MARCH 2024

 
Kelsey Lindsey and her husband, Juan Mejia, had a big vision of building something special. It was a vision they brought to life thanks to focus, discipline, and a great ability to execute a business plan from start to finish.
 

Juan, the J in “JK,” and Kelsey, the K, used their combined skills to open JK Catering & Events, and as they so perfectly summarize on their website, Juan and Kelsey are two foodie entrepreneurs with the desire to share their passion of good food and a good time with others.
 

“Both of us, our families definitely gather around food that was just natural growing up,” said Kelsey. “I was always in the kitchen with my parents or my grandparents or my aunt, and so was Juan. We don’t need a television because we have a kitchen. Naturally, we like catering. I feel like that’s our niche because we want to deliver an all-inclusive package. We want to give customers the food, we want to give them the beverage, we want to give them an all-around good time. For us, that’s music and entertainment – the whole thing. So that’s why we focused on catering AND events, because we want to provide our customers with a full package.”
 

While Kelsey and Juan got going with the food side of the business, arranging beautiful charcuterie boards and delicious food spreads, they had a big surprise up their sleeves. Last summer, the business branched out and really started booming when they opened the Tapville Mobile TapRoom. This “bar on wheels” has 16 taps and immediately ups the “wow factor” at any gathering. In November, Juan and Kelsey wheeled the Tapville Mobile Bar into the Cadillac of Norwood showroom for the Westwood Living Fall Social and guests were blown away by how cool it is and, frankly, how cool the drinks were.
 

“It’s a refrigerator trailer, so if the drink doesn’t have alcohol in it, there’s a good chance it will freeze,” said Kelsey. “We do have an extensive mocktail menu, though, so it may not be poured from one of the taps on the trailer, but we can always set up a mocktail station and make things like a Blackberry Mojito mocktail or a Lavender Lemonade. We knew this would be a hit because with food comes alcohol and with alcohol comes food. I’m finding there’s a time and a place for both sides of our business. The trailer has been garaged for a couple of months, but we’re getting ready to break it out again for the spring, summer and fall.”
 

Kelsey and Juan continue to grow and are now reaping the rewards of the hard work they put in early on.
 

“We’re definitely proud of our growth, but at the same time, as a business owner, you’re always looking to see how you can improve and how you can make things better,” said Kelsey. “There’s been so much positive feedback and that’s been really great, but there’s always ways we can improve. I love the feedback when people were say, ‘Oh, we wish you had this or we wish you had that.’ We love doing the research, learning more about local craft breweries and understanding what people are looking for and working with our distributors to offer really great local products, as well.”
 

As you consider how your graduation party or summer barbeque is going to stand out, it’s smart to think about how working with JK Catering & Events can alleviate many issues and concerns.
 

“For a private party at your house or a gathering somewhere like that, we have all the proper permits and licensing from the state to come to your house and bring our trailer,” said Kelsey. “All we would need is space for a 16-foot trailer and electricity. We do have a generator, but we prefer electricity just so it keeps it a little quieter. We can cater to anything you need on our mobile tap room, so essentially you don’t need to do anything on that end. You just need to let us know how many people, what you’re looking for and we’ll get a good tap menu for you. We try to make custom menus for the season, but if it’s a private party, you really don’t have to do anything other than contact us and we’ll get it done for you.”
 

Think big and big things will happen. Kelsey and Juan are proof of that.

Over the past few years at Westwood High School, the rise in teacher absences has been a growing concern. With up to 10 teachers missing on any given day and only a small sampling of building substitutes, classrooms are empty and students typically head to the cafeteria to check in with the building substitute.

However, 10th through 12th graders, with privileges, can leave school for that block, depending on the time of day. Some days, students with multiple teachers absent, suddenly find themselves with 2-3 hours of free time. During this time, students should be learning, if not with their regular teacher, then with a subject-educated substitute, which is not the case.

In approximately the past five years teacher absences have been negatively affecting students and compromising the quality of education. Before the pandemic, substitute availability had already been sparse, but since COVID changed our world in 2020 and 2021, the number of available substitutes has declined even more. In response to COVID, Westwood High School adopted an open-campus policy – juniors and seniors (sometimes sophomores) with privileges may leave campus when not assigned to a class, or when a teacher is absent. This has created a dynamic where freshmen, who are not free to leave campus and are assigned to a supervised study period, confined to the school walls, feel isolated and frustrated.

