Three Minutes Across the Counter with: Mary T. Prenon

Public relations is all about promotion. Spas are all about pampering. Mary T. Prenon does both.

The slogan that she devised for her boutique business, Le Petite Spa in Croton-on-Hudson, says it all: "Vacation in an hour."  

She's passionate about picking healthy products and offering luxurious, restorative, sensory experiences that leave clients relaxed and rejuvenated. 

(In the interest of full disclosure, this Patch editor can attest that it works.)

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Mary: I never owned a business before, but after working for many spas as a NYS Licensed Esthetician, I just make the decision to start my own little place, Le Petite Spa in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.  I used my own money to get started and the first two years were very rough.  However, I kept the faith and I’ll still here today… four years later!

P: How did your parents influence you as a business owner? 

M: My parents always told me to do what I enjoyed and I followed that advice.  

P: How long have you lived here? 

M: I have lived in Cortlandt Manor for almost four years and in Westchester County for a total of 26 years.

P: What's your favorite thing about living here?  

M: I love the Hudson River and Westchester’s beautiful parks.

P: What's a business mistake you've made that later you were glad you did?

M: Advertising in the wrong places.  Once I knew what worked and what didn’t, I could avoid the pitfalls again.

P: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know. I play the piano and violin.

P: What's the best business advice you've ever received? *Don’t give up!  You know the old saying, ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.’  That’s the same for business.  You can do all the promotions in the world, but sometimes, you just have to be patient and wait it out.  Eventually, the horse will drink!

P: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out? 

M: Have your website ready to go BEFORE you open your business.  In today’s market, that’s your most important calling card.  Have enough savings to cover your costs for the first few years.

P: What do you look for when you hire? 

Honesty, enthusiasm, talent, and a down-to-earth personality.