Massage therapy enterprise grows to dual
locations with help of Small Business Development Center
Doreen Zayer, owner of Relax on Cloud Nine, has expanded her massage
therapy practice from a tiny spot in the Staten Island Mall to dual
locations, first in her vintage West Brighton home, then at the
Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield.
The moves were made possible thanks to the advice from the Small
Business Development Center (SBDC) at the College of Staten Island,
affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Ms.
Zayer said.
That expert advice, free of charge, helped her secure the bank loans
needed to expand, Ms. Zayer said.
A five-year 5.5 percent variable loan from Victory State Bank at 1
percent over prime (now around 4.5 percent) in 2001 enabled her to
install modern spa facilities in her 19th century home.
And last May, using her home as collateral, Ms. Zayer obtained a
$60,000 loan at 7.5 percent interest from Victory to open Relax on
Cloud Nine Health and Wellness Spa at the Hilton.
Loans for new businesses are easier to get when they're backed by
the SBA explained SBDC director Martin Schwartz, who helped Ms.
Zayer plan the expansion and obtain the loans for both locations.
Both locations are fine with Joe Tirone Jr. of Castleton Corners,
who divides his time between the West Brighton and Bloomfield
locations.
"I work out and run, so the massage is very therapeutic," Tirone
said, as he showed up for his appointment yesterday at the Hilton
spa for a 15 minute massage.
Giving Schwartz a literal pat on the back yesterday at the Hilton
spa, Michael Papas, SBA Region 2 administrator, said he wants to get
the word out to other Island businesses that the agency's free
services are available to them as well.
"We'd like to increase our outreach to Staten Island businesses,"
Pappas said.
"Lots of businesses don't realize they can sit down, one to one, and
get help - free, like where to get health insurance, how to deal
with employees," Ms. Zayer said.
Joining Pappas at the morning gathering were Jose R. Sifontes, SBA's
director of the New York District Office, and Herbert Austin, deputy
district director of that office.
Current and prospective business owners who would like to consult
with SBDC advisers can reach them at (718) 982-2560.
SBA affiliate, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, also offers
free business advice. For details, call (718) 727-1221.
