Originally built in 1975, the Glen Lochen Mall was a popular local destination in the 1970s and 1980s. Designed to make the most of the landscaping and waterscape that surround it, Glen Lochen was home to a popular restaurant and had numerous other retail and commercial tenants. Time and changing real estate trends - including the revitalization of the town’s Main Street - took its toll on the mall and it fell into disrepair for many years. But in 2011 the Tse family, recognizing the potential of the site, bought the property and undertook a major renovation of the building. The result is an architecturally modern facade on the outside and soaring spaces, with a lot of wood and metal elements, on the inside. The family’s work has also paid off economically. Glen Lochen has more than 30 tenants today, ranging from law offices to a coffee shop, a beauty salon and a yoga studio. Many of those businesses are owned and/or operated by women and for this, our Women’s Issue, we wanted to celebrate the Women of Glen Lochen.
1. Julie Tse, Glen Lochen
It’s been a long process bringing the building back to its glorious self. It was created and built around its natural surroundings and almost all of the spaces have a view of the pond and/or the natural light coming into their space. We credit all our tenants (existing and new) who believed in the building and in us. All my tenants are small local boutique-type businesses and they all feed off of one another. We currently have 30 plus tenants of all sizes and different types of businesses. We meet people of all ages from all over that have conveyed some fond, fun memories of Glen Lochen. It’s nice to hear compliments about the building and has been a great comeback for Glen Lochen! facebook.com/GlenLochen,860-878-2639.
2. Jackie Pagel, Sensations Day Spa.
Sensations Day Spa is a place of tranquility and relaxation. We offer a variety of spa services, including European facials and Advanced Age Defying facials, hair removal (waxing) Body Wraps, Aromatherapy Massages and Makeup Lesson and Makeup Application for any occasion. Celebrate your time for relaxation, rejuvenation and well-being at Sensations Day Spa. Gift Cards are available. Open Tuesday-Saturday. sensationsdayspa.biz. 860-633-4377.
3. Vaishali P. Shah, The Coder School
I opened my second coding school for kids, The Coder School, Glastonbury, in September of 2019. I love seeing kids develop new skills, learn problem solving, and advance in the world of technology. Our talented staff teaches coding to students between the ages of 7 to 18. From drag and drop coding, to python, website design, Java, robotics, and much more. The coder school is an exciting place to be! Thecoderschool.com, 860-266-6292.
4. Kathryn Smith and Amy Neri, Electrology Associates of Glastonbury
Amy Neri is a third generation electrologist who started in 1993 after graduating from The Electrology Institute and obtaining her Connecticut license. She works with her mom, Kathryn Smith, who is also a licensed electrologist. The pair have worked together for 26 years. “Continuing education courses assure we have the expertise to meet all your hair removal needs.” Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal, and is recognized by the FDA. “We follow strict CDC sanitizing guidelines. Compassion, professionalism, and discretion are all our priorities.” hairremovalbyamy.com, 860-888-6327.
5. Gretchen Berke, Heart & Soul Therapy
Gretchen is a licensed marital and family therapist. She guides, collaborates and walks with her clients on their journey toward improved sexual functioning, satisfaction and loving connections. She enjoys working with all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship statuses. Her integrative approach combines sex education with the sexual response cycle, anatomy and aging and obstacles and emotional issues. She targets both behavioral symptoms and the emotions and feelings that may create a barrier to the best sexual pleasure. Gretchen’s passion is treating individuals and couples with a holistic model to ensure happinesses, health and healing. 860-415-6011.
6. Pam Shores, Hideaway Salon
The Hideaway Salon has been in business for more than 40 years. Offering a pleasant friendly atmosphere. Come in and relax, have your haircut, colored or a permed. Have your nails manicured or nails enhanced with a gel application. We are happy to be part of Glen Lochen's Women in Business network. We offer hair products for sale. facebook.com/Lyns-Hair-Design-at-The-Hideaway, 860-633-6500.
7. Yvette Herbert, Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
Arthur Murray has been in business for 109 Years, while I have been blessed to be a part of that world for 17 Years. Two weeks after obtaining my Master’s I became an instructor. The ability to be a part of so much fun, joy, and creativity is very fulfilling. My greatest joy is watching people learn to dance and move more than their wildest dreams. Dance makes people happy and you will meet some of the most amazing people through it. Moving from a teacher to being an owner of one of the happiest places on earth makes life beautiful. Ctarthurmurray.com, 860-659-3161.
8. Abby Kilgore, AKBD, The Inspired Kitchen LLC
Kitchens and bathrooms are so much more than cabinets and countertops, a well designed and implemented space can absolutely improve your life! I look forward to the opportunity to work with you through the entire design and build process, both as a designer and a woman general contractor! I'm honored to be part of such a supportive and empowering community. Theinspiredkitchenco.com, 860-916-2315.
