you decide that you wanted to open your own spa, have you always been located in Cape Cod?

Kelly White: I am from Long Island, but when my sister got a job at Bloomingdales in Cape Cod I decided to come along, we used to vacation there when I was younger and I love the area.

Repêchage: How did decide that you needed to own your own spa?

Kelly White: When we first moved to Cape Cod, I was working in retail at Bloomingdale’s where my sister worked. One of the girls in jewelry knew that I had been a nail technician prior, and mentioned that they were looking for a nail tech. Within six months, the owner saw what a go-getter I was and made me a partner. I then realized that I could never work for anybody else. I went from nails, then to a subcontractor at a series of spas, and then the spa I was working at was looking to sell. The previous owner wasn’t the best manager and so even though I was subcontracting, I was basically running the place. The new owner wasn’t looking for that. So, I was driving around and I found the space that we are at now. I started with a staff of just me and now I have seven girls.

Repêchage: What are some of your marketing tactics for bringing in new clients and returning clients?

Kelly White: I hired a local business to manage my software package. They take care of my website and keep everything up-to-date. I also use referral cards. If a existing customer refers someone new they get 20% off their next purchase. We also do loyalty cards, these cute little key tags, we keep track of the dollars spent and visits so every quarter the clients are rewarded dependent of what they spend. We also send a newsletter each month. But the most important thing, is always word of mouth.

Repêchage: I noticed on your website that you offer a special de jour! What have been some of your most successful promotions and why?

Kelly White: I would have to say it was the mini services promotions that we did two years ago targeting the locals here. We are going to do it again in September. It is like an appetizer for everything we do here. The object is, they come in for a mini facial, a mini manicure or pedicure, or a massage and it is the technicians object to upgrade them to the full service.

Repêchage: You are a 2009 Repêchage Spa de Beauté Award winner and have submitted again this year, good luck! How do you think Body Sense stands out against other spas?

Kelly White: Education is so important it never ends. Right now I am in a Podiatry program and hope to continue my education throughout 2011. You just have to keep up and be educated in this business. At Body Sense we also like to really get involved with the local community. We do a lot of charitable work and we really just try and get out and support everything going on. Also, our customer service is outstanding, like I said before word of mouth is the best way to attract new clients so our customer service really has to stand out. Also, sanitation, sterilization, and disinfecting. We are the cleanest spa in Cape Cod; you could eat off of my floor. I am a fanatic about it and this place is spotless. It is scary to me that people would compromise health over price. I think now consumers are more educated, but we still have a long way to go.

Repêchage: What lies ahead for you and Body Sense?

Kelly White: Growing, possibly opening another location. I would love to get my daughter in this business, she is 8 years old and she already wants to work with mommy. Sometimes I let her answer the phone. That would be so exciting, kind of like Lydia and Shiri, passing it down!

Repêchage: Are you able to maintain balance between owning a spa and having a personal life? What do you like to do in your free time?

Kelly White: It’s not easy. I have two kids, eight and ten, and it isn’t easy. I have two days off a week. Last week I took my kids to our property on the water for the day and I made them dinner. We were there until 10 o’clock at night. The time we get to spend together is very special to me. Whether it be day trips or what have you, we make the most of it. I also have a very supportive husband. I am here a majority of the time. We just keep growing and moving. I also try to fit in some exercise and mediation.

Repêchage: What is your personal beauty regimen?

Kelly White: I only use Repêchage. I have been with the company 15 years now. I will not use anything else and I say that to my clients too. I am having a very big birthday this weekend and no one believes me when I tell them how old I am. I have to really believe in the product I can’t just sell anything.  I use all Vita Cura and some of the cell renewal. I love it!

Repêchage: As well as a licensed aesthetician and make-up artist, you are also a nail technician. What do you think the hottest trend in nail polish will be this summer? What do you think the most popular facial will be?

Kelly White: I have a more conservative clientele so the french manicure is the most popular always, but other than that, I’m going to say hot pink.

As to the most popular facial I’m thinking for oily skin, the Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Facial, can I say another one too? I think the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial will be very popular here as well.

Repêchage: You do a lot of events at Body Sense, what have been some of your more interesting or more successful events?

