Worcester Business Journal

22 Worcester Business Journal | March 21, 2022 | wbjournal.com to helping others through this social me- dia connection has been a great benefit. What advice do you have for small busi- nesses hoping to make it in Worcester? Lucky for us, we have a great commu- nity of small businesses in Worcester that support and look out for one another. My best advice is to introduce yourself and share what your business will bring to the community. Do your research, be pre- pared, read, become inspired, and work hard. Create a work-life balance. Is there a specific challenge you have had to overcome in your career? Like many people in our community and around the globe, I was diagnosed with COVID late in 2020. I developed long-hauler symptoms, which made not only day-to-day tasks difficult, but run- ning a business with multiple locations almost impossible to do alone. ankfully during this time, I realized I was not alone: I had an amazing team behind me. Without batting an eye, they stepped up and took over so many of my responsibilities while I recovered. I am incredibly thankful for these women and fully indebted to them for the way they relentlessly supported me through this time. I learned to be truly successful and happy, you must surround yourself with good people and continue to li others. What sets Thomas Rothwell apart from other spas in Central Mass? Aer many years of research and train- ing, each and every service we provide has been designed to help our clients improve their daily lives. Our services are truly like no other, and we are humbled to be told this time and time again. We are a team dedicated to helping our communi- ty reconnect and recharge through quality care and services; mind, body & soul. It has been especially important during the past two years and the pandemic to help people not only feel confident and cared for, but to find calm restoration through stressful times. Can you share a memory illustrating your favorite part of your job? Being in this industry for 16 years, lots of memories flood to the surface. Howev- er, one that comes to mind is our annual Facebook live events we have during the holidays to promote seasonal spa specials and to help everyone get into the holiday spirit. It started small with fun little trivia events and somehow quickly turned into dressing in ridiculous costumes, my favorite being the Wet Bandits: Harry & Marv from the '90s classic movie "Home Alone". If you can even picture such a sight, there were bald caps, feathers, and iron face imprints. When my team com- mits, we commit fully. (is is my apolo- gy to team member Olivia for requesting her to be a part of such an event.) O ver the last two years, Alaina Mangano Brown had to face the realities of COVID as both a long hauler managing lasting symptoms and as a small business owner. Mangano Brown offers facials and body treatments at locations in Shrewsbury and in Worcester's Canal District. What has been your career trajectory? omas Rothwell Spa was an idea building in my heart for many years. While attending university, my mother passed away from cancer. At that point, I Q & A SHOP TALK PHOTO | JILLIAN ROLLINS This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by WBJ contributor Sarah Connell Sanders. needed to change my career path. I began volunteering with the Amer- ican Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Better program, helping women restore their images and appearances while going through treatment. is is where I discovered my love for aesthetics and turned my pain into my passion. I am incredibly grateful for my career and the opportunity to open omas Rothwell Spa. Both have exceeded expectations. In addition to our Shrewsbury loca- tion, we have recently opened a second location in Worcester. We are in just our fourth year of business, and we are thrilled to see what our future holds and look forward to serving more members of our community. How do you market your services? Social media is the best way to con- nect with our guests. We like to showcase our work, give an in-treatment view of our relaxing skincare services, and create videos sharing the individual personali- ties of our team. is engagement helps our guests learn what to expect, so they can truly enjoy their experience once they arrive. Sharing our services, the care we provide, and our deep commitment Founded: 2017 Employees: 7 Age: 35 Birthplace: Worcester Residence: Worcester College: Framingham State University Providing calm restoration Alaina Mangano Brown Owner & esthetician Thomas Rothwell Spa, in Worcester & Shrewsbury W

• Cover