With a shortage of substitutes, students are faced with extended periods of unstructured time, resulting in a significant decline in time spent learning. The decision to implement an open-campus policy for eligible students was a response to the social distancing requirements of COVID, alongside the shortage of substitutes, because there was not enough space to accommodate the students with free periods resulting from teacher absences.

This topic was on the list of discussion items at the December 14, 2023 School Committee meeting. Westwood High School’s Principal, Amy Davenport, directly concluded the role of a building substitute: “The substitute teaching role at the high school does not provide instruction, it is an adult who supervises and ensures safety.”

Thankfully, Ms. Davenport made herself available to further explain and clarify the substitute situation. It seems that in 2021, near the height of COVID, the district made the direct decision to stop supplying substitutes for Thurston Middle School and Westwood High School, and instead they began directing all substitutes to the elementary schools. Ms. Davenport elucidated the dire need for an open-campus policy, as WHS did not have enough space for the overflowing number of students with free blocks.

Superintendent Timothy Piwowar provided a thoughtful insight regarding other districts facing the same issue: “This is a challenge not just here in this district, but across the Commonwealth. I hear this from my colleagues all the time, about not having enough substitutes to cover what we have. We also hear about not having enough full-time teachers to cover all of the positions.”

Other districts have something called “coverage duty,” when teachers who have a free block can take on the role of a substitute by assuming the responsibility of teaching another class during their own free block. Redirecting already present and subject-educated teachers seems like a perfect solution to the substitute shortage. Sadly, Westwood has not adopted this plan yet.

However, this issue is difficult to solve because the need for substitute teachers varies on a day-to-day basis, making it difficult for the school to predict how many substitutes to hire. Previously, the substitute teacher situation was not an issue because retirees were available to return and cover a class they had previously taught. Now, many retirees have stopped returning, and as a result the building substitute responsibilities have evolved, affecting the job’s attractiveness.

To confront the crisis of how teacher absences affect students’ time learning, action must be taken. The district and school must prioritize ways to ensure adequate coverage in the event of teacher absences. Among the possible strategies to be considered could be determining if competitive salaries are being offered and reacting accordingly if not. Furthermore, investment in a substitute teacher recruitment effort is essential to maintain Westwood’s high-level education reputation. Also, implementing a coverage duty plan in the Middle and High Schools would reduce the amount of untaught classes, increasing time spent learning.

It has been an exciting time in Westwood with the opening of Pine Hill Elementary, the new school that has brought together former Hanlon and Deerfield communities. This merger has brought forth not only an amazing new school, but a convergence of cultures and shared aspirations.
 

The journey towards the establishment of Pine Hill Elementary has been more than just about constructing a new physical building, it’s been about creating lasting relationships and strengthening community bonds. Through a series of meetings, collaborative workshops, and community engagement initiatives, members from Hanlon, Deerfield and from all across the town, have worked extremely hard as they whole-heartedly participated in shaping the identity of the new school. This deep involvement has laid the foundation for a supportive community that is committed to the success and well-being of all, especially its students.
 

Amidst this transformation, a seemingly simple yet powerful element has emerged as a symbol of togetherness: spirit wear. Seeing students and families in their recent Pine Hill, Hanlon, and Deerfield gear has served as a powerful symbol of moving forward with unity and pride, and also remembering the history that brings these communities together. However, the impact of spirit wear moves beyond just the boundaries of Pine Hill Elementary alone.
 

The tradition of wearing spirit gear has the remarkable ability to instill pride and companionship across an entire town. It also sparks conversations, breaks down barriers, and cultivates a sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s the “W” across the shirt, the Wolverine on the hat, the town name written down the pants, or the Westwood-branded travel mugs and lawn chairs on the fields, all of this serves as a common thread that binds the entire Westwood community together. It is a testament to the shared values, traditions, and collective identity that define this town’s landscape. As we don our spirit wear, we stand united in our commitment to excellence and unity across our community.
 

Spirit wear is certainly reclaiming its place in the spotlight, captivating a new generation with its blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. Once confined to the realms of school teams and sporting events, spirit wear is now experiencing a renaissance, finding its way into everyday life! Join the movement, wear your town colors and designs with pride, and let the spirit of community flourish!
 

Tax Season is upon us. Planning and preparation are extremely important to be able to maximize your deductions and not overpay on your 2023 taxes.  We always aim to provide helpful information to assist you in preparing your 2023 taxes.

The 0% long term capital gains rate for 2023 applies at taxable income up to $44,625 for single filers. If your tax filing status is “Married Filing Joint,” that amount increases to $89,250.  We’ve included a useful charts for you to understand the long-term capital gain rates.