Kelly White: Every quarter we do events and the community likes to come and support. We do our anniversary party in October, then a Christmas at the beginning at December, a Valentine’s Day event, and then one for Mother’s Day. The events usually attract anywhere from 30-50 people and they are very successful. We offer 20% off all appointments and retail purchased that night. People like a party, especially in Cape Cod. I have to say my anniversary party is my favorite event, it was a big leap for me, I am just so proud of myself! What’s happening now is awesome, it’s nice to stand back and look. Definitely a lot of sacrifices but it was all worth it.

Repêchage: Do you have any upcoming events that you would like to share?

Kelly White: Our six year anniversary party will be our next event! It is going to be on October 6, 2011. How funny! Our six year anniversary party is going to be on the 6^th!

Call (508) 775-7546 to book an appointment today or check out their website www.bodysensebeautyclinic.com !

Repêchage: When did you decide that you wanted to own your own spa?

Michelle Lamb: It was 6 years ago, I started off working at a hair salon and there were 20 hair dressers there, it was very hectic. I didn’t feel like the spa was actually a spa. I just wanted something that when people come in here they say ‘Ooo….Ahhh’ I didn’t want my customers hearing blow dryers and smelling perms, I wanted them to feel like they are at day spa.

Repêchage: How do you keep yourself motivated and energized every day?

Michelle Lamb: I love what I do. If you love what you do, you don’t mind getting up every day. It is very rewarding give your clients a beautiful facial or massage and have them leave happy. I also workout here in Summit Pointe with a trainer. Working out and staying in shape keeps you healthy, active, and motivated.

Repêchage: You just opened at your new location. In this economy, how did you get the courage to build a new spa?

Michelle Lamb: I haven’t really felt the recession.  It gets slow but at the same time we have our regulars, and we take our time with our clients. As far as advertising goes, I don’t pay for newspaper ads or radio time. We’re at auctions and fundraisers so we keep in front of everyone. We donate services and products to local events, and I make sure I am there and that my staff is there. I think that being a part of the community is the best way to get your clients and keep your clients. You also have to be available; if you aren’t available they are going to go somewhere else. It is 102 degrees here right now. People aren’t going to be going out in this heat, so mornings are slow. In this weather I have a morning and night shift, this way I can stay open later so that clients can come in after work or when it cools down a little. By providing a great service, keeping involved in my community, and being available I was able to do well enough to build a completely new spa.

Repêchage: What is the best tip you can give to someone looking to open their own salon right now?

Michelle Lamb: It’s funny you should ask that! One of my friends in Panama City, wants to come to Lemongrass, so that I can consult her, she wants to open her own Day Spa. She is coming from a medical background and I told her, “You have to know the business”. That is the key thing. You need to know how to do the services and you need to be licensed in them. The other day one of my nail technicians had an emergency and couldn’t come in. I was able to pull up my selves and do the foot massages and pedicures so we that we didn’t have to cancel appointments our appointments. If you don’t know the business, you’re just not going to be able to make it.

Repêchage: Last year your old location was voted “Best Day Spa” for the Repêchage “Spa De Beaute Awards”. First of all, congratulations and good luck this year! How does the new location compare to the old one?

Michelle Lamb: We are in a great little plaza where I was able to build from the ground up. Every room is different and unique. The pedicure station was all custom built, from the copper bowls to the seats to the cushions.

I decided to move to this plaza because there is a lot of stuff going on. It is this big round circle with all these cute little spaces. Right now we are working with the other stores in the plaza to create a Bridal Package where brides-to-be can get everything they need right in this plaza. There is a hair salon, restaurants, a boutique, a travel agency, and even a car rental! They can literally get anything they need here. We are also working on possibly doing a wine tasting and chair massages night with one of the restaurants. It’s just such a great location, plus when you’re in Summit Point, it’s like you are in a little committee, they are not going to let another Day Spa in this plaza. We all work together to help each other.

Repêchage: Where do you see Lemongrass going in the future?

Michelle Lamb: My next step, building growing, and expanding. I would really like to turn Lemongrass into a franchise. I have people that ask me, “Do you have one in California? Do you have one here? Do you have one there?”  I always tell them, “No but someday!” I am actually thinking about selling my name and my logo to my friend in Panama City that I mentioned before. It took me a long time to build my brand and if I can help other people of course I will, but it will still be my brand.

