10 Questions for Saratoga's Skin Prophecy Owner MaryAnn Serpa

Skin Prophecy Boutique, 14531 Big Basin Way, has been owned by MaryAnn Serpa for 12 years. The business' philosophy is to empower women with confidence by providing them with fashion services, addressing their skin-care needs, either acneic or anti-aging concerns. The boutique also offers vintage-inspired clothing, hats, handbags, jewelry, soaps, lotions, among other products. The boutique's hours of operation are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. On concert nights and holidays, the business is open until 7 p.m. Details: 408-867-7831, or  masprophecy@yahoo.com.

Saratoga Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

MaryAnn Serpa: Business. Working initially in banking while at Saratoga High School (intern program). Later, eight years with Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Ten years payroll with the City of San Jose and Stanford Hospital and 10 years in sales and marketing and as a general manager for the hospitality industry.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Serpa: My personality is very much my business profile. It's an expression of empathy and empowering women to feel strong and confident with themselves. Confidence is your best accessory.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?  

Serpa: Thirteen years ago after developing the Skin Prophecy skin care line with my sister, Deedee. She's been an aesthetician for 24 years and has been a business owner of her clinic in Montecito for some 20 years.

Patch:  What inspired you?  

Serpa: Our skin care line Skin Prophecy and wanting to be involved in the community that I grew up in. I had always worked in another city throughout my career, so making a contribution back to the village, in particular, is very much a priority. We have such a beautiful village.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in Saratoga?

Serpa: Gaining foot traffic and a larger client base. Being an owner-operator spreads one very thin with all that needs to be done, so time management is tough. It isn't always that way. I have fought that my entire career.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in Saratoga?

Serpa: Meeting such wonderful people in our community and the visitors that come to Saratoga. I enjoy imparting them with a sense of style and helping resolve their skin-care issues when they visit my boutique. We are back to empowering women.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Serpa: I will always feature our skin-care product line Skin Prophecy because we have worked so hard to control our own acneic skin and thus created this line to do so. Again, we are back to empowering women.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset? 

Serpa: Me. The broad convention shows for purchasing what I believe is unique to feature. They are things you maybe won't find elsewhere. It's all about fashion fun. My gift of empathy, a sense of people and how I extend myself to them.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?   

Serpa: The view I have of our majestic mountains from my boutique at 4th Street and Big Basin Way. I love the beauty of our Saratoga Cemetery and often spent a lot of time there growing up. I also love many of the restaurants that we have like Bella Saratoga.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Serpa: I care and want to encourage others within our community to contribute what they have to offer to make our town flourish in beauty, commerce and developing our township into a well-rounded community, understanding how unique our town and situation really are. I believe we are here to provide service into our world. Being of service in a civic sense.