Frequently Asked Questions
When did Spa on the River open?
Spa on the River was originally Exclusively Nails, Inc. When I first opened my business in 1996 at the Tri-County Mall... I was blessed with so many loyal customers that I "outgrew" the tiny 600 square foot rental space. Renting was no longer suitable for my plans. We needed to put hydro/spas in and needed a more desirable, relaxing location. In November 2000, I purchased the former Baldwinsville Animal Hospital, which is a sprawling 3,400 square feet, in a highly visual area with a steady flow of traffic. As well as a gorgeous setting on the beautiful Seneca River! After adding all the new services and talented Spa staff we had to change the name. I like simple and to the point. So I thought Spa...on the River!
What made you decide to open your own business?
I am your typical "displaced" American worker who lost a great paying job with full benefits - working 17 1/2 years as a crew leader in a glass manufacturing container plant. The plant closed down and moved out of sate. I'm sure many others know the horrible shock and how awful it is to be left with worries of employment.
I like the Roman theme in the Brochure - What inspired it?
I'm half Italian, my mother is 100%, and my grandparents came to the U.S.A. from Ancona, Italy. I lover everything about Italy! I've traveled to Milan and Rome experiencing Spas there.
Why in Baldwinsville?
The wonderful residents of Baldwinsville deserved a luxurious spa to come to. Baldwinsville has so much room for growth - I predicted years ago that Baldwinsville would be making headlines in the future. I wanted the residents of Baldwinsville and the surrounding areas to feel as though they could "get away from it all" without having to leave town. We are the one and only true spa in Baldwinsville. We provide affordable relaxation services so everyone can experience the benefits of taking in a Spa Day.
How has business treated you in Baldwinsville?
With wide open arms... I'm so amazed how kind, good natured and truly down to earth everyone is. It is honestly a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve them! At the same time we "give back" to the community in many different forms, such as community team support and participate in benefits for special causes. We are gearing up for the big event in May 2007 when the International Carp Tournament will be held in our "backyard", the Seneca River!
What services do you offer?
Hummmm... Where do I start? Spa manicures/ Spa pedicures, Spa massages, color/foil, highlight services, perms, precision hair cuts, facials, chemical peels, crystal-free microdermabrasion, facial light therapy, tanning (including sunless), waxing, ear piercing, artificial eyelashes, body scrubs & body wraps, ear candling, mineral make-up application, permanent cosmetics, reflexology, nail enhancements, half and full day spa packages. We also host renowned Plastic Cosmetics Surgeon. Dr. Douglas W. Halliday. He offers Restiline and Botox injections at a discounted price for all Spa on the River guests! We also like to host Psychic Parties with Debra Crossman, who is on the leading psychics in CNY. We also offer couples massage in our glorious fireplace room. The service includes: two full hour massages, aromatherapy foot soak with a delicious snack tray, Perrier sparkling water, and Belgium chocolates.
How many employees do you have and what are their professions?
I have fifteen employees. Licensed in a variety of beauty specialties such as cosmetology, nail specialty, massage therapy, and esthetics science.
What makes your facility stand out from others?
The people. Our talented and motivated spa team and quality products, enable us to deliver the finest possible results in all our services. Also, we have a large facility which can easily and comfortably accommodate group parties. We have hosted bachelorette, birthday, bridal and special occasion parties, without feeling cramped for space.
Anything special for Valentine's Day?
Absolutely!
- We're offering the couples massage package (which two full one hour massages and more) at an additional $15.00 off!
- Spa Pedicures are $7.00 off each, when booked two at a time.
- European Facials are $20.00 off regular prices.
- We are also teaming up with the Red Mill Inn and offering a special for their registered guests.
- You can also check out our website www.spaontheriver.com, browse our site and give us a call at: (315) 638-1238 for reservations.
What are your future plans?
To have a grand opening! After all my drawings are put to construction! To expand our facility and offer even more desirable Spa services.
What does it mean to be a "Millennium Competition Triple Award Winner!
I entered the Super Natural Salon Success Competition in 2000. It was held in Venezuela. My model was from Romania. I competed against others from the USA, France, Italy, and Germany. I had to style my model's hair, apply artificial nail enhancements, and make-up application. It was a "total look" competition! I brought home to Baldwinsville three awards!
- Excellence in Nails
- 2nd. place in Make-Up Artistry
- 1rst. runner-up for Total Look!
Paul told me the National Magazine "New Beauty" names your facility a 5-star destination. Can you give more information about that and how it made you feel?
Ecstatic! It is a very prestigious recognition for a spa owner. We didn't even know and weren't aware of it at the time. I found out from a hair color client who was getting into my chair. She said "Oh, My God! Congratulations!" I said "for what!?" She said "for getting 5-star status!" I said "Where did you see that!!?" She said "in the New Beauty Magazine in your waiting area!" We went over and there it was! We were thrilled! It has been in two more publications to follow! This is a list to recognize the country's most elegant & extraordinary Beauty destinations! We are very excited and honored. We intend to "stay the course" and continue to deliver the very best of our abilities.
Any information you would like to share with customers and the community? (items such as family, personal interests, the community where you live?)
First, I would like to thank all my loyal customers who have supported me and my team with their trust and confidence. I especially would like to thank my husband Richard, my mom, Norma McCall, my two brothers Donald McCall Jr. and John McCall for all their hard work in the demolition and construction work undertaken to turn the old Veterinary Hospital to the elegant Spa it is today. I would also like to thank my sister Kathleen M. McCall for suggesting that I get my nail specialty and financing my education. Also, for their constant encouragement. My sister-in-law, Mary Reed-McCall who is a published historical romance novel writer. In my spare time I love to read her new and exciting books! (autographed books are available at the Spa!) I also enjoy my home, family and pets Chewy, Foxy and Luxor (my American Eskimo dogs).