Repêchage: What is the Lemongrass treatment that you can’t live without?

Michelle Lamb: The Repechage 4-Layer Facial… I have to say and then the VC5 as well!  I’m actually getting a facial tonight! If I am going to be in NYC next month I’ve got to look good! People always ask me, “How do you look so young” and I say “seaweed.”

Repêchage: When you aren’t at the Spa, what is your favorite thing to do on your day off?

Michelle Lamb: I like to travel. I don’t usually take one day off; I’ll take off several days at a time. I went to Costa Rica last year, I like trying different places. If I get a few days off I want to go somewhere new, somewhere I’ve never been before!

Repêchage: How do you maintain your work/life balance?

Michelle Lamb: I’m married no kids, 4 dogs, and 15 employees. My day off is Sunday so I usually go to church, have lunch, take a nap, and turn my phone off. That is mine and my husband’s day; my mom even knows not to call me. We just make that time for each other. If I want to lay in bed all day and watch movies, which is what I did last Sunday, then I will do that. You have to put yourself away from everything and just take the time to yourself.

Repêchage: I heard you loved your trip NYC last year for the 2010 Congress, what is your favorite thing about NYC?

Michelle Lamb: Everything. I told my friend, who is making the trip with me this year, that we are going to Tiffany and Co, and going to every floor! The foods, the shops, the energy is amazing! When you live in the south it’s not that happening at 2am in the morning. It really is the city that never sleeps.

Repêchage: Is there anything you want to do this year that you didn’t get to do last time you were in NYC?

Michelle Lamb: I want to see a Broadway show or comedy. I love comedies, I just haven’t decided on which one to see yet!

Upcoming Events at Lemongrass Day Spa- This weekend (June 18-19) send your Dad to Lemongrass Day Spa for a Sports Massage or Regular Massage.  Snacks and cold beverages will be supplied.  Call (229) 244-4111 to book an appointment today or check out their website www.lemongrassdayspaonline.com !

Repêchage: How did you get started in the salon industry?

Richard Calcasola: I went to hairdressing school in the late 1960s and opened my first salon in 1970. It’s been a rollercoaster ride ever since!

Repêchage: Was there a defining moment when you decided to open your own salon?

Richard Calcasola: I was very unhappy where I was working and decided to move out of the community and start all over in a brand new, up and coming community!

Repêchage: As an owner with a background in hair, how do you effectively incorporate skincare as a prominent piece of your business?

Richard Calcasola: Almost 20 years ago, it became evident that a good friend of mine, Noelle de Caprio’s, influence in the spa industry was becoming apparent. Our close relationship allowed her to encourage me to start thinking about skincare. In an effort to incorporate skincare with our overall hair background, I surround myself with people who know a lot about skincare! With the help of Lydia Sarfati, we’ve actually brought skincare out of the spa and into the salon with our FaceBar. Having skincare so visible and easily accessible made it much easier for us to incorporate skincare education and services to an already loyal clientele.

Repêchage: You were very busy preparing the opening of the Old Country Road location recently. What went into conceptualizing and creating this new state of the art salon and spa?

Richard Calcasola: The most important thing we wanted to accomplish was taking advantage of an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, offer new services and introduce our clients to new products like Repêchage. It was critical, especially during these very trying times, to offer something beyond same old. It had to be new. I firmly believe clients will spend the money if they see the value and perceive it as being different. Our location was perfect after moving out of a bankrupt mall. It is two blocks away with a parking lot that can hold 300 cars, so this gave us greater visibility and plenty of parking! We were also concerned with making a move that we didn’t leave any clients behind, so with it being only two blocks away we were able to bring everyone with us.

Repêchage: How do you keep yourself motivated and energized every day?

Richard Calcasola: I am never bored! I’m constantly educating myself—reading. I am fortunate in that I still have the creative passion. It’s no different than 40 years ago when I opened up my first salon. My job provides me with tremendous diversity—as a CEO of a company with two locations and over 150 employees and I’m able to still style hair for photo shoots on a VIP basis at the salon level. No two days are alike in my world. Every day is different. I read a great deal about fashion, beauty, art—all the things that stimulate creativity.

Repêchage: Where do you see Maximus Spa/Salons in 10 years?

