GLAM SPA Commemorating 35 Years of Innovation and Serenity

from OrangeLife Magazine - Summer 2022

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Commemorating 35 Years of Innovation and Serenity

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO

You’re wearing sweatpants as you walk through the door. A chandelier glimmers in the lobby as you are greeted by warm, friendly members of the concierge team and led to a dim relaxation room where every thought and worry from the day dissipates.

Welcome to Glam Spa, a tranquil oasis that has helped clients feel their best for the last 35 years. At 200 Boston Post Road in Orange, Glam Spa has seamlessly evolved with the wellness industry. Home to the latest treatments, from deep tissue massages and anti-aging services to makeup applications and body waxing, the spa is known for having the most innovative ingredients and equipment to achieve the best possible results.

“Our mantra is ‘Look better, feel better, live better,’” said Judi Swain, Glam Spa owner. “It is our goal for clients to leave here feeling better than when they arrived.”

BACKGROUND

Back when Judi studied teaching at Southern Connecticut State University, she worked as a makeup artist during summer breaks. Following her graduation, she began working at Beaux Visages Spa in Avon, CT, where she quickly moved up the ranks as Manager, District Manager and then Assistant Vice President.

FAMILY INVOVLMENT

“My job was to travel to different Beaux Visages franchises and teach people how to operate the business,” Judi said. “I opened a Beaux Visages in Orange, and my father eventually bought it. My mother learned how to do facials and I became the manager.”

Judi changed the name to Glam Spa, with GLAM standing for the first initials of each of her four daughters’ names – Grace, Lily, Ava, and Mackenzie. Family is rooted into the core of the spa, including a mural of Nantucket in the relaxation room painted by Mackenzie, social media posts created by Lily, and products filled and labeled by Ava.

SERVICES OFFERED

Glam Spa focuses on providing unique and personalized experiences to match the needs of every client. While the list of services is wide ranging, Judi’s personal favorite is the popular Rezenerate NanoFacial. Consisting of cutting-edge Nanotechnology, Acupressure and Cold Therapy, this facial drastically reduces fine lines and leaves skin feeling and looking younger.

“I’ve retained my staff for a long time, and we have all aged with the spa, so we’re always looking for the best procedures that will require zero down time,” Judi said. “After getting a few Rezenerate facials, everyone who I ran into was amazed by my skin. This treatment focuses on the surface of the skin, and since it became so popular, I decided to get another pen.”

On a monthly basis, Judi develops one-of-a-kind spa specials that match each season and smell delicious

Judi Swain and her staff - top row left to right: Pinelopi Belokas, Deirdre O’Neill, Stephanie Gagel, Judi Swain, and Jess Cowan; bottom row left to right: Lynn Burkard, Judith Diamond (Swain’s mother), and Jenette Bello (missing: Angela Velky).

Photo: Paula Severino

The Nantucket mural in the Relaxation Room that was painted by Swain’s daughter Mackenzie.

enough to eat. The peach jellybean and blackberry vanilla bean facials were offered earlier this year, complete with hydrating, exfoliating and softening benefits.

“We are here to help everyone reach their skin care goals,” Judi said. “If someone wants to know the scoop on how to take care of their skin and address any concerning issues, we have answers and will make recommendations. The more that people use our products, the better results they see.”

SKINCARE LINE

Judi and her mother developed a skincare line called Ross™, which features products such as facial cleansers, rejuvenating serums, and antioxidant tonics. All items are available at the spa or on the Glam Spa website.

“My mom is 78 and I am 58, so we wanted our line to cover all ages and deliver results quickly,” Judi said. “We found a lab that made high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade products, and we studied and tested everything. Customers seem to like the line a lot, and we are planning to release a fun second line called Max and Muffin – which were nicknames my father used to call my mother and I.”

PROGRESSION

Reflecting on the state of the spa industry 35 years ago versus present day, Judi says that there are a number of are noticeable differences.

“When Beaux Visages came into the marketplace back then, one esthetician would work on two people at the same time,” Judi said. “Spa services were less expensive, and clients weren’t given the proper amount of attention during each visit. Now, I believe that a facial is a crucial part of someone’s personal wellness maintenance. It’s just as important as getting your teeth cleaned – only it’s a good feeling!”

In efforts to reach their health and well-being goals, men and women alike book appointments for a variety of personalized services. The youngest client at Glam Spa is eight years old and the oldest is in her nineties.

“I believe that parents want their kids to be taught young about how to relax and take care of their skin. We are all living longer, and it sounds funny, but we will have our skin for longer,” Judi said. “There are Glam Spa customers who have been with us since we opened. One client used to come here when her daughter was five, and now her daughter is a married lawyer with a baby – and she comes here, too!”

Judi shares that exceptional customer service and care have led to the spa’s success and impressive list of loyal clients.

“I have a deep appreciation for the Town of Orange and the support we’ve gotten for all of these years,” Judi said. “My team genuinely wants every person who walks through the door to feel special. You can’t fake that, and customers notice. They come out to the lobby after a treatment and say, ‘Oh my God – That was unbelievable.’”