Featured Business: Make Me Fabulous
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Well, I guess I got started when I was in High School. I would do hair and makeup at slumber parties. Sometimes girls would then sneak away to meet their boyfriends! I also remember “trying” to color and cut my cousins’ hair in those days. We would then wake in the morning and try to ‘fix’ it!
But officially, after my son Cameron was born in 1997, I decided to leave my full time job as a sales rep for TRW, now Experian, to be a full time mom and follow my dreams of being a makeup and hair artist.
Since then, I have grown into a wedding day, special event and commercial makeup, hair, and wardrobe stylist now for more than 18 years. I now work with politicians, newscasters, celebrities, models, actors and brides from clean and classic…to hi fashion…to blood, sweat and tears…I’ve done it all!
I now divide most of my time between print and video projects, the Boutique and off-site wedding requests.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
When I was with Clinique, many called me “the eye queen.” I still really love to bring out my clients eyes.
I’m also very excited to have been just recently rated one of the HOT 100 Salons in the Country by Beauty Entertainment Magazine.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Recent projects include styling for guests of the Rachel Ray and Larry King Live Shows, a national ad appearing in Martha Stewart Weddings, NY Giants Training Camp, national print for retailer AJ Wright as well as three editorial features in WellWed and Vermont Vows Magazines. I am also the ongoing makeup artist and consultant to NBC News affiliate WNYT.
Frequently, I am asked the question “What are you doing in Ballston Spa?” I have had opportunities to work in other areas but I thought about it alot and really wanted to work where I was close to my roots, my home and my children.
Q. Anything else?
Owning our own business has been is one of the hardest endeavors my husband and I have ever taken on . You make mistakes. It takes passion and belief in yourself and your product to overcome and move on. You are always learning, improving, making it better. That is also one of the biggest rewards as well. I always want to please my customers and give them the best I have to offer. Instilling my staff with this philosophy has become our focus in the past year and will continue in 2010.
Oh yeah, and anyone who leaves the boutique, has a wedding or a photoshoot must feel “fabulous” We have to… its in our name.
Business Name: Make Me Fabulous
Address: 102 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: 885-2929
Website: www.makemefabulous.com
Featured Business: Home of the Good Shepherd
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. “Comfort, Care and Security” are the words our residents use to describe the Home of the Good Shepherd. The Home of the Good Shepherd is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our residents and promoting independence and individuality.
Along with assisted living in our Home, we also offer nursing, home health aide and companion services through our home care agency.
During the time Rev. John Breckenridge Gibson was rector of the Bethesda Church, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, 1866-1869, this institution, the first charity was started in town at the suggestion of Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Thomas J. Marvin, and Mrs. William Bryar White. These good women and others of the church associated with them in their visitations among, the poor and afflicted, discovered the need of some place where the sick and the aged could be cared for as old age came upon them. The Home of the Good Shepherd has served the Saratoga Springs community since 1870, earning a proud reputation for providing the highest level of skilled, attentive care.
We are pleased to continue that tradition with the opening of our new, assisted living home for men and women in Malta, the Home of the Good Shepherd at Highpointe!
Q. Are you known for anything special? We put the personal care and comfort of our residents above all else. This includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, oral care, and general hygiene. The personal care plan reflects an individual resident’s needs and routines prior to admission, and is based on discussions with the resident, family members, physicians, and others concerned with the well-being of the resident.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? A variety of delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Each resident has a choice of meals. Snacks and nurioushments are offered through out the day including an evening snack.
As well as daily bed making and straightening of rooms, full housekeeping services are provided twice weekly. Laundry services are provided one to two times weekly or more as needed.
Our residents never run out of opportunities for enriching and energizing their lives. We offer a full calendar of social and recreational activities that keep residents challenged and active. Planned trips are scheduled to area shopping centers, restaurants and cultural activities. Of course, residents may choose to pursue their own interests, such as reading or watching television. A bus that seats up to 14 residents is available for outside activities.
Our case manager works hand in hand with our nurses as well as community providers, to manage the medical, social, physical and mental needs of each individual resident to ensure a positive quality of life and maintain a level of independence. The Case Manager is a primary source of communication with the resident’s Primary Care Physician in regard to the medical well-being of the resident
Q. Anything else? We have a Memory Care Facility coming soon! For more information, please visit our website or call our office in Malta.
