Archive: Business & Technology

Alta Spa is celebrating its ten-year anniversary, and the owner of Ithaca’s first full-service spa says using the traditional values she learned in her native land of Ghana, treating customers like family, and adapting to changing times and circumstances, are the keys to her business’s success.

Owner Awura-Abena was born and grew up in the African nation of Ghana.  As such, Alta Spa follows the African tradition of focusing on small talk and sharing pleasantries with clients, which Awura-Abena says, goes a long way toward building lasting customer relationships.

Alta Spa opened at its current East State Street location in 1999, after five years in another downtown Ithaca location. At the time, it was the only true full-service spa in Ithaca to offer skin care, waxing, massage, nail and hair care, in one location. It continues to offer each of those services today. Awura-Abena, who was living in Canada before coming to Ithaca with her family, says by focusing on building relationships with Alta Spa’s customers, the business has grown all by itself and continues to do so today. Alta Spa has also adapted its products, services, and environment and decor, to both changing times and circumstances which is another important reason for its success.

Consistency, convenience and location are also factors in the success of Alta Spa. Awura-Abena says Alta Spa customers know they’ll always receive the same courteous treatment and selection of products and services every time they visit. The spa’s location in downtown Ithaca, and full compliment of spa services, makes it just as convenient for a weekday worker on lunch break to receive a spa treatment, as it is for a weekend visitor.

Alta Spa’s anniversary celebration from 10:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2009 is free and open to the public. Guests will be treated to food and drink, live jazz, and discounts and specials on products and services from the Spa.

Along with being an entrepreneur and business owner, Awura-Abena Ansah has mentored a number of youth in Ithaca, through programs such as the Learning Web and Y.E.S. She also mentors professionals in the beauty business.  She has also been involved in a number of ventures in the Ithaca community such as Africa-in-Ithaca, Pathways Counseling Service, and Juneteenth, as well as many others. As it celebrates ten years in its present location Alta Spa is poised to go in a new improved direction, of providing very tailored individual services to clients.

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