The new business offers various wellness services including massage therapy, permanent cosmetics, acupuncture, skin treatments and an assortment of other methods of rejuvenation.

“There is definitely a health aspect to the Saratoga area, and I really wanted to add to it,” Owner Reisa Mehlman said. She moved to the area from Boston in 2004 with the idea of making life better for herself and her community.

After working in the entertainment business and conducting interviews with various people in the Boston area, Mehlman realized she identified with the health and wellness community, she said.

“It just dawned on me that I really wanted to work with other practitioners to enhance the lives of others,” she said. 

After nine months of planning and refurbishment of the Victorian building which houses the business, her dream was realized on Feb. 15 when doors opened to the public. The facility, located at 18 Low Street, Ballston Spa, employs eight people, including four massage therapists and an acupuncturist. Mehlman is a New York State Licensed Aesthetician, nail specialist, certified eyelash extensionist and Reiki practitioner. Reiki is a form of Oriental energy healing that has been known to bring relaxation and detoxify the body.

“I had a baby,” Mehlman said of her new business.  “Instead of a diaper bag I carry a briefcase.”

Mehlman, who previously owned Skin Essentials on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, brought cliental with her new haven in Ballston Spa.

“I followed Reisa to her new place because of her personality — She’s energetic and very relaxing at the same time,” said client Katrina Ruberti, who works as a real estate agent at Prudential Manor Homes.  “I have a high stress job and coming here is a great way to get away from everything.  It feels like I am at a spa in some exotic location.”

Ruberti also feels that the location of Mehlman’s spa will help bring people to downtown Ballston Spa.

“Living Well is in a great spot.  Downtown Ballston Spa is an up and coming area and it’s less congested than Saratoga Springs,” she said.  She added that she is likely to frequent the shops and delis in downtown after she leaves the spa. 

“I think this is a wonderful addition to the area and will help out other businesses also,” Ruberti said.

Most of Mehlman’s practitioners are from the area, one of which being Dave Ostrowski, New York State Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Tui Na Practicioner.  Ostrowski has been practicing in Saratoga County for more than 10 years.

“Living Well makes trachment more accessible and more affordable for people who understand and desire the benefits of  acupuncture, but who many not have the funds for private treatments,” he said in a press release. 

All of the services at Living Well Healing Arts Center and Spa are wellness based, Mehlman said. 

“At Living Well, our goal is to facilitate and to make a meaningful contribution to your life,” she said,  “As partners, the client and practitioner work together to enable and enhance the body’s innate wellness through tried and true pathways.  Being healthy is beautiful.”