Hand & Stone featured on blog Talk Birth

Hand & Stone was recently featured on Talk Birth, a blog focused on pregnancy. The post, “Benefits of Prenatal Massage,” discusses how massage during pregnancy can help women reduce stress, aches and pains related to pregnancy. Colleen Bryan, of Hand & Stone, shared information about how prenatal massage can benefit women long after they are out of the massage therapy room, and when the best times during pregnancy are to receive massage services. Click here to view the entire article.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

By: Talk Birth

In the U.S. there are more the six million pregnancies each year, and a growing number of women are opting to use massage to deal with the aches, pains and stress that come along with pregnancy. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, joint pain and swelling caused by poor circulation, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Massage therapists who are trained in prenatal massage must take extra precautions when giving an expectant mother a massage, including avoiding specific pressure points and ensuring the client is in a position that will not cause added stress to their body.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Colleen Bryan of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa about the benefits of prenatal massage:

Q: How can the benefits of massage transfer into the delivery/birthing room?
A. Regular massage can assist the labor process by enabling each woman to begin labor with less tension in the back, pelvis and legs. It also provides flexibility, prepares muscles and reduces stress levels which can improve the outcome of labor. It has been noted that labor is shorter with fewer complications for women who receive regular massage.

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Franchisee Profile: Parul Shah of Bedminster, New Jersey

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Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Before entering into the franchising field, I was in the corporate information technology field.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: After 10 years at my former job, the company downsized when the economy began to go into the recession. My husband and I decided that instead of me taking another job somewhere else, we should explore options for me to start my own business. It was a good time to pursue my dream of owning a business for myself.

Q: Why did you choose Hand & Stone?

A: With the economy the way it is right now, people are stressed out. They can’t take many vacations and they are really just struggling to keep up. Massage is a way for people to go out for an hour or two and be able to relax and feel good, not worrying about their problems. And because of the membership model, there are many incentives for people to come and receive good, quality service at affordable prices. This franchise was also appealing because it’s in a growing industry.

Q: Why did you choose a franchise system?

A: With franchising, the company helps you with each and every step. For someone who is starting a business for the first time, it really helps you, as an owner, to have that help every step of the way. When you start a business on your own, you don’t have the benefit of seeing how other people are making their businesses work in the same industry, and with a franchise we’re able to have that opportunity. We’re going to be able to learn a lot with all of the networking opportunities, and everyone wants to help each other out.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?

A: We took a big risk by investing a large portion of our personal finances into the business. I know getting started will be the most challenging part, but after looking at data from other franchisees, we feel comfortable that we have chosen the right model. We have the right people behind us and I believe we can do a good job.

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 40-plus unit spa chain with a mission to bring affordable massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2005 by founder and COO John Marco and led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, President and CEO, Hand & Stone now resides in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 40 locations by the end of 2011. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Franchisee Profile: Pam Wallace, Franchisee of Stamford, Connecticut

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Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m originally from Ohio, but have lived in New York City for the past 20 years. I have always liked New England, so when I started thinking about opening my own business I knew I wanted to be in the tri-state area.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: My background is in marketing. Most recently I worked as the director of customer marketing for Investools, a consumer education, publishing and social networking website. Before that, I served as vice president of marketing for J.P. Morgan Chase, corporate vice president of marketing for InCharge Institute and worked in several management facets at Merrill Lynch. I decided to make the move from the corporate world to owning my own business because it was something I have always wanted to do and seemed more appealing than being back in a large corporate environment. Combined with an MBA from Harvard University, I believe my past business experience in the marketing field has prepared me to successfully run my spa.

Q: How did you learn about Hand & Stone?

A: I worked with several brokers who brought me different ideas, but I was most impressed with Hand & Stone. I think the membership model is beneficial for customers, employees and the business owner. It shows that the brand really wants to keep and nurture the customers.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: I like that the franchise presents a model to the business owner. Hand & Stone has great vendor relationships, they put you through a training program, they help you with lease negotiations — all of these things are processes I didn’t have any experience with. It is helpful to be with a company that has that knowledge and can guide you. It’s a much easier way to start a business than starting from scratch.