Meanwhile, these are the standard deductions you need to know for 2023

Single or Married Filing Separate                $13,850
Married Filing Jointly                                      $27,700
Head of Household                                          $20,800

Those who are blind or over the age of 65 should understand the following deductions, as well:

Married Filing Jointly or Separate              $1,500
Single or Head of Household                       $1,850

What about mileage rates?  Here’s what you need to know

Business                                                            65.5 cents per mile
Charitable                                                        14.0 cents per mile
Medical                                                              22.0 cents per mile

Tax Deductible IRA Contributions
Under Age 50 Max                                         $6,500
Over Age 50 Max                                            $7,500

2023 IRA Deduction Phaseout Range if covered by an employer plan

Married Filing Jointly                                         $116,000 – 136,000
Single or Head of Household                          $73,000 – 83,000
One Spouse Covered by Employer Plan     $218,000 – 228000

2023 Roth Deduction Phaseout Range
Married Filing Jointly                                       $218,000 – 228,000
Single or Head of Household                        $138,000 – 153,000
Married Filing Separate                                   $0 – 10,000

Long-Term Care Insurance Annual Premium Deduction Limits
Age 41 – 50                                                     $890
Age 51 – 60                                                     $1,790
Age 61 – 70                                                     $4,770
Age 71 +                                                           $5,960

Gift Tax Annual Exclusion

2023                                                                  $17,000
2024                                                                  $18,000

Things to Know for Tax Year 2024:
– The maximum 401K contribution is now $23,000. If you are over age 50, you can make a catchup contribution of another $7,500. These limits also apply to 403B and 457 plans.

– Simple plans have a cap of $16,000 plus a catchup of an additional $3,500 for people over age 50.The 2024 contribution cap for traditional IRA’s and Roth IRA’s us $7,000, plus $1,000 for individuals over age 50. The income ceiling on Roth IRA’s is higher this year. Contributions phase out of adjusted gross income (AGI) of $230,000 to $240,000 for couples. For single, the amounts are $146,000 to $161,000.

– 2024 deduction phases outs for traditional IRA range from adjusted gross income of $123,000 to $143,000 for couples covered by a 401K, and $77,000 to $87,000 for single and head of household filers.

If only one spouse is covered by a plan, the phase out for deducting contributions for the uncovered spouse is $230,000 to $240,000.

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Remember, the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your refund. Electronic filing is the optimal method for filing. The tax deadline for individual tax returns for this filing season for Massachusetts residents is Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

 
I am thrilled to be joining Westwood Living as an expert contributor. I am a wife, mom, and fellow Westwood resident. I have been working in healthcare for over a decade and am excited to share some of my learnings with you. In an effort to be as valuable as possible, I have provided references to the original sources of evidence supporting each insight in the article that follows. My hope is that these and other sources can help you and your loved ones on your health and wellness journeys.

—

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone that is central to male wellness. It plays an important role in mood, energy levels, bone health, blood cell formation, muscle development, intimacy function, and overall sense of well-being. (1) Testosterone levels are on the decline in the U.S., (2) resulting in unwanted symptoms that are too often incorrectly assumed to be an unavoidable part of the aging process. Medical solutions such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help. (3) These solutions can often mitigate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and help men feel younger again.
 

Consider these five facts:
 

1. As a byproduct of the aging process, men’s testosterone levels decline on average 1% per year starting around age 30. (4)
2. Beyond this age-derived deterioration, testosterone levels have also been dropping an additional 1% per year in the general population since the 1980s. Meaning, that men often have testosterone levels about 15% lower than men of the same age 15 years prior. (5)
3. Roughly 40% of men now experience testosterone deficiency. (6)
4. Symptoms of low testosterone can sometimes be vague in nature, so laboratory tests can help determine if a testosterone deficiency may be present. (7)
5. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help optimize testosterone levels and improve quality of life. (8)
 

If you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido (diminished drive in the bedroom), loss of strength or endurance in workouts, lack of motivation, loss of body hair, irritability, etc. ruling out a hormone imbalance is important. If you are a man over the age of 30 you very well might be in the company of a large and growing population of other men in the United States suffering from testosterone deficiency. Do not let it diminish your life, there are now options to get your edge back.
 

