Business of the Week: Le Petite Spa, Croton-on-Hudson
You never know what will lead you to find your passion. Mary Prenon discovered she want to be an esthetician after having a successful career in advertising.
While working for an ad agency in Briarcliff Manor, she helped publicize a hotel’s new spa and fell in love with the process.
“I always loved going to the spa, but after I worked with the opening of the spa I realized what I wanted to do,” said Prenon. “I wanted to work at a spa.” So she decided to change careers.
In 2006, she decided to go back to school to become a licensed esthetician and reflexologist. Then after working in several spas, Prenon took the leap and decided to open up her own place, Le Petite Spa in Croton.
“I wanted something that was different from the other spas around,” Prenon said. She looked at her own taste. As someone who loves animals and always tries to be healthy and eat organic, Prenon decided to only use organic products.
The brand she settled on was not only organic but vegan also.
“Yum products are certified organic, and certified vegan and are never tested on animals,”Prenon said. “The products are made from rich, exotic, botanical ingredients and they work.” None of the products Prenon uses has harmful chemicals or preservatives.
In addition to the Yum products, Prenon discovered a company that usesAleutian Islandsvolcanic ash to help remove toxins from the skin, leaving it smooth, compact and tighter. It works great not only for facials but as a cellulite treatment as well.
“There is no cure for cellulite,” Prenon said. “But using the volcanic ash does help tighten the skin for a period of time.”
Prenon said that she has used the volcanic ash treatment personally and for her the results lasted about a month.
In addition to offering a range of organic facials that are customized to benefit each individual based on one’s skin type—normal, dry, aging, oily, acne-prone, sensitive and pre-rosacea, Le Petite Spa also offers massage and reflexology. She also performs European facial massage techniques to offer her clients a rejuvenating facial experience.
All facials are designed for all skin types and include a double cleansing, exfoliation, extractions (if necessary), massage of the face, neck and arms and scalp, masque, and moisturizer.
To make Le Petite Spa, which is located on the corner of Old Albany Post Road and Baltic Place, even more unique Prenon makes sure that she creates a comfortable, cozy environment where clients could feel totally relaxed.
“I believe in using aromatherapy and short meditations to help my clients relax,” Prenon said. “As they start their treatment I will normally have lavender out to help them be calm. Then we do a short mediation so they settle into a state of relaxation.”
Rather than startle a client when their treatment is complete, Prenon uses peppermint, which has refreshing, energizing qualities to help her clients get ready to re-enter the world.
“The peppermint invigorates them,” Prenon said.
It is also important to Prenon that she explain to her clients everything she is doing, what their skin is like and why she is using a specific product.
“People leave having a better understanding of their skin,” said Prenon. “I think people appreciate that.”
Le Petite Spa shares space with Dr. Bard Levy, a cosmetic dental surgeon. Their office is at1 Baltic Place, Suite 104, in Croton. Le Petite Spa is open Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and on the weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday is by appointment only. Call 914-552-0983 for an appointment.
Le Petite Spa offers gift certificates that can be purchased online at www.lepetitespany.com
