The Business Break-Down

Ginger Bay Plans to Make Town and Country Beautiful

Ginger Bay Salon and Spa will be opening its second St. Louis area location in Town and Country Crossing this December.

Ginger Bay Salon and Spa is a locally owned, full-service salon that’s been pampering customers since 1991. In 2008, the Kirkwood-based salon was purchased by attorney Laura Ortmann, who had been working as the company’s in-house counsel. Ortmann said she fell in love with the salon and gradually became more than just its attorney. She decided to make a career shift, and after five years at the salon, she accepted an offer to buy it rather than open her own law practice. Technically, Ortmann is still a lawyer, which is a great asset for a business owner, she said. “Law is not my focus—this is my baby,” Ortmann said of Ginger Bay. Ortmann said that Ginger Bay was already an excellent company when she took over. The salon staff were all …

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The Business Break-Down

MassageLuXe Opening this Fall in Manchester Highlands

Affordable luxuries, one franchise at a time. A look at the latest addition to the Manchester Highlands and what's left to fill.

A new MassageLuXe is slated to open in September at 921-931 Brittany Parkway in the Manchester Highlands shopping complex behind Costco. This leaves only three more vacant retail spaces and an undeveloped lot to fill in the shopping center. Manchester's Director of Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Franz Kraintz said that businesses are interested in the remaining spaces and should be moving in before long. MassageLuXe offers nine types of massage, including Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue and sports therapy. This location will also be the first in the area to offer a facial bar, where customers can receive walk-in facials or make appointments for various skin care services. Darren and Jane Thomas will operate the Manchester …

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The Business Break-Down

Wellbridge Athletic Club and Spa Offers Excellent Amenities But They Don't Come Cheap

Work out or relax at this elite fitness club in Town and Country.

Now’s the time to think about getting in shape for summer shorts and swimsuits. Wellbridge Athletic Club and Spa offers a full-service gym that will get you healthy inside and out, all while feeling pampered. However, members will pay more here than at most local athletic clubs, but staff members said the rates match the value of the club. There are two Wellbridge locations in the St. Louis area, one in Clayton and one in Town and Country. The Town and County location is off the beaten path, but club representatives said that's part of the peacefulness of the spa portion of the center. Wellbridge is touted as a premier gym that offers its membership a wide range of services—some beyond what you’ll find at a typical fitness center. It …

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Frugal Family: Food, Fabric and Family Fun

Frugal Family has found deals to put a spring in your step.

Frugal Family found this week's best deals for you and your family from dance lessons, dinner for the family fabric and even some pampering for mom. Remember to check with the merchant for additonal conditions. 1. VIP NAILS AND SPA Deal: A full set of VIP spa pedicures are $5 off. Good Through: The end date has to be determined. 2. JUST DANCING Deal:  One private lesson, one group lesson and one practice party only costs $20. New students only. Good Through:  The deal is ongoing for new students. 3. HANCOCK FABRICS Deal: Top Drawer fabrics are 25 percent off. Good Through: The deal is good through April 13. 4. FRAILEY'S PUB AND GRILL Deal: The lunch menu is $7.25 with a beverage included Date: Mondays through Fridays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 5. …

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