As I began to write the February Newsletter, I was astonished that we are already into the second month of 2013. This year has already represented so much change and opportunity for my business, my mission work and my life. I am so excited to share with you the events that occured in January, and the opportunity I have coming to me in February.

     My staff and I have made some updates in the salon and spa. Sandy Miller from Earthly Possessions provided us with some antique boutique pieces of furniture. We have developed a boutique for jewelry and scarves that you will see as you enter Allure, and we have moved our makeup area to the upstairs sanctuary. We hope that you will enjoy the new look just as much as we do!

     Allure Spa in January is often a time for all the staff to catch up with their families and friends after the rush and excitement of the holiday season. Each year we celebrate our Annual Employee Appreciation Party in the second week of January. On January 19th, the Allure Spa Staff and I traveled to Charlestown and had a fabulous dinner at Tangierinos. I felt so uplifted and happy that almost all of the staff employees were able to join in the celebration of another successful year!

     On Monday, January 19th we held our first Ulthera Open House Party at Allure Spa. Michael Lustig, the regional representative from Ulthera gave a great and informative presentation on the new technology. Molly, Kathleen and Erin were very excited to share their knowledge as certified Ulthera technicians and  were able to offer private consultations with the guests. We have had such a positive response and interest shown towards the Ulthera that we will now offer Ulthera Private Parties at Allure Spa for you and your friends and family. We encourage you to call Allure Spa and set up a time and date that would accomodate your schedule!

      This Friday, February 8th, I will be traveling to Bangladesh with Molly Coyle and Susan Canavan. One of the projects of Friends of the World Charitable Trust has been to  educate young women in Cosmetology from Bangladesh. We have been able to provide them with an opportunity to start their own business at the International Salon and Spa.  On our upcoming trip, we will be able to observe the business, supply new products and equipment, provide insight on marketing and help with management models and business management skills.

     In my line of work, and in my mission, my main focus is caring for people.  I have always had a passion for caring for young women. Specifically in my business at Allure Spa, I always try to provide jobs to the young women to help mentor them and have them grow in the business.

     I wanted to share with you a story about one of my employees that has been at Allure for 10 years. Many of you may know Julianne as the smiling face that greets you as you come in. Julianne started as an assistant, taking care of the laundry and cleaning at Allure Spa many years ago. She continued her education after high school at Eastern Nazarene for both her undergraduate and graduate degree. Julianne has blossomed into a beautiful young woman and I am delighted to have seen her grow within Allure Spa throughout the years. After many years as an assistant, Julianne was promoted to receptionist and later, the Allure Spa manager.

     I am pleased that Julianne has shown interest in Friends of the World Charitbale Trust after her 2011 trip to Bangladesh. She has been such a blessing to the business and I appreciate all her devotion to the company. Again, I feel it is important to help young women grow from a very young age. My goal is to have these young women lead with love and support while developing business skills and experience. Julianne and all the young women share something very special; growing in knowledge and care for the business while also becoming leaders within it.

     I wish you all a great month and hope to see you at Allure Spa soon. Please keep Friends of the World Charitable Trust's members, Molly Coyle, Susan Canavan and myself in your prayers this month as we travel to Bangladesh. I am excited to share with you my experience in the March newsletter!

God Bless,

Sandra Ishmael

Allure Spa's Annual Employee Appreciation Party

January 19, 2013

Tangierino, Charlestown

Have you heard about Lisa Williams? ...

Lisa Williams has been an employee for Allure Spa for a year now and has been hairdressing for 16 years. The Springfield native took cosmetology at Putnam Vocational Technical High School. Lisa has trained over the years on all hair types and textures for both men and women.

What's unique about Lisa is that she specializes as a multicultural hairdresser. She works with both natural and curly hair styles. Lisa utilizes different treatments and works to maintain the multicultural hair with professional products. One treatment that she is trained in are relaxers and also specializes in curly hair cutting techniques, blow outs and flat ironing.

After a year of hairdressing at Allure Spa, Lisa has been certified and trained as a Davines Color educator. One of the tasks of a Davines educator is being experienced in color corrections, modern coloring techniques such as Flamboyage, Ombre, and also multi-color foiling techniques,