Featured Business: Double M’s Halloween Hall
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. My name is Leo Martin, owner of the Double M Haunted Hayrides. I started this business when I was a senior in high school. A friend of ours in the western part of the state told us about the Haunted Hayride franchise. We (my parents and I) thought it was a great fit for our business here at the Double M so we joined.
The franchise dissolved after 5 years and we decided to stay in it, my wife Jennifer joined me in 1995 and we continue with our son Max to grow the business. This year we welcome our 19th season haunting the Capital Region.
Q. Are you known for anything special? The Haunted Hayrides have become an autumn tradition for so many in the area. People love to be scared and the Double M is THE place to be scared in October!
Q. What do you like most about your business? We love the Haunted Business, it’s a lot of work to prepare but we have a lot of fun! Making people laugh and scream is rewarding is this business! We attend a Haunted Show in St. Louis where we purchase a lot of our props and come up with fresh ideas. We also attend seminars at the show to learn about things like applying stage makeup, ticket sales, stage lighting and advertising to name a few. The haunted industry is a big business, we get lots of ideas from the internet and we have friends with attractions that we exchange ideas and trade props with.
Every October is different here at the Double M, we change the ride each season to there’s always a surprise!
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? The weather, no doubt!
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? That we bring old fashion fun to an ever changing society! The Haunted Hayrides are open Thursday – Sunday by reservation system. There is a concession stand on the grounds, a souvenir stand and entertainment in the waiting area which includes: A D.J. or Radio Station, Oversized Monsters to greet you and, of course, the Host of the Haunted Hayrides, Scary Harry.
In addition to our Hayride and Redneck’s Revenge Terror maze, we also have our Nightmare Manor haunted walk through, not for the weak at heart! Our house has been expanded and is sure to make you tremble! Reservations are not required for Nightmare Manor. .
Q. Anything else? We also offer a daytime hayride & corn maze for families with smaller children, open Sat & Sun from 11-4. Call 884-9122 for more information.
Business Owner Name: Leo & Jennifer Martin
Business Name: Double M’s Haunted Hayride
Address: 678 Route 67, Ballston Spa, NY – A mile west of northway exit 12
Phone: 518-884-9122
Website: www.mmhauntedhayrides.com
Featured Business: Halloween Hall
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. Our business began 40 years ago as a carnival supplier to schools, churches and businesses. We added the Halloween division in 1981. We had close friends who had recently opened a Halloween store and urged us to do the same.
We were hesitant because we are so rural, but much to our surprise, the Ballston Spa area loved Halloween.
Q. Are you known for anything special? Our customers say “We should have come here first”. We have a wide variety of items from scene setters to scary props. We also specialize in items for school reports like George Washington, Ben Franklin and Abe Lincoln kits. We have saved many mothers during the school year when a quick wig or hat will make the report complete.
Q. What do you like most about your business? The people. We are a hands-on store and make suggestions, work with our customers until they are satisfied that they have found just the right costume to meet their needs. Its truly a lot of fun!
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? Keeping fresh and current. Competition can be tough, but we are here year round, so the big box stores may not be much help to the frantic mother in February when their child needs a colonial costume.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? That we are open year round and carry unique items like inflatables, games, tents, tables, chairs and more to accommodate any type of theme party. We have expertise in balloon arches, great party center pieces and carry Santa Suits, Santa wigs and beards for the holidays.
Our “Fun Services” division has a special program called Holiday Gift Shop which is an elementary school program. We offer the finest selection of quality gifts, while keeping the prices affordable for children. Our shop contains over 110 different items. Your organization may mark up the gifts as much or as little as you wish. The “shop” can be used as a fundraiser or you may simply present the program as an exciting and fun holiday activity for the children. Best of all, your group does not have to pay any money in advance. At the completion of your shop, you pay only for the gifts sold, and return the leftovers to us. It couldn’t be easier.
The Halloween scene has changed over the last 28 years from mostly children oriented to more of an adult style holiday. We have a large variety of wigs, hats, accessories and make up that add some terrific finishing touches to any costume.
Q. Anything else? We are well worth the visit and I think you would be pleasantly surprised at what you will find at Halloween Hall.
