A business can measure success in countless ways, but outgrowing your original location in just a few years, experiencing minimal staff turnover, and boasting a fiercely loyal book of clients make for a trifecta of accomplishments that any owner would be proud to call their own.
That’s certainly true for Gino and June Giumarello, who have been running the Gloucester County-based In the Village salon and day spa since 1997—back when it was a single location housed in a charmingly quaint cottage on the Giumarellos’ farmhouse property in Mullica Hill. It soon became evident that demand for their services exceeded the space, inspiring the couple to set their sights on creating a larger, all-encompassing relaxation destination.
“After just two years of business, we knew we were doing pretty well and we needed to expand right away,” Gino recalls. “So we moved out of the farmhouse and worked on renovating the house that was our home, which we turned into a full-service salon and day spa.”
That original location still serves an endless stream of happy clients, and a second location in Woolwich Township followed in 2009. What has fueled that successful growth is a formula that remains a hallmark of In the Village to this day.
“It’s absolutely our customer service and attention to detail that set us apart,” Gino affirms. “In the ’90s, there was a spa boom that made us want to get into that market, and I think strategically creating a salon and spa atmosphere that was just the right size has had a lot to do with our success. We’re not too big and we’re not too small, and we’ve always kept up with the latest trends and beauty techniques—like the Hydrafacials and the Diamond Glow, which are specific types of facials that use a unique machine. It’s a combination of microexfoliation and intensive hydration at the same time.”
Being the one call that offers it all further ensures that guests benefit from the full day-spa experience, with restorative and rejuvenating services delivered by a team of aestheticians and spa professionals who are passionate about their craft and conduct thorough consultations before each session. Offerings include a suite of nail and hair services; spa treatments such as waxing and targeted massages ranging from therapeutic to Swedish; pampering skincare options for acne, aging, hydration, and more; and a bridal package fit for a queen.
“One of the unique things that made the day spa so popular is that we offer packages where people can come in and get multiple services done—facials, massages, manicures, pedicures—so they basically spend the day enjoying our salon, hence the name ‘day spa,’” says Gino. “That’s why around Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Easter, we sell so many gift cards and beauty packages. They’re very popular gift items. It’s the perfect day, the perfect gift, the perfect pampering idea for your loved one.”
Gino is quick to credit In the Village’s expert team for cultivating the warm, friendly environment that keeps clients coming back.
“All of our service providers are required to maintain ongoing education in their specific fields. They’re all professionals who are passionate about what they do, and most have been with us for many years—some for more than 20,” he says. “When we’re hiring, I look for good people, first and foremost, and second, passionate people who really want to give the best massage possible or who truly care about our guests’ skincare. … We get reviews all the time about how wonderful the massages are, how kind our staff is, how great we make people feel.”
It all adds up to happy, loyal clients who help spread the word even further about how the talented team at In the Village helps them look and feel their best—inside and out.
“Word-of-mouth referrals are basically how we built our business—from that 1,000-square-foot cottage in 1997 to two 3,000-square-foot full-service salons and day spas,” says Gino. “It’s really fulfilling when you make people feel good—there’s nothing better than that. We put a lot of emphasis on the experience, because how we make people feel is every bit as important as how we make them look.”
In the Village
Mullica Hill: (856) 223-1774
Woolwich: (856) 241-1218
InTheVillage.com
