"A little Paris in Voorheesville"
Lussier’s dream transcends place

By Michelle O’Riley

VOORHEESVILLE — Donna Lussier, a Voorheesville resident, has brought a bit of France, with its elegance and cultured pace, to her hometown.

Her two businesses opened this month in the Maple Avenue plaza anchored by Nichols’ Market — Belle Images (pronounced bell-eh-maaj), a day spa, and The Parisian Cottage, a specialty home and garden gift shop.

As soon as you walk into The Parisian Cottage, you are greeted with the sweet smell of aroma oils and the sounds of jazz. Through a white wooden archway decorated with vines and ornaments, you can see shiny gardener’s tools displayed among perfumes and lotions for the plant-lover.
This French garden theme can be felt throughout the gift shop. A wooden sign that reads "Bonjour" greets customers while a lighted replica of the Eiffel Tower sits on top of a cupboard featuring mugs and other ceramic gifts. The trendy black garden apron employees wear are also decorated with shiny pins of this famous architectural wonder.
Lussier describes her gift shop as "A little Paris in Voorheesville."

To the left of the entrance is an apothecary stocked with well-known and exotic lines of skin-care products and perfumes. Beyond are tables covered with Easter gifts and treats and a display case filled with unique jewelry from Paris. Still further back are hats, specialty plates, and glassware followed by camisoles and other delicate lace lingerie. Each new corner and table fills the senses and raises anticipation.
A gallery of art catches the eye; replicas of famous museum pieces adorn the wall. Lussier points beyond the gallery and says her intention with the space there is to create a "just for him" section that will be filled with specialty gifts and accessories for men.
The Parisian Cottage is connected to the day spa through wooden French doors. "The day spa’s name, Belle Images, means ‘beautiful images’ in French," said Lussier. Warm-toned colors of gold, red, and smoky plum adorn its walls. Different fabrics and patterns mix effortlessly among assorted plants and a gurgling fountain, giving the space an Asian feel.

The seating area is decorated with the same care given to the gift shop. New Age music fills the air.
The music "slows down the heartbeat," says Lussier.

Here private rooms pamper guests with facials and massages. When a visitor is invited to sit down on a cozy chair by the front windows under a ruby chandelier, a feeling of tranquility and peace predominate, making it easy to forget this oasis is in a plaza in the middle of Voorheesville.
This was exactly Lussier’s intention — to create a place where people can relax and escape the world for a moment to enjoy a massage, shop for a gift, or treat themselves to one of the many treasures in The Parisian Cottage. She went on to say that she filled her store and day spa "with things that will make you happy, lift your spirits."

People questioned Lussier’s desire to pack up and move her established spa, in business for 15 years in Guilderland, to Voorheesville. She wanted to get away from the busy streets of Guilderland and into a community environment, she said.
"I was not worried, I knew that I could bring this community something unique and welcoming," Lussier said.

She has also changed the usually high price tags of specialty shops and offers many gifts for under $30.

From now until the end of April, customers can beat those winter blues and rejuvenate at Belle Images with $5 off massages and $25 off deep-pore cleansing facials.

Gift cards are also available at The Parisian Cottage and come wrapped in a pretty black box with white polka dots and a pink ribbon.

Lussier honed her appreciation for such niceties while studying aesthetics. She grew up in Latham and has lived in Voorheesville for 13 years. She was awarded a degree in aesthetics from Von Lee International School of Aesthetics, located outside of Washington, D.C.

While managing health clubs and salons, she hung on to her dream of entrepreneurship.

Lussier admitted that she often thought owning a business of her own was only a dream but decided to take a risk. She now owns Belle Images and The Parisian Cottage, serving a client base of 150 to 200 women.

Lussier will welcome visitors to enjoy springtime in Paris at an open house on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be drawings and door prizes as well as chair massages and 30-minute facials. French hors d’oeuvres will be served such as quiche, mini éclairs, and chocolate Eiffel Towers.