Q: What will you bring to the community?

A: As the first Hand & Stone location in the state of Connecticut, there is a lot I’ll be able to bring to Stamford. I heard from a lot of people that there weren’t many stand-out spas in the area, so I saw a definite need here. From a personal point of view, I love Fairfield County so much and New England so much that I’m happy to become part of the community.

Q: How did you finance your business?

A: I did not want to dip into my 401(k), so I applied for a Small Business Administration loan. I think that part of the process is where my business school background helped me. I’ve realized that everything I’ve learned so far in my career is coming together in this venture. I wrote a great business plan and was approved for the loan within two weeks.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: I am planning to open multiple locations — all in Fairfield County.

ABOUT HAND & STONE

Hand & Stone is a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses, tapping into the “day-cation market segment. Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 20 locations by the end of 2011. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Hand & Stone featured in the Daily Herald

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Daily Herald, entitled “New venture for Algonquin spa owner.” The article discusses the recent opening of Hand & Stone’s first location in the state of Illinois, as well as Heather Kinsley’s entrepreneurial story. The article also discusses the benefits of opening a Hand & Stone location. Click here to read the full article.

New venture for Algonquin spa owner

By: Elena Ferrarin

After 21 years spent working in human resources consulting, Heather Kinsley was laid off in the fall of 2009.

Less than two years later, the Algonquin woman has reinvented herself by opening a spa, venturing into a new business and different lifestyle.

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa opened July 25 in the Woods Creek Commons shopping center on Randall Road. Kinsley, as owner and manager, oversees the day-to-day operations of its 14 full- and part-time employees, including aestheticians and massage therapists.

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Hand & Stone Featured in the Gloucester County Times

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Gloucester County Times, in an article titled “Deptford spa offers luxury experience at affordable price.” The article featured Cate Ruffenach, owner of the newly opened Deptford Hand & Stone, who explained that she began thinking about getting into the spa business after attending a spa party years ago. She also discussed the membership model for Hand & Stone, which allows for a low-cost way to receive massages on a monthly basis. “Even in this economic environment, you’re always going to find a way to get your hair or nails done,” Ruffenach said. “So why not be able to treat yourself to a massage or facial that may help your well-being as well.” Click here to view the entire article.

Deptford spa offers luxury experience at affordable price

By: Patricia Dove

What woman doesn’t want to enjoy a day at the spa while skipping on the huge price tag?

At the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Deptford that luxury experience you’re looking for actually comes without the luxury price tag.
The spa, which opened last weekend, offers 12 different types of messages, 11 kinds of facials, and face and body waxing.

The Hand & Stone Message and Facial Spa has several locations throughout New Jersey with Deptford’s store being the newest.

“We had our grand opening last weekend,” said owner Cate Ruffenach, of Pennsylvania. “We started advertising in June and were so overwhelmed with the amount of business we did when we first opened our doors.”

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Hand & Stone featured in the McHenry County Business Journal

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the McHenry County Business Journal, titled “Hand and Stone makes debut.” The article discusses the recent opening of Hand & Stone’s first location in the state of Illinois, as well as the benefits of joining the Hand & Stone franchise. The article also discusses several services Hand & Stone provides, including massage and skin care services, waxing, facials, microdermabrasion and peels. Click here to view the entire article.

Hand & Stone makes debut

By: CHRIS FREEMAN

ALGONQUIN – When it came time for Heather Kinsley to find a new career, she looked for something to help people feel better. After working in corporate public relations for two decades, Kinsley knew first-hand how precious time away from the office was, and she wanted to find a business that could help others get away from the grind.

This week, she opened the doors at Hand and Stone, a franchise massage and facial spa located in 12 states and Canada. Her Algonquin store is the first in Illinois.

“More than anything else, I was looking for a business to provide services to people that had health benefits, but would bring more happiness, comfort, and relaxation to people at a reasonable price,” she said.

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