Business Owner Name: Lois Myers
Business Name: Myers Fun Services, Inc. dba Halloween Hall
Address: 831 Route 67, Bldg. 6, Ballston Spa, NY
Phone: 518-885-5725
Website: www.halloweenhall.com or www.Fun1.com
Lake Ridge Restaurant
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Lake Ridge Restaurant co-owners Bob McKenna and Chef Scott Ringwood offer a crafted menu that will be pleasing to everyone from filets to seafood, to salads, and homemade soup using the previous establishment, Sweet Nothings’, recipes. We have mouth watering appetizers, sandwiches, fish, pasta, chicken entrees, and home made desserts. Scott brings award winning dishes and some of the areas best creativity in lunch and dinner menus. Both owners guarantee the highest quality, the freshest ingredients, and the most generous portions at very competitive prices.
Bob and Scott got to know each other when Scott was working for the Old Dater Tavern. When Scott left there, Bob asked him to consider becoming partners in a new place. Bob McKenna says “We looked for two years for our own place somewhere between Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs. We were invited to take a look at Sweet Nothings’, formerly home to a bakery, a sweet shop, a luncheon restaurant and before that, a butcher and general store. The location fit the goal and the Lake Ridge Restaurant was formed.”
Scott says the idea of owning a restaurant was “a dream come true.”
Q. Are you known for anything special?
The Lake Ridge features exceptional cuisine at moderate prices as well as friendly, attentive service. We offer first rate Continental fare in an intimate dining setting, homemade soups and desserts, as well as unadvertised nightly specials.
We also host showers and engagement parties. Long-time manager Diana Murphy says “we don’t do banquets or standard banquet meals. Every meal we serve here is individually ordered and prepared.”
Q. What do you like most about your business?
Our repeat clientele and regulars who have come to be part of the dining experience we offer. We’ve worked together for years and function as a family, with pride in the quality of our fare and friendly, attentive service
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Assuring our new customers that fine dining doesn’t have to be overpriced to be superior. We are happy that folks have discovered the Lake Ridge Restaurant experience as something that can be enjoyed regularly.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Two things: Every month, on the fourth Friday, we have a special wine tasting event at our bar from 5:30 – 7:30pm out of our three dining areas, the largest of our dining rooms can be closed for private events.
Q. Anything else?
We are always offering something different and new! We are please to be known as “A Fine Establishment With Equal Measures of Good Food, Good Drink & Good Company”.
Business Owner Names:
Bob McKenna and Scott Ringwood
General Manager: Diana Murphy
Business Name: Lake Ridge Restaurant
Address: 35 Burlington Ave., Round Lake
Phone: 899-6000
Website: www.lake-ridge.com
Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/Lake-Ridge-Restaurant
Brookside Museum
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Brookside Museum (home of the Saratoga County Historical Society) was formed by a group of devoted citizens in the 1970s. We care for historic artifacts, offer exhibits and education programs, and provide a number of other community services. As a not-for-profit organization, the funds we raise through events, programs, and fundraisers go directly into education programs we offer to thousands of local children and adults.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
Brookside is known for many special things! The building we operate out of is special because, at 217 years, it’s among the oldest in the area. Each of the thousands of historic artifacts we collect and care for are special because they tell the story of Saratoga County. And, of course, the programs we offer are special because they teach thousands of school children and visitors about Saratoga County’s rich history.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
The best days at Brookside are the days we make a difference in someone’s life. When kids attend our Sheep to Shawl program and learn about the process of making sheep wool into a sweater, they get so excited learning about a historic craft. Many adults who visit us today remember attending that program 30 years ago — and there’s nothing better than knowing that an experience we give to a child today will stay with that child into adulthood.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Other than raising money for our not-for-profit organization, Brookside’s greatest challenge is getting locals to come visit. While it is true that most people tend not to visit the museums located in towns they live in, Brookside would like to change that in Saratoga County. Our goal is to have every resident visit the museum at least once — either through a school program, to browse exhibits, or to shop for local goods in our Gift Shop.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
We’d like the community to know that we are a welcoming place for all members of the community, and we invite you visit us.
