Croton Business Spotlight: Organic Luxury at Boutique Day Spa

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Mary Prenon.

Business: Le Petite Spa
Owners: Mary T. Prenon
Website: www.LePetiteSpaNY.com
Address: 1380 Albany Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

How did you come up with the name?
My spa is a very small, boutique day spa...thus the name “Petite”. I have been told by some that the name should actually be “La Petite Spa” or “Le Petit Spa” to be grammatically correct in French. I do realize that, and being of French descent myself, this is my Americanized version of my business!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
I’ve always loved Croton, and there was really nothing there that offers what we offer -- an organic, vegan day spa. It’s also very convenient to Putnam County as well as lower Westchester County.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Day spa

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
The biggest challenge is trying to stay competitive in a luxury business. People have to get their hair cut or their nails done -- and the cost of these services is way less than that of massages and facials. We try to stay competitive by offering specials each month on our spa services.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
Finances are always a challenge. Some months are great financially, while others, not so great. You just have to hang in there.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Every time a client tells me that they’ve had the best facial, massage, or reflexology session ever!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
One idea that’s worked very well is offering $20 gift cards every so often to our best clients. It’s worked out very well, and has these customers coming back again and again.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
I’ve been very lucky -- we’ve had only a few difficult customers over the years. My advice, just keep smiling and count to 10!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
Over the years, Le Petite Spa has donated spa services to various local non-profits including Support Connection, Hudson Valley Hospital, the SPCA of Westchester, local PTAs, and more.