References
 

1 Zitzmann, M. (2020). Testosterone, mood, behaviour and quality of life. Andrology, 8, 1598–1605. DOI: 10.1111/andr.12867
2 Travison, T.G., Araujo, A.B., O’Donnell, A.B., Kupelian, V., & McKinlay, J.B. (2007). A population-level decline in serum testosterone levels in American men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 92 (1), 196 –202. doi: 10.1210/jc.2006-1375
3 Bassil, N., Alkaade, S., Morley, J.E. (2009). The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 5, 427-448. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701485/pdf/tcrm-5-427.pdf
4 Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Why are testosterone levels declining https://health.clevelandclinic.org/declining-testosterone-levels
5 Travison, T.G., Araujo, A.B., O’Donnell, A.B., Kupelian, V., & McKinlay, J.B. (2007). A population-level decline in serum testosterone levels in American men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 92 (1), 196 –202. doi: 10.1210/jc.2006-1375
6 Mulligan T, Frick MF, Zuraw QC, Stemhagen A, McWhirter C. (2006). Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Jul;60(7):762-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2006.00992.x. PMID: 16846397; PMCID: PMC1569444.
7 Bassil, N., Alkaade, S., Morley, J.E. (2009). The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Therapeutics and ClinicalRisk Management, 5, 427-448. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701485/pdf/tcrm-5-427.pdf
8 Ibid

In the midst of her final semester in the Westwood Public Schools System, Senior Victoria McGowan’s advice to the younger generation is simple: “Try new things. You never know what you’re gonna like and what you’re not gonna like. And you might end up finding something that you absolutely love that you can’t imagine your life without if you hadn’t tried it.”
 
Competing in Gymnastics since she was six years old, Victoria seamlessly transitioned those skills when she joined Westwood High School’s Swim and Dive Team, ranking 10th in the state last season. Additionally, she broke not one, but two school records last Spring in Track and Field: jumping 35’ 7.5” in the Triple Jump and being part of a 50.55 second 4×400 Meter Relay. Both of these new athletic ventures she attributes her middle school Math and Science teachers encouraged her to try.
 

Outside of sports, Victoria maintains an impressive 4.45 GPA and is the Events Manager for WHS’ Cancer Kids First club, a position she decided to pursue at the end of her Junior year after regularly attending club meetings. Her kindness and compassion, inspired by her grandmother who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2016, drives her desire to help others and alleviate suffering. Coming from a large family with many members residing in Westwood, Victoria also enjoys the fantasy football league that she’s in with her cousins.
 

By stepping outside of her comfort zone, in all areas of life, Victoria McGowan discovered new hobbies that have shaped her legacy at WHS. Victoria’s aunt, Sandra Castaldini, sums it up perfectly: “Victoria is a gifted student, a talented athlete, a role model for young women, and a constant source of support and strength for her family and friends. I am so excited to be witnessing all of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her after Westwood High School. I know that her dedication and commitment will touch many lives”.
 

Congratulations Victoria for being this month’s Standout Student! Nominate a future Tinsley Team Standout Student of the Month by emailing Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com and if you’d like to give back to your community and sponsor a regular feature in Westwood Living, contact Tom Leyden at tleyden@bestversionmedia.com

Have you ever wondered about the transformative potential of physical therapy and how it can enhance your overall well-being? Let’s explore the world of wellness together.
 
It’s Personal
Physical therapists are like health detectives, but friendlier! We assess your unique physical condition, lifestyle, and goals to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or aiming for better mobility, physical therapists tailor our expertise just for you.
 

Prevent and Maintain
Prevention is the best medicine, right? Physical therapists are your partners in staying injury-free. Through targeted exercises, proper body mechanics, and education, we empower you to prevent injuries, especially if you have an active lifestyle or participate in sports. And if you do encounter an injury, we are your go-to team for effective rehabilitation.
 

Say Goodbye to Pain
Chronic pain can be a real buzzkill, affecting your daily life and overall happiness. Physical therapists specialize in identifying the root causes of pain and developing strategies to alleviate it. With hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, we guide you toward a pain-free existence.
 

Restore Mobility and Function
Struggling with limited mobility or challenges in performing daily activities? A physical therapist is your ally in restoring movement and function. From joint mobilizations to flexibility exercises, we design interventions to help you regain independence and live life to the fullest.
 

Rehab After Surgery
After surgery, the road to recovery can be daunting. That’s where a physical therapist steps in. We work closely with you to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process, guiding you through exercises and techniques that promote healing and restore strength. Your comeback story starts with our expertise.
 

