Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Susi Laura Massage!
Three questions with Susi Manheimer, owner of Susi Laura Massage.
Why did you start your business?
In my early 20s I was on track to a career in law, but after working in a law firm for 2 years, I found a lack of personal connection and meaningfulness in that field. I wanted a career that would make a difference in peoples lives in a direct, tangible way. I enrolled in the rigorous certification program at the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy in New York where I studied anatomy, physiology, myology, Swedish, deep tissue and eastern massage. After graduating, I worked at a spa in NYC owned by a world-renowned massage therapist who became my mentor. The standard of service there was extremely high, and that became the bar to which I evaluated my own work, as well as that of other therapists and spas. I wanted a place like that of my own one day. After working at a number of spas and steadily growing my independent practice, I opened Susi Laura Massage in Ridgefield in 2008. Ten years later, we have doubled the size of our Ridgefield space. Our mission is to focus on the needs of each client, deliver the highest level of customer of service, and only hire massage therapists and aestheticians who meet our high standard of experience and skill. We have also expanded our boutique to offer a curated assortment of skincare lines, candles, jewelry, clothing and accessories.
We are known as the place to go to for deep tissue massage and organic facials. We have seen thousands of athletes, expectant moms and people who are rehabbing from injury or in chronic pain. Once you step through the door of Susi Laura, you are taken care of. As Massage Therapists and Aestheticians, our client’s happiness and well being is our foremost priority. Our clients are like family. We remember all the details of their aches, pains and preferences, as well as the details of their daily lives that they share with us.
How many people do you employ? Any youth or seniors from the community?
Susi Laura employs 10 massage therapists, 3 aestheticians and 4 spa coordinators. Our therapists and aestheticians have over 10 years of experience in the field and continue to learn and hone their skill. Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist of Fairfield Naturopathic Health has office hours at Susi Laura Massage as well. We also participate in the Ridgefield High School Internship program. Interns learn all the ins and outs of running a small business and help at all the Spring events that Susi Laura is a sponsor of, including Run Like a Mother and the Redding Road Race Run for the Cows.
Susi Laura Massage is located at 20 Prospect Street. Visit them online here.
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!