Richard Calcasola: In the hands of others! In the next 10 years, I will hopefully have a company model that is sustainable with the help of a well prepared leadership team including my family. I expect my wife, Joyce, and my daughter, Laura to continue with the same energy and with the help of people who are in management.

I’ll be at the beach under a palm tree, reading and sending emails!

Repêchage: You recently spoke at our Power Lunch event and gave attendees an amazing speech on succeeding in business. Can you share the nuts and bolts with us now?

Richard Calcasola: First, stay informed. Keep your finger on the pulse. Realize that the plates spin of fury. You must spin each plate enough to keep it going. You will be able to overcome challenges with desire dedication and most of all determination.

Repêchage: How do you maintain your work/life balance?

Richard Calcasola: I’m very fortunate in that my work and life are almost one in the same. We enjoy what we do most of the time so that it’s so interrelated that it’s every day. My family and I work together. To me there’s balance because it’s so intertwined that it’s related. It’s not like I punch out and take three days off and come back Wednesday. If I go to a movie, I’ll somehow bring that back to the salon. One of the nice parts of research in business are spa services.

Repêchage: What is the one song you can’t stop listening to right now?

Richard Calcasola: I’ve been very into 50’s music right now! It’s just fun, easy, romantic and reminds me of some very good times.

Repêchage: Who had the best hair at the Grammy’s?

Richard Calcasola: I didn’t stay up long enough to see it all! Not much after the tribute to Aretha. There were five fantastic vocalists. It wasn’t really about hair, it was more about costumes! I don’t think there will be many hair trends coming out of the Grammy’s as much as outlandish and entertaining costumes. I think it came down to who could be the most daring.

Repêchage: Is there one celebrity whose hair you’re dying to do?

Richard Calcasola: Natalie Portman is high on the list! Jennifer Aniston, who didn’t like her Friends haircut, I would love the opportunity to restyle her hair! It became such a thing that she said she can’t believe she’s known for her hair more than her acting!

Repêchage: Do you have any upcoming plans to travel? Where are you planning to go?

Richard Calcasola: We’re going to Mexico on a business retreat! That will be in mid May.

Repêchage: What is the best tip you can give to someone looking to open their own salon right now?

Richard Calcasola: Do it your way! Do your homework and pay attention to the math.

In this interview we get up close and personal with Lois Christie, President of Intercoiffure America/Canada, owner of Christie & Co. Salon Spa, a Repêchage Spa de Beauté, celebrating 40 years since opening in Bayside, NY. Lois shares her determination to be the best, her firm belief in education and her commitment to having a great time doing what you love—plus a sneak peek at her 40^th Anniversary Celebration bash coming up at the Edison Ballroom.

Repechage: How did you get started?

Lois Christie: It was simple, I always wanted to be a hairdresser from when I was a little kid. I was always laser focused. When I told my parents I wanted to be a hairdresser they were like “Oh no no go to college,” but shortly after that they were convinced I was in the right path. I bought my first salon when I was 20 years old, I should start to say I was 10! So, it’s been a great path for me, it’s passionate, great, the beauty industry is a fabulous industry!

Repechage: What have you learned over the years? How do you see your business? Where do you see your future going?

Lois Christie: We call it 40 fabulous years, we’re making over 40 fabulous women to celebrate our 40th fabulous year. I think the beauty industry now is probably better than ever, because I think salon owners, hair dressers, colorists, estheticians, the whole skincare business, people are looking for more professionals and not a department store person who isn’t trained licensed and educated to take care of their needs.

I think the salons, like Intercoiffure salons, who are worldwide, the level of training and education for our staff and keeping on top of the fashions. Clients expect that today so the level of service we provide, business has been better than ever for Intercoiffure salons, for Christie & Co., thank god we’re up in the year of 2010!

Repechage: You are President of Intercoiffure. How did you get involved? How do you do it all?

Lois Christie: A little crazy, but I have always believed in more education. Where do you go to learn more—you can’t just say I’m successful, I know it all now and sit back. Every day is a learning experience. A friend of mine, Leland Hirsch from ARTec, said you should join Intercoiffure and I did in 1990. I never thought I’d be president of America/Canada; I’m also world Vice President! I’ve met the best friends, the best business people, people like Lydia—you need a fraternity of other salon owners and like minded people to share your knowledge with.