Manage Chronic Conditions
Living with a chronic condition can be tough, but physical therapy offers valuable support. Therapists develop strategies to manage symptoms, improve function, and enhance your overall quality of life. It’s about empowering you to thrive despite the challenges.
 

Wellness Goes Beyond Healing
Physical therapy isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about optimizing your overall wellness. Therapists provide guidance on lifestyle changes, exercise routines, and ergonomic adjustments to promote long-term health. Consider us your partners in achieving and maintaining wellness goals.
 

The More You Know
Knowledge is power, and physical therapists are excellent educators. We equip you with the know-how to manage your condition, prevent future issues, and make informed decisions about your health. The goal is to empower you to take an active role in your well-being.
 

We’re In Westwood
The best part? Your local physical therapy experts are right here in Westwood at Accelerated Performance Rehabilitation. There’s no need to travel far for quality care. We understand the unique needs of our community and are dedicated to helping each resident lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
 

Remember, your journey to wellness is a collaborative effort, and we are ready to be your partners on this path. If you’re curious or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

 
Tom Leyden gives me a call and I can hear his usual upbeat demeanor on the other end. I can also tell he has news to share, so I wait patiently for it:
 

“Hey! How’s it going? Guess what. You’re gonna love this. The family on the next cover has a dog.”
 

I know after delivering the message he’s standing there smirking. You see, the publisher of Westwood Living takes enjoyment in poking his photographer during our pre-game strategy call. I blanket my excitement with a tepid response, “That’s cool Thomas. Good to know”.
 

I’m sure it’s not top of mind for most readers, but there’s a fair amount of back and forth that goes into shooting the feature every month. We discuss broad concepts several weeks or months beforehand, then the details get worked out in real time when we arrive on location. The creative process is fluid yet rewarding, and always a lot of fun.
 

Why does Tom like to tease me when it comes to having a pet at the shoot? Because he knows me and has seen firsthand that while I look like I’m working out various mechanics during a shoot, I’m secretly waiting for the right moment to slip out and do a quick mini-session with the family dog.
 

I can’t explain exactly why I’m this way, but after 16+ years as a family portrait and headshot photographer, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend. Pets are most often overlooked and it bothers me to no end. While I am lucky to have a handful of faithful clients who either bring their pets to my studio fully buffed from the spa, or we meet up on location, these clients are the exception rather than the norm. In the end, I don’t get to do as many pet portraits as I would like so I cherish the opportunity when it arises. Or as in the case of the magazine, I create the opportunities whenever possible.
 

For me, there is something magical about capturing an animal’s spirit in a photo. Our family has dogs and I still get genuinely excited by what I see on my screen. Unfortunately, we have also experienced the pain of saying goodbye to our furriest family members and are acutely aware of how important those images have become over time.
 

As a photographer, it’s always lousy to receive a call from someone after their pet has passed, asking if I took any “extra” pictures of them over the years. I have had many clients ask me to comb through archives looking for something they said wasn’t important at the time. “Extra pictures” is code for any photo I might have taken of my own volition that they now desperately wish they had.
 

Perhaps I do it out of respect for the animal, or maybe because I simply enjoy those furry faces, but the next time you see me at a shoot sneaking off to be with the one who walks on all four legs, you’ll now understand why Mr. Leyden is standing off to the side with a big smile.

Treasures big and small can be found in the various art classrooms at Westwood High School. Each art student has his or her own storage space where pieces of art, both finished and in progress, are stored. This month’s featured artist, Sandria Chen, is a gifted junior who has developed her drawing and painting skills since re-engaging with artwork after she stepped away for a few years.
 
“I always have been drawing since I was very little,” said Sandria, with her latest pieces spread across the a well-used, paint-splattered table. “I have this photo from when I was probably three or four. I drew Dora The Explorer. Watching TV shows as a child motivated me, and so did my uncle. He’s one of my greatest motivators. Around middle school, I stopped doing art, and now in high school I’m starting to do art again.”
 

To our benefit, as Sandria has developed an impressive ability to capture detail and emotion while telling stories through her paintings.
 

“I started with colored pencil and marker,” she said. “I would go in with a base color of alcohol based markers and then I would go over with shading and highlighting certain aspects with colored pencils. This year, because colored pencils are very intricate devices and a it’s a complex technique, I decided that I have to work a little bit faster. I started experimenting with oil paints and this is my first time. I’m very proud of how it’s going so far.”
 

The pieces you see here are part of her Advanced Placement art portfolio, a project in progress focusing on and inspired by Sandria’s diminutive stature.
 

