Pretty Beautiful Spa And Boutique Aims To Pamper Clients

By Nancy K. Crevier

Beth Cinicolo Thomas is not afraid of the competition.

“Everyone who works here has more than ten years experience each in the spa field, and I educate my clients about nail and skin care. Because of our smaller size, we offer a cozy atmosphere and a more personal approach. That puts us above what other spas can offer, I think,” she said.

The spa of which she speaks is Pretty Beautiful Spa and Boutique, located at 43 South  Main Street in the same small plaza that houses Steve’s Diner. Ms Thomas, a 1994 graduate of Newtown High School who now lives here with her husband, Brett, is very excited about the new venture that opened December 3.

“I have always wanted to work for myself,” she said. She trained as a nail care technician at Ricci’s Salon in Newtown after graduating from high school, but ended up at Paier College of Art in Hamden where she majored in illustration and interior design. She then attended Gibbs School in Norwalk, where she studied fashion design for two years, and interned at Armani in Manhattan. But all the while, she continued to work in spas.

“Even though I went to school for these other things, I kept gravitating back to spa care. I’m really good at it and I love the spa world,” said Ms Thomas.

Most recently, she worked at Adam Broderick in Southbury and at Spa Mianna in Newtown. “Everything just came together in the past four months, though,” she said, allowing her to open her own business in her hometown. Her interior design skills were put to work as she transformed the space into the inviting storefront that offers a wide variety of spa experiences.

Toasty cappuccino-colored walls are highlighted with persimmon red, and elegant fabric curtains around the two pedicure stations offer a level of privacy that, in her 12 years of experience, Ms Thomas has observed is desired by many clients.

“No one wants to be right out in the open,” she said, “and our chairs and the softly lit chandelier between them create a sense of solitude.” Smooth, natural pebbles embedded in the tile of the pedestals around each of the luxurious Bradford pedicure chairs provide a nonslippery and soothing feel to the feet, and add an additional level of comfort.

A little more open are the two manicure stations where Ms Thomas and fellow manicurist Laurie Svanda work their magic on ragged cuticles and chipped nails.

“We feature Lippman nail polishes,” Ms Thomas said. “It’s a nicer, higher-end product, and we also have some polishes by Misa, an Italian line. They contain little or no formaldehyde.”

Paraffin wax treatments for hands and feet are optional treatments that are very popular in winter. “I also carry a Mavala product, Nailacten, from Switzerland. It helps with cuticle problems and strengthens the nailbed. It’s like gold. It’s my favorite product,” said Ms Thomas. If nails need more help than a little buffing and filing can provide, at Pretty Beautiful clients can have gel nails applied, a clear, odorless covering that does not lift and lasts longer than artificial acrylic nails.

Two treatment rooms, where clients can enjoy the skincare skills of esthetician Lisa Dismont, such as waxing, facials, or eyelash perming and tinting, or wallow in relaxation with Reiki treatments, or hot stone or other types of therapeutic massage provided by massage therapist, Ellen Adrian, are painted a soothing moss green. Located at the back of the small shop, the rooms reflect the same careful attention to detail Ms Thomas has put into the rest of the spa.

Pretty Beautiful Spa and Boutique carries only one line of makeup, Young Blood. The mineral-based makeup is all natural and is not tested on animals, Ms Thomas said. The spa also carries a line of medical grade skin care products by L’Oreal, called Skinceuticals. A body and hand cream that she touts as ideal for the drying conditions of winter is Glysolid.

“I only sell stuff that I know works,” she said. “It’s an awesome cream.”

Just inside the entrance to the spa is a small boutique filled with items Ms Thomas hopes will appeal to her clients and others looking for a special gift. “We have a lot of fun stuff. We have great hand creams, and what has been popular already are the loofah slippers,” said Ms Thomas. “They are thongs that buff your feet as you walk.”

Unusual purses crafted of fabric and leather, cashmere scarves by Peach Couture, a variety of novelty candles, funky reading glasses, and artsy luggage tags featured on Oprah can all be found in the boutique.

“I like stuff that is different,” Ms Thomas said. “If you go in a boutique, you should be able to find something you wouldn’t find in a department store.”

Pretty Beautiful Spa and Boutique offers some just-for-fun services, as well. Ms Thomas and her staff can create special spa packages that are perfect to tuck into a gift card, she suggested. 

Spa parties offer a chance for women to get together for an evening of spa service, soft music, wine, and appetizers in a private setting. Parties of up to ten can be accommodated.

For the cosmetically challenged or for a teen who wants to learn the best colors and makeup techniques, why not book a makeup workshop? Classes can be arranged for groups or for individuals. Brides and bridal parties will be in good hands at Pretty Beautiful, as well, said Ms Thomas.

Make a date with that special someone for a spa getaway. And for men, Pretty Beautiful has the Men’s Sports Refresher, a detoxifying pedicure, or the Men’s Paraffin treatment for rough feet.

First-time clients get another special treat at Pretty Beautiful Spa and Boutique: a 20 percent discount on any service.

“I’m feeling pretty confident about this place,” Ms Thomas said, and she looks forward to caring for the women — and men — of Newtown.

Pretty Beautiful Spa and Boutique, at 43 South Main Street, is open Monday and Tuesday, 10 am to 4 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm; Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; and Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. Cash, credit, checks, or gift cards are accepted. Free Wi-Fi connection is available in the spa, but cellphones must be turned down upon entering the spa. For more information about the spa services or to book an appointment, call 364-9669.