Repechage: Since you’ve been in the business for 40 years, I think right here, in Bayside, have your clients grown with you and do you see the next generation coming in?

Lois Christie: We do! We’re actually on third generations. We have an excellent community reputation. We are very involved in the community. It is one large location, we’ve grown of course in Bayside. I do really believe in connecting in community organizations, religious groups, whatever it takes, but really do it out of your heart and not for something back. We have a large staff, we educate our staff, constantly motivate so I think it’s a pretty good connection right now.

Repechage: You were named top 10 business women in NY; Congratulations!

Lois Christie: Yes, thank you very much I was named top 10 business women by Mayor Bloomberg. He’s really recognized a lot of the small business people. We’re very proud of our salon and its reputation, we continue to grow it. I do see the future of the beauty business in large salons or a small salon as long as you keep educating, keep changing as long as you don’t sit back on your laurels, you just can’t take your reputation for granted. Keep working at it, we work at it every day.

How do you keep yourself motivated and energized every day?

Lois Christie: Well, I have to pay all the bills, so it’s a big motivation! I love what I do. I love the staff and the people I work with and the industry partners we have. I think working with other companies like Repêchage, being a Spa de Beauté has really energized my whole spa thinking! We work with P&G Professional as well as L’oreal. They also help you and are your partners. I think you have to reach out to the people, especially in this economy and work together.

Repechage: What is your personal beauty regimen for staying fabulous at any decade?

Lois Christie: Well of course after meeting Lydia, I do I use Repêchage. I’m a big fan of Opti Firm and I love the C-serum! I also think eating healthy, exercising, it all works together. I think when you’re happy and content at what you’re doing, people are beautiful from the inside.

Repechage: I know you’re very fashion forward, so what is your favorite piece in your closet right now?

Lois Christie: Well right now, we’re into bling bling! Colorists Wear Diamonds is the theme of our 40^th anniversary party! I think sometimes when the economy is bad, it’s great to dress up. I do wear a lot of Armani, this year I’m a little trendier, I wear Alice + Olivia. I think we want to have a little more fun this year.

Repechage: And colorists always wear diamonds? You’re wearing diamonds today!

Lois Christie: I like diamonds every day! They never go out of style! Right now, hair color and retail sales are really driving our business forward. I think all of the clients any age, their hair looks better with color. We have 16 colorists here, we train our colorists. It makes hair better, and really makes the clients more loyal to the salon. As you know, a hair color client also is a nail client also is a cosmetics client and a skincare client.

Repechage: Can you share a bit about your upcoming event in November: where it’s at, what’s going to be exciting, maybe any surprises?

Lois Christie: I don’t want to give away any surprises! But I think somebody by the name of Gaga something might show up! We decided even though it’s a bad economy, we decided to celebrate our 40 years, we’re going to have a very glitzy bling bling party at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan. We have about 200 industry friends, family and of course the staff. Some awards will be given out. We really want to celebrate that the industry is a great industry to be in!

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Join Lois Christie and the Christie & Co. Salon ۰ Spa Staff, with Lydia Sarfati and Repêchage for an Up Close & Personal Event!

When:              Thursday, December 2, 2010
Time:               2:00pm- 7:00pm
Where:             Christie & Co. Salon ۰ Spa

23-64 Bell Blvd.
Bayside, NY

RSVP: 718-225-7766

For more information on Christie & Co. Salon ۰ Spa visit www.christiesalon.com or call 718-225-7766 to reserve your appointment! For more anniversary information visit www.fabulousfortyyears.com.

For more information on Repêchage professional skin care products visit  www.repechage.com or call 1-800-248-SKIN(7546).

This interview is with Vivian Vandivier owner of Transformations Salon and Spa . Transformations Salon and Spa of Indianapolis, is a Repêchage Spa de Beauté and is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year! Owner Vivian Vandivier shares her beginnings, her motivation and what keeps her clients coming back for more!

Repêchage: What inspired you to go into the salon and spa business?

Vivian Vandivier: I grew up in this business. My mother owned a salon. My dad came home one day in 1964 and told my mom he had bought her a salon. It seemed a natural progression for me.

Repêchage: What keeps you going?