“My theme is living life and experiencing life as a shorter girl,” she said. “I guess my point of view from my perspective is warped because I’m 4’10” and I go through different things just because I’m shorter than most of my peers. This unfinished piece represents me always being the default ‘middle seat.’ My friends are literally sitting on top of me and I’m squished and I decided to put a lot of details – there’s a bag in this corner and another bag in this corner just to show how cramped the space is.”
 

Another painting depicts Sandria barely reaching the height necessary to ride a roller coaster, while a third represents her point of view, looking up at her sister as she’s ‘Green With Envy,’ because of the height differential.
 

“My sister was modeling for me, and growing up, I was taller than my sister, but then she eventually outgrew me and I’m always staring up at her now,” she said, “For this piece, I wanted to show the importance of facial expressions and how that can convey certain meanings, like how you’re viewed and how you look at other people.”
 

For a sampling of Sandria’s work, you can follow her on Instagram at @sandriax. You can listen to our full conversation by visiting the Westwood Living Podcast Network, available on SoundCloud, Spotify, Amazon, Buzzsprout and YouTube.
 

If you’d like to nominate an artist of any sort to be featured – music, acting, painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. – please email dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com

 
Diana Brouillard, Leah Mofford and I sit together in Dream Spa Medical’s Brookline location on Beacon Street, surrounded by 2,000 square feet of space under construction. When the project is complete, the Brookline spa will be a 4,500 square foot facility serving a growing list of satisfied patients who can’t seem to get enough. Growth has been steady since Diana opened the first Dream Spa Medical facility, in Canton, in 2013. Even during the pandemic, just weeks after the current Brookline location officially opened its doors, the Dream Spa Medical team figured out how to thrive thanks to focused research and diligent execution.
 

“When we first shut down, we were always shut down for ‘two weeks,’ right?” said Diana, owner and Chief Executive Officer. “No one ever thought it would be three months. Leah actually found some great content online that offered advice to business owners on what to do during the pandemic to stay stable, financially.”
 

“You just have to take action,” said Leah, owner and Chief Operations Officer. “You can’t stay stagnant as a business at any point in time, so we just thought of ways to make it work. We did little at-home facial kits. Diana really dove into how we might restructure the business, financially. We had been running and running for a lot of years to grow the business and it was almost a nice time to take a second and re-organize ourselves. We got involved with vaccines and quickly figured out how to restructure so we could open. It’s cool to look back on now.”
 

That instinct to adjust when necessary and seize opportunities has defined Dream Spa Medical’s success. Of course, Leah becoming a partner took things to a new level, as well.
 

“She hired me for the front desk,” said Leah.
 

“A hundred years ago,” quipped Diana.
 

“I just wanted to get my foot in the door and then I just kept bugging her and bugging her,” said Leah.
 

“She wanted to do more,” said Diana. “She threw herself right in there. I’m more reserved. I like to evaluate things a little bit more. I don’t jump in as much, and she just dives in, which is why I think it works. We are yin and yang in that way. Leah started seeing clients and she just did a wonderful job. She was treating patients successfully, but also would have great business ideas. As we evolved and developed, eventually it just became clear that we needed to bring her in as a partner. She had great ideas, she had great execution, she had great vision and it was something the business needed.”
 

Dream Spa Medical has maintained its original space in Canton while growing in Brookline and expanding to a third location in Patriot Place in the summer of 2023. In addition to solid leadership, Dream Spa Medical offers top-tier services and provides a level of trust their patients value.
 

“It’s important to us to build a life-long patient,” said Leah. “You don’t want to push somebody into something they are not comfortable with.”
 

“We work with people. We meet them where they’re at,” said Diana. “Some people will come in and only want a facial, or laser hair removal. At some point when we earn their trust, they typically do want more. We’re in New England. We’re not in Hollywood or Miami, so we’re delivering natural results regardless of what treatment we offer.”
 

“Being innovative, to me, is being able to turn the clock back on someone or give them that confidence they’re looking for and just maintaining them,” said Leah. “They look exactly how they look, but they look like they’ve slept a few extra hours. Or maybe they don’t look like they’ve worked 100 hours this week or they’ve been chasing children around all day. That’s what we want.”
 

What they also want is to create a blueprint for success that can be replicated many times over in even more locations, but that journey isn’t for the faint of heart.
 

“There are so many aspects to duplicating a practice, and what I’ve learned in the last 10 months is that you think you’ve got it, and then you don’t,” said Diana. “So, we stay focused and we learn and that will help us as we continue to grow.”