Three fast years have passed since Anej first opened its doors, and I still vividly remember that very first day. It was just Jena and me, working tirelessly for months, surrounded by three empty treatment rooms and less than half the retail space we have now. Our days were filled with dreams of a full staff, a larger retail area with many more product lines, and even the bigger dream of expanding to another location one day.
How far we’ve come since then.
Jena and I share a special bond that not many people know about. We don’t just work together every day—we’re best friends outside of it too. We’ve shared countless birthdays, celebrations, weddings, and baby showers. There have been countless twenty-minute phone calls, catching up on life beyond work.
Jena and I met over 10 years ago at our previous job. I was in college, working part-time as a spa coordinator, and she was the lead esthetician. We instantly clicked over our mutual love for fashion, makeup, restaurants, and TV shows. Was it love at first sight? We’d say so.
Jena had a plan from the start: 'One day, I’m going to open my own place, and I want you to manage it for me.' And in true Jena fashion, she executed it flawlessly.
Our three-year soirée was everything we could have hoped for—light bites, bubbles, music, a photo booth, and most importantly, good people. It was the perfect atmosphere. Brand reps mingled with our guests, answering product questions and guiding them towards routines tailored to their needs. A crowd favorite was our mocktail made with Wooden Spoon Herbs Magic Magnesium.
Alexandra and Nicole showcased the Biologique Recherche Skin Instant© Lab. This impressive device uses five scientific probes—measuring hydration, water loss, elasticity, pigmentation, and sebum—connected to a computer with Biologique Recherche’s diagnostic software. It then recommends products that match your unique Skin Instant© results. Needless to say, everyone wanted a turn! We're thrilled to offer this exclusive service at our Yardley location, but only until the end of October—so be sure to book while you can!
Gabriela demonstrated our newest body treatment, D-Contour. It’s an incredible treatment that stimulates new collagen, tones muscles, and sustains hydration. Combining Vibrational Therapy, LED, Cold Laser, Infrared, and Microcurrent, it repairs tissue and transforms cells. We include MyoContour Body Wraps in this service for the ultimate tightening and slimming results. The effects are unmatched.
For an extra special touch, we had Trivia, a live fashion illustrator, sketch portraits of our guests, giving them a beautiful memory to take home with them.
The highlight of the event was Jena’s heartfelt speech. She praised her staff, thanked our loyal clients, and shared just how much it meant to her to open her own space. Then came the big surprise—Jena announced that Anej would soon be opening a second studio! While the exact location would be revealed at a later date (hello, Princeton!), the news left our clients in shock.
The studio buzzed with excitement and questions. 'Can you at least tell us what state it’s in?' 'When’s the grand opening?' 'I hope the second location is closer to me, so I can visit more often!' There were even tears of joy. It was an unforgettable moment.
Three years of working alongside your best friend—it’s truly a dream. I’m forever thankful to the astrology gods for Gemini-Aries compatibility! Year three is set to bring a lot of newness to Anej: a new location, new staff, new clients, and an all-around fresh energy. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store and am looking forward to many more.