Small Biz Spotlight: La Residencia Spa

Jane Aransky has been an aesthetician for nearly 40 years, and is one of the first in New England. She received her aesthetic license in 1976 and opened her first spa, Jane Aransky Skin Care, in 1978.

A few years later, she pursued a Master’s degree in education with a concentration on psychological counseling so that she could focus on both inner and outer well-being.

And in 2001, she opened La Residencia Spa so that she could offer more services and create a team of like-minded, experienced aestheticians.

What made you decide to open this type of business? And why this location? In 1989, when our last child went off to college, we decided to also leave the nest on an adventurous journey to Mallorca, Spain. We lived in a fishing village for two glorious years. Until, once again, change knocked on our door, and back to the States we went. While in Spain, we visited a beautiful hotel in the hills of Deia called La Residencia that I fell in love with. I knew right away that I would adopt that name for my spa when I returned and I did!

What do you like best about it? I had always wanted to create an intimate, home-like day spa so when we found our current location, it really fit the bill. Our location is a historic home that we completely renovated. Not to mention, I like the charm and village feel of Newton Upper Falls. Our Spa is also very elegant and warm so it’s incredibly conducive to comfort and being pampered. Unlike most medical spas, you feel relaxed as soon as you step in the door. Our customers are often amazed at how different we are from most spas in that our environment is very intimate and private.

Biggest struggle? Because we are located behind another building and in a quiet part of town, we are somewhat of a “hidden jewel,” so we struggle with being visible. But, we have many clients who have been with us for years, almost since the beginning so it’s like they are family. Also, like most small businesses, we struggle with competing against chain spas and salons and the Internet for product sales. Many people don’t realize the dangers of buying skincare products online from unauthorized sellers so we are continually educating them.

What do you see for the future? We have continued to grow our medical spa services and will further that. We recently expanded our Botox and fillers with a nurse that has 20 years of experience as well as added collagen induction therapy (also known as microneedling) and laser hair removal as well as photofacials. We are always evaluating and adding new products and services to help our clients achieve their skincare goals.

Politics and small business: how does government affect your business? As a small business, government definitely affects our business. Not only things at the state and federal level like how we are taxed, but even down to the local level. Small businesses are taxed heavily which makes it challenging. The Newton Needham Chamber has done a great job of encouraging people to shop local, which has been beneficial to our business.