Two beauty experts converge under one roof at Yucca Plaza
Archuleta (left) and Jennings offer different services, but all are under one roof. “We want to make this a one-stop shop,” said Jenning
If your New Year’s resolutions include taking better care of your skin, you might want to consider this Taos business.
Missy’s Organic Skincare and Spa and Bella Pelle are two businesses under one roof that can help you achieve your goal.
“We want to make this space your one-stop shop for all your beauty needs,” said Missy Jennings, owner of her part of the business. “From great facials to awesome eyebrows, we have the perfect solution to all your skin and beauty issues.”
Jennings, who used to be at Camino de la Placita, and Vera Archuleta, owner of Belle Pelle, formerly located on Cruz Alta, moved to the Yucca Plaza location last November.
They currently offer facials and eyebrow shaping and will be doing sugar waxing and full-body massages soon.
A line in development
Jennings, a former model, has been a licensed aesthetician for about 16 years. She uses her own product line, Missy’s Organic Skincare, that she started in 2005.
One of her most popular products is the “Six-Sense Melissa Balm Cleanser.” It cleanses, tones, exfoliates, hydrates, has anti-aging properties and helps erase fine lines, sun spots and other skin problems. “A miracle worker,” Jennings calls it.
She also has a replenishing facial moisturizer and a body milk moisturizer. Among her new items are several custom-made masks that she creates, taking into account each client’s skin type and personal needs.
“The ingredients include organic chocolate and banana,” she said. “I have a wonderful organic banana peel mask and a refreshing organic lemon peel mask. I design all the products myself and they are locally made at Private Label Select.”
Jennings caters to both a local clientele and a tourist clientele.
“I love what I do and will continue to offer the best services in Taos,” she said. “I want my clients to know that healthy skin care is my only focus.”
Eyebrow queen
Well-shaped eyebrows bring out the eyes and highlight them. Jennings has made eyebrow shaping her specialty.
“I custom your brows to your facial features,” she said. “Not just wax and send you on your way. Eyebrow design for me is an art. I take the time to sculpt the brow to each client’s unique facial structure.”
She has also developed a method to help regrow brows that have been waxed away.
“This is a special technique to stimulate the brows’ hair growth,” she said. “I can take up to a half hour, so be prepared for the perfect brow.”
Janine Carasso is a longtime client.
“Missy is amazing,” she said. “Whenever I come to her, my skin looks younger and fresher than ever. Her facials are phenomenal and she has extreme precision at shaping eyebrows.”
Lessons from an entrepreneur
Since opening her business more than three years ago, Jennings feels she has grown as a person and as an entrepreneur.
“Some of the very important lessons I have learned is don’t take anything for granted,” she said. “To be successful means to keep a plan and focus on that plan. If you stray and lose sight, you can drop the ball.”
As a product developer, she has made 2017 “the year of the organic skin care product” for herself and her clients.
“That is a very strong focus for me,” she said. “My goal is to continue developing my products in order to sell them online and many other places and to reach a larger volume of people.”
Personal sanctuary
Archuleta dreamed of being an aesthetician since she was a teenager. She was inspired by skin care pioneer Danny Neifert, for whom she worked as a receptionist.
Archuleta has been in business for four years now. She offers different kinds of facials as well as neck, arm, shoulder and décolleté hot oil massages.
“I love making my clients feel refreshed and beautiful,” she said. “I also feel soothed and happy when I am giving facials. My work is like a personal sanctuary to me.”
Deals for Taos News readers
Jennings will offer a $45, 45-minute facial as a special to those who mention this story during January and February.
Archuleta will offer a $50 first-time exfoliating facial during the same months.
“Start your new year with a new look,” said Jennings. “We will make you not only look your best, but feel your best. Happy New Year!”
For more
Yucca Plaza is located at 216 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. To schedule an appointment with Jennings, call (845) 548-1681; for Archuleta, call (575) 770-1654.