Q. Anything else?
Brookside is online at www.brooksidemuseum.org. Check out our new site! You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Name: Joy Houle, Executive Director
Business Name: Brookside Museum (Saratoga County Historical Society)
Address: 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: 518-885-4000
Email: info@brooksidemuseum.org
Website: www.brooksidemuseum.org
Pixie’s Closet
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Pixie’s Closet is a childrens’ consignment store. I carry gently used kids items, from clothes to outside toys. Items sold here look like new, but you won’t pay new prices. I opened the store because I saw a need for a childrens’ only consignment store & the recycling part of consignment is just a bonus.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
Being a new business, hopefully for quality & honesty. I will only accept quality, clean items & offer them @ prices less than retail. I even have new things suitable for gift giving. Unopened toys, clothes w/tags still on them, why not re-gift? School shopping could be a pleasant experience if you start here 1st.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
I like that I’m saving people money while offering them quality. The thing I like most, though, are the kids. I like offering a kid friendly atmosphere for the parents to shop in. They don’t have to worry here. I’ve been known to get right down on the floor & play w/the kids.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
My biggest challenge would be to have people understand the quality & prices.
Yes, you can run across bargains elsewhere, but on a daily basis you can shop here & save around ½ of what you’d pay @ retail stores without sacrificing quality.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
My Husband & I have chosen Ballston Spa to raise our 2 children. Our son is a Freshman in High School & our daughter has just completed her Freshman year of college. I volunteer @ Community Emergency Corps(Ballston Spa Ambulance)on a weekly basis as an EMT & sit on the Board of Directors, also as a volunteer.
Q. Anything Else?
Pixie’s Closet offers gently used kids Clothes(size NB-10), Recall Free Furniture & Baby Gear, Strollers, Room Décor, Dance Apparel, Safety Items, Inside & Outside Toys & much more!! I invite you to shop in a Recall Free, Clean, Organized store. While here, sign up for our e-mail mailing list to receive the “Special Sunday” Events calendar, our Holiday Hours & any & all special events.
Kim Sorensen
Pixie’s Closet
2124 Doubleday Ave. B.Spa
Phone 885-1757
E-Mail pixiescloset@verizon.net
Dehns Flowers and Gifts
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Well our business specializes in expert floral design with the latest fashion and style in the floral world. Also we have branched out with a wonderful unique selection of gifts, cards, candles and home and garden décor. We even have antiques here at the Milton Dehns. Our main store Dehns in Saratoga has been in Business since 1892. Since we had been in the same Saratoga Springs location for so long, it seemed like a good time to branch out to the Ballston Spa area. Ballston Spa needed a floral/gift one stop shop, so here we are, and we love having the shop in Ballston Spa it is a beautiful little town.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
We are especially known for our unique floral design with the latest trends for proms and dancers. Our selection of very unique gifts and garden features as well. Customers always leave saying “I didnt know you had all these gifts in here, this is beautiful” We are known for our famous annual hanging baskets that are grown in our greenhouses right in Saratoga Springs.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
I love the atmosphere in this shop the most. There is always a scented candle burning and music playing softly. Some people have told us that they come here on their breaks to relax!
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
The biggest challenge is getting people in the door. Most people think just flowers, but we offer so much more than a flower shop alone.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
I want the community to know we are here and we can work with any budget. I especially want the community to know that we have such a wonderful range of gifts and garden treasures. We aren’t just flowers.
Q. Anything Else?
I need to mention our customer service. It is very personal and we have a crew that is willing to work with and show clients anything they need to come up with the perfect floral masterpiece. And you can count on us for your home and garden décor advice. The girls here are extremely talented at what they do and that is something every business owner wishes they could have.
Owner Name Dude Dehn
Business Name: Dehns Flowers and Gifts
Address: 15 Trieble Ave Ballston Spa NY 12020
Phone: 518.885.6222
Website: www.dehnsflowers.com
“I LOVE MY MOM” Contest Winner
The first Our Towne “I LOVE MY MOM” Contest was a huge success! The winning entry was selected by random drawing and was a complete surprise to winner Ann Dys! The email appears in its entirety and was lovingly crafted by her son with help from Dad…
“—– Original Message —–
From: Ken Dys
To: angela@ourtownesaratoga.com
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 12:03 PM
Subject: Mom Contest
My Mom is very special to me. She is always there for me by helping to make each day a better one. She feeds me food that is good for me and always is willing to play all the fun games I want ( like Star Wars ). She would have a great time with all the prizes to make her feel good. Thank You.
Matthew Dys
Age 6″
Very special thanks to Anthony Pirillo, Ovation Hair Salon, Country Club Plaza, 418 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa and Mary Martin of Mary Martin & Co., 65 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs who cooperatively gave the winner her glamourous makeover. Ann received gorgeous highlights, low lights, cut and style from Anthony and was treated to the professional make-up artistry of Mary Martin.
