LATHAM — Rumors Salon & Spa celebrated 30 years in business Friday, Sept. 16 with a champagne toast ceremony with employees and guests.
Business partners Marri Aviza and Lisa Norgrove founded the salon and spa in 1986 with a team of four and a single goal: “We want you to feel royally gorgeous, from the inside out.” The Rumors team now has 104 internationally-trained professionals, and has helped thousands of customers look, feel and be “royally gorgeous.”
“My business partner and I strive to help not only our community, but our team,” said Norgrove. “Being able to watch them grow not only in numbers but in knowledge with our education program is unbelievable. We are extremely proud of all of them and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of us.”
In 2012, the partners finished construction on a brand new 12,000-square-foot space that features a state-of-the-art salon and spa, and a separate modern environment for Rumors IV Men. The new Rumors facility is also home to Tala, an American Bistro serving a fusion of local and regional flavors in an inspired, intimate environment. The restaurant is operated by Mazzone Hospitality, the region’s largest restaurant and catering company.
Aviza and Norgrove also used the day to announce a new cancer care program partnering with St. Peter’s Health Partners.
“Rumors is incredibly moved and honored to present their newest program and partnership with St. Peter’s Hospital called ‘Tuesdays with Rumors’; a new cancer care program in which on the second Tuesday each month Rumors will open their world-class salon and spa to women patients of St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Care Center who are battling all types of cancer” said Katie Bartlett, Rumors director of marketing.
Complimentary services to be offered will include: hair removal, manicure, pedicure, mini facial, mini massage, wig fitting, wig washing, wig styling, blowout, blowdry, and conditioning treatment. Not only will the cancer patient be treated to a complimentary service, but 20 percent off a service of their choice will be given to the caregiver. Rumors believes that every woman has the right to be, feel and look beautiful, and they are delighted to offer this program to women battling cancer.
“We are so pleased to partner with Rumors Spa and Salon on this program, and so thankful to them for the generosity, compassion, and comfort they are offering to our patients who are battling cancer,” said Virginia Golden, chief executive officer of St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Memorial Hospital. “A cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face in life. We should all strive to be a healing presence, as Rumors is with this new initiative, for those who are in the process of overcoming cancer and getting back to the lives they love.”
Rumors has donated more than $1 million in funds, services, and products to numerous regional health-related causes and charitable organizations. The partnership with St. Peter’s and Albany Memorial hospitals seemed particularly more poignant for Aviza.
“The ‘Tuesdays with Rumors’ program will have a very special meaning to me” said Aviza. “Being a veteran of breast cancer, I was inspired to start this program because not all women have access to beauty services to help them look better and feel better. In doing this program, we believe that we will help the outlook of these special ladies on their diagnosis and brighten their moods. I know how these women feel and being able to provide them a day of peace and pampering is truly beyond words.”
