Sister-In-Law Entrepreneurs Open New Mahwah Salon

Residents passing by the Gateway Center on Franklin Turnpike notice the shopping center filling up. The latest addition – , a new salon that opened for business two weeks ago.

Sister-in-law owners Jennie Lee and Rachel Lee said they combined their entrepreneurial backgrounds when deciding to open the business. Rachel has worked for 20-plus years in the health and beauty industry. Jennie is a clothing manufacturer who handles the business-side of the Very Vollbracht clothing line, which is sold on TV on the Home Shopping Network. The salon's name was inspired by the Very Vollbracht line.

“Rachel knew the beauty side, and I knew the business side,” Jennie said. “Plus, I was a nail spa customer before I was an owner, so I knew what I did not want in this salon.”

The spa offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, and chair massages. It sets itself apart, Jennie said, by focusing on cleanliness and service.

“We are not one of those intimidating spas, but also not one you step into and get that uneasy feeling in your stomach” Jennie said. “Just a place where you can go to relax and feel comfortable.”

The spa also has a unique feature that the owners say is a reaction to a popular trend  - a dedicated room for girls’ spa birthday parties. “It’s a new thing for little girls to do – get a group of their friends together and get their nails done,” Jennie said. “We’ve got a TV and DVD player in here, and guests can bring food and presents, everything you need for a fun party.” The room can also be booked by group-spa goers, like bridal parties, she said.

Jennie Lee, who grew up in Tenafly and now lives in Glen Rock, said the duo immediately felt that Mahwah was the perfect location for their business. “This town is not overrun with salons, and from the first time we came to look at this location, it just clicked,” Jennie said. “It felt like it was our place.”

So far, the community seems to think the spa is a good place, too. In just over two weeks in business, Lee said the shop has already had repeat customers. “That makes us feel like we are doing it right,” she said.

--

Follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your email inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.