MENU
SEARCHWhen Wild Ivy Day Spa owners Leslyn Zak and Wendy Moore decided their business needed a makeover, they opted to change venues altogether. Although they loved the historic hotel the spa was located in, they felt there was simply too many obstacles standing in their way.
Owners Wendy Moore and Leslyn Zak (right) felt it was time for a big change -- hence their move to a bigger location.
Owners Wendy Moore and Leslyn Zak (right) felt it was time for a big change -- hence their move to a bigger location.
When Wild Ivy Day Spa owners Leslyn Zak and Wendy Moore decided their business needed a makeover, they opted to change venues altogether. Although they loved the historic hotel the spa was located in, they felt there was simply too many obstacles standing in their way.
“Conflicting with the soothing spa atmosphere were the daily operations of the hotel,” says Leslyn. “Noise, foreign odors, flooding, and lack of autonomy were simply holding us back.” Simply put, the spa would not have been able to reach its full potential if it continued to operate out of the hotel.
In March 2000, Leslyn and Wendy found a new location – a space in a quaint Rockport, Mass., area that would be sure to draw business. “The space is close to a train station, shopping centers, and has plenty of free parking – an almost nonexistent commodity in Rockport,” says Leslyn.
The two built the spa from the ground up, which was no easy endeavor, but allowed them to create the spa of their dreams. They used unique architectural details including a vaulted ceiling, built-in floral shelves, an S-curved wall, a shoji screen reception desk, and unique Japanese and American artwork. A new lighting plan sets the ambiance, enhancing the spa atmosphere as well as allowing staff members to skillfully serve their clients.
Their service menu was even updated to reflect the Japanese look of the spa. A few months after beginning work on the spa, the staff moved the business from the basement into the upstairs area and began doing business. The first service performed that day was a pedicure. The spa was far from being ready, however. Leslyn still had no consult with a feng shui expert on placement of objects. And a year after first deciding on the space, Leslyn and a design builder were still hard at work building a staff lounge, laundry room, administrative office, and storage areas.
Leslyn admits that a larger and more prominent facility obviously enables the spa to generate higher revenues. However, the impact of the new location goes beyond mere dollars and cents. “Wild Ivy Day Spa makes an impression on each and every person with whom we do business,” Leslyn says. “The quality of the spa and its atmosphere has made it possible to attract the very best operators to serve our clients.” Despite the long hours and hard work it took to make the new Wild Ivy Day Spa, Leslyn wouldn’t have it any other way. “Ultimately, our prestige in the community has increased, our reputation precedes itself, and we get to make even more people happy,” she says.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