9. Emily Keel, The Dreaming Tree
Becoming a Certified WISDOM Coach® for children and youth felt like the most natural progression in my career. My approach to working with kids and teens is holistic; I see the whole child/teen. I am always grateful to connect and discuss various options of support for your children and family. I have offered individual coaching packages and have blended both coaching and yoga/mindfulness. We can also discuss catering a package that works for your family, one that will cover coaching/yoga/educational support. Thedreamingtreeyoga.com, 860-559-1729.
10. Dr. Carolina Padilla, Fig Health
With more than 10 years of experience in women and children’s wellness I have created FIG Health with the mission to offer the best Integrative Health Care for women and children while keeping it accessible to all. We start taking care of women and children from before pregnancy; from helping women with fertility, support and guidance throughout pregnancy and beyond. We have an amazing team of lactation support specialists, board certified pediatricians, alternative medicine specialists. We want to support, guide and offer the best care. fighealthcg.com or call 860-375-5088.
11. Lenore Crosson and Saundra Jezowski, Dermasology Skin Solutions
Lenore Crosson, APRN, and Saundra Jezowski, licensed PMU artist, offer medical spa services beyond the norm. This team simplifies facial transformation with Nova Threads and Magnetic Tattoo Removal, injectables, chemical peels, permanent makeup, magnetic tattoo removal, and a full line of Dermasology®️ Skin Care products. Of special interest is the treatment of adolescent and adult acne. Both have over 20 years experience in the field and focus on real solutions to real problems. Dermasology.com, 860-633-2020.
12. Anna Zastem, Licensed Realtor
Anna Zastem specializes in applying her expertise and local market knowledge into every day real estate transactions. With over a decade of experience, Anna excels in every aspect of the industry representing buyers, sellers, investors and developers. Her passion for real estate alongside creative marketing efforts bring in above average yearly sales, and rank her in the top one percent of realtors statewide. Annazastem.com, 860-604-2106.
13. Marion Dondi Burke, The Marion Dondi Burke School of Dance
The Marion Dondi Burke School of Dance is celebrating 30 years of business, 24 in Glen Lochen. My career merges my two big passions: Dance and Teaching. I hold a degree in education from UConn and I’m a graduate of the Dance Educators of America Teacher Training School. I offer a specialized preschool program, and classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hawaiian, and Acro-Gymnastics of all levels, from age two through adult. Burkedance.com, 860-646-1791, 860-633-7284.
14. Lauren Justine Fuller, Fuller Yoga Pilates & Massage
We believe that a body with good posture, strength and flexibility can do amazing things. Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage specializes in creating a space for students to do just that. Our team has years of knowledge and we look forward to helping you reduce pain and stiffness and feel better in your body. fulleryoga.com, 860-430-9642.
15. Hanna Park, Raonjena Coffee & Dessert
My husband, Do Kim, and I opened our unique coffee shop in 2018. We combine European and Asian influences in making our luscious desserts and we serve specialty coffee and drinks. Our coffee is sourced from local roasters and we custom make cakes. Our shop is light and full of plants to give it a bright and positive atmosphere. I think dessert is like music, because delicious desserts make people dance. So, I love my job so much. Raonjena.org, 860.430.5006.
16. Judy Flynn, The Fresh Monkee
The Fresh Monkee began in June 2014 after I moved from a career that no longer fit my ideas of what I wanted for myself and my children. My personal goal to eat low sugar, high protein and whole fruits n veggies as a busy Mom was a struggle. I loved shakes but found the options in stores were deceptive with their calorie counts and ingredients. So I created The Fresh Monkee - protein shakes overflowing with goodness and manage blood sugar, was created on the couch with my kids. We have learned an incredible amount and I couldn’t be more proud of what my staff and I have built. We are now five shops strong. I believe, as women, we often minimize our accomplishments. I am honored to be part of a growing community of small businesses led by female entrepreneurs. I wish love and congratulations to all of us. Thefreshmonkee.com, 860-633-7711.
Ashley Liles, Message by Massage
17. Ashley is a graduate of the formerly named The Connecticut Center For Massage Therapy. She was the sole therapist for numerous athletes at the Dream Bowl, HBCU Spirit of America Bowl, National Scouting Combine and the NFL Combine. Ashley serves as a guest lecturer to students at the University of Hartford and the Cortiva Institute. She practices in her Connecticut office as well as in the professional sports industry. Her resume includes Cirque Du Soleil, WWE, NFL and MLS. messagebymassage.weebly.com, 860-944-8189.
18. Cara Andreoli, Registered Dietitian
Whatever eating and health issues you are struggling with, there is a path forward. I’m here to help you find it! Registered dietitians are the food and nutrition experts guiding patients toward better health with evidence-based nutrition and sustainable eating habits. Our services are considered prevention and are covered by insurance. nutrition-matters.org, 860-888-6553.
