By Andrea Harwood Palmer
Skin Renaissance Spa opened in early March at 142 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, across the road from the Hannaford Plaza.
Shelley Riopelle has been a licensed esthetician for over 25 years. Previously, she worked at a spa in Saratoga for 10 years.
When COVID-19 hit and the state ordered businesses to shut their doors, she considered retiring. After time passed and businesses started to reopen, Riopelle realized she missed the work and wanted to get back into it.
“I decided that instead of going back to work for someone else, I would open my own spa,” said Riopelle. “Pandemic or not, I wanted to give it a go and see it where it takes me.”
The spa offers a full menu of skin treatments and modalities, body treatments, facial treatments, foot soaks and waxing following all Covid-19 protocols.
Riopelle is a state licensed medical esthetician.
“I was a nail technician and owned my own nail spa in Red Hook, N.Y., for seven years. I realized that my passion was skin care and helping others see a difference in their skin. I sold the business to go back to school,” she said.
When a new client comes in, Riopelle does a complimentary consultation to go over questions and concerns, current products, diet and lifestyle. She makes customized skin recommendations, personalized to each client.
“The meaning of renaissance is rebirth. I chose the name Skin Renaissance to honor the rebirthing of skin at my spa,” said Riopelle.
Her website is www.skinrenaissancespa.com. While the website posts hours of operation, Riopelle said prospective clients can call her directly and she will work within their schedule. The phone number is 518-741-6001.