Vivian Vandivier: My faith in God and my faith in people. Honestly and truly, I work with the best people in the world. I love my clients, our staff, my sales people; it’s everything about our industry that keeps me going. My faith in the fact that they are all good people. It’s true the cream rises to the top and they are all the best people to be around!

Repêchage: How is business now different from when you started out?

Vivian Vandivier: As a business owner, 25 years ago I think I was ignorant—there were so many things I didn’t know that I thought I knew. Business was easier then because you didn’t have to be as savvy. You really have to educate yourself today to be in business! In today’s market you, have to have a strategy.

If you’re not on top, you’re on bottom, so you just have to work harder to be better. There is no “getting by” you have to know everything. It’s harder in a lot of ways but it’s much more rewarding.

Repêchage: Do you have any clients that have been with you the full 25 years?

Vivian Vandivier: I have clients for the past 35 years. People were here when we first opened the salon. When we first opened we only had one treatment room and there wasn’t even running water!

Repêchage: How did you keep people coming back for 35 years?

Vivian Vandivier: People sense our genuine sincerity. There is a lot of competition, but I think that what makes us so unique is that we are so personable. We have a relationship. A warmth, caring, when they walk in the doors I hear people say they feel like they’re in their safe place. We are still professional, but I hear a lot from people who view us as so personable.

Repêchage: What is your secret to being successful in the salon and spa industry?

Vivian Vandivier: My key to success has been stamina and not giving up. There are highs and lows in life and business and our industry and the important thing is to stay the course, keep your vision in front of you. I think it’s important to pace yourself. People want to run, or sit and let it happen, but you have to stay the course.

Repêchage: How have you evolved over the years?

Vivian Vandivier: We opened in 1985, with one treatment room. We moved to a new location in 1995 with more square footage, still only one treatment room, but we added running water. Then in 2006, we opened the day spa. Now we have a spa with over 2000 square feet, four treatment rooms all with running water! We have showers, a community room and a nail area. It’s so relaxing and peaceful. I go sit there sometimes when I need a minute to relax.

I have to say adding the day spa brought in a whole new client. Our whole demographics changed when we added the day spa and we got a whole new demographic. It really changed and enabled us to change the whole image of our salon.

Repêchage: What is your top selling Repêchage treatment? Product?

Vivian Vandivier: 4-Layer Facial!

Repêchage: What is the Repêchage product that you can’t live without?

Vivian Vandivier: The c-serum! Its liquid gold I love it!

Repêchage: How do you attract and retain clients?

Vivian Vandivier: It’s the relationship that we build with them. It’s our talent and skill, but there is a lot of talent out there and not everyone uses their talent to their best ability, but we try to be excellent in our work. And we are cleanliness sanitation and clients can tell! I think the relationship we have keeps them coming back. There are so many coupons and pulls out there, but if you have a relationship with your clients, there is just loyalty there!

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Join Vivian Vandivier and the Transformations Salon and Spa staff plus Repêchage skin care expert, Lauren Streeter for the event kick off!

When:  October 2, 2010
Time: 9:00am- 4:00pm
Where: Transformations Salon and Spa
8083 A. Madison Ave.
Indianapolis, IN

RSVP: 317-882-1773

For more information on Transformations Salon and Spa visit www.transformationssalonandspa.com or call 317-882-1773 to reserve your appointment!

For more information on Repêchage professional skin care products visit  www.repechage.com or call 1-800-248-SKIN(7546).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILZQb03EdEo

To learn more about Besu Salon and Day Spa Visit New York Salon and Spa

Over the years, I have found great confusion with consumers. I believe this confusion stems from seeking advice from the next cosmetic counter salesperson and not finding the answers from skincare specialists with skin science knowledge. People are faced with the ‘latest and greatest’ options daily when they walk into a local department store, but don’t realize that the person behind the counter is making recommendations without the knowledge base necessary to provide a proper recommendation.

We provided relief to attendees of all ages and skin types. We saw guests from age 20 to age 80! We helped people with sensitive skin to people with acne to people with hyper pigmentation! Through the art of listening, we heard the concerns of each person and were able to properly suggest a results oriented Repêchage skincare regimen to treat each problem.

Overall, Lois and I are aimed at keeping the people of Bayside ahead of the curve in skincare and on a larger scale, giving everyone beautiful and healthy skin with signature Repêchage natural skincare products.