David J. Witchell: New American Beauty

In early October of 1996, as the chill of autumn winds began and leaves started their turn to shades of rust and gold, two partners, David and Galina Witchell opened the doors to their dream destination at 25 South State Street in Newtown, Pa. Two years prior, they joined forces with Newtown’s Hayden Architecture and Urban Design, to transform the run-down historic structure that had once been a prominent dry goods store at the turn of the century into the area’s top destination for beauty—both body and mind—that it has become today. All five levels of this completely renovated masterpiece of design contain ways for everyone to look great, feel better, dress smarter and live a better way of life! From head to toe, you will fine every amenity that you would find at any A-List Manhattan salon, destination or resort spa, and even the most sophisticated women’s boutique. Having a philosophy of internal staff development, David and Galina hand-selected the original staff of eight and carefully cultivated it to just over 100.

While the business may hold his name, it is actually the complimentary strengths of both partners that make this phenomenal success story so captivating. While David is responsible for training and developing the staff, Galina’s responsibilities express her many talents for her strength in managing the financial aspects of the business, as well as merchandising and designing. From the very first days of business, Galina, David and the talented staff have welcomed and attracted a diverse clientele from all areas of the region, spanning from Manhattan to Philadelphia.
Recently, “Bucks Living Magazine” took a few minutes to sit down with Galina and David to discuss their business’s biggest successes, spring’s hottest trends in wellness, beauty and fashion, as well as how to save money and still feel luxurious in this difficult economic time.

BL: Let’s start with the quickly approaching spring season and Mother’s Day. Does your spa offer anything exciting for Mom this spring?
GW: Yes we do! Quality time spent together is priceless. What better way to say I love you than a day together at the spa? All of your services are included in our duel service room and upon your arrival; a spring floral creation from Clarks Flower Shop will be waiting for your mother! We are offering this relaxing and pampering experience with a savings of $140.00.

BL: How can a person on a budget afford to come to your salon for a spring makeover?
DW: The focus this spring is creating a shape that lasts! Everyone needs to stretch that haircut as long as possible. We have been creating looks that fit a lifestyle for over 14 years, so this is noting new to us.
Our focus has always been on the consultation and creation of a look that fits all aspects of your lifestyle—this includes your finances! Our stylists are trained to first address the needs of the client, then evaluate the texture of the hair and finally make recommendations that will be flattering to facial structure. This luxury is also affordable with haircut prices ranging from $40.00 up to $300.00. We really do accommodate every budget and price point. Also, consultations with me are complimentary. After I consult with a client, I schedule the appropriate designer to do the actual work.

BL: What makes your spa stand out from all of the other spas in our area?
GW: From the moment you open the door and enter the space, you feel like you have arrived in a Swiss chalet or lodge in a remote mountaintop—a luxurious retreat complete with turn of the century stone walls, a comforting and cozy fireplace, soothing aromas, spacious and well-appointed treatment rooms and a warm and knowledgeable staff that will indulge your spirits and relax your mind and body.
In addition to our classic signature spa style services, we also offer unique therapies from around the world that you won’t easily find this close to home—
including our caviar facial, Shirodhara treatment and therapeutic hot and cold stone body, facial and foot treatments. Over the past several years, we have been hand selecting the finest professionals to join our staff in creating a one-stop resource for wellness and beauty, elevating us to being a “medi-spa” and the response has been fantastic. Medical grade peels, Botox and Juvaderm are usually done in a clinical environment. We are fortunate to have the talented Dr. Robert Skalicky bringing these procedures to our guests. We enhance the treatments by making them a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

BL: Why is your boutique such a popular destination for so many women?
GW: We are known for the most flattering evening and cocktail wear. Whether you are looking for a dress straight from the red carpets of Hollywood or a cool, hip street style, you can be sure to find it here. Since we only buy for a select clientele, you won’t see what you are wearing on anyone else when you walk in the room. We also complete your total look with the perfect jewelry and handbags. What really drives women to come to us is our custom made designs. Anything from a woman looking for sizes 12 and up to mature women who still want to be in touch with fashion come to us for custom made casual and evening wear.  We have three excellent dressmakers that create custom pieces under my direction.

David J. Witchell is located at 25 S. State Street in Newtown. For more information, visit www.davidjwitchell.com or call (215) 579-1200.