What happens when a spa becomes more than just a place for facials and manicures? The answer lies in the heartwarming stories shared in this celebration of Newfound Spa's five-year anniversary.

Katie Roman takes us on a journey that begins with pandemic-ravaged skin and ends with an engagement ring. As a teacher wearing masks constantly during COVID, her inflamed skin led her to Newfound Spa where owner Stacey not only restored her complexion but also played matchmaker, introducing Katie to her now-fiancé. Their wedding is just weeks away—a testament to connections that form in unexpected places.

The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in this lakeside community. We meet Nikki Goodwin, founder of Cotton Cupcakes, celebrating her first year in business selling designer t-shirts from a distinctive pink van that turns heads everywhere it goes. Her family-centered approach to business resonates with the spa owners' philosophy, highlighting how small businesses become extensions of personal passion and family support.

Even those initially reluctant to indulge in self-care find themselves transformed. Gail, who "never thought I'd be coming to a spa," describes the surprising joy she discovered in allowing herself these moments of pampering. Meanwhile, Robin—honored as the spa's most loyal client across all five years—reveals the beautiful symbiosis between mentor and mentee that has blossomed between herself and the spa owners.

What emerges from these stories isn't just a business anniversary but a celebration of how local entrepreneurs create ripple effects throughout a community. From helping people feel better in their skin to facilitating life-changing relationships, Newfound Spa exemplifies small-town business at its finest—personal, transformative, and deeply connected to the community it serves.

Ready to discover more inspiring stories from Newfound Lake's entrepreneurs? Subscribe to Lakeside Hustle today and join our growing community of listeners celebrating local business success!

Every great success story begins with a moment of decision—that crucial turning point where someone chooses to bet on themselves despite overwhelming odds. Nick Monty's story exemplifies this courage in action.

When COVID shut down the world and employment opportunities vanished, Nick faced a critical decision with two children and a pregnant girlfriend depending on him. Rather than wait for circumstances to improve, he launched Monarch Roofing and Carpentry with nothing but his skills and determination. "It's survival at this point," Nick explains. "You have no choice but to grind and figure it out."

Growing up in New Hampshire's Lakes Region in what he describes as a "lower middle class" household, Nick witnessed his father's unwavering work ethic—never missing a day, never being late. This foundation of discipline became the blueprint for Nick's own path, though he adapted it to fit his entrepreneurial spirit. "When you're working as an employee, you know you're making that company a lot more money than what you're getting paid," he observes. "If you do that same exact work for yourself, you could end up in a better position."

What makes Nick's journey particularly remarkable is his simultaneous pursuit of professional boxing at age 29. Drawing on the resilience built through grueling roofing work—whether in freezing temperatures or sweltering heat—he applies that same grit to fighting. After his first professional bout in Springfield, Massachusetts, he's already looking forward to his next challenge, demonstrating the fighter's mentality that permeates every aspect of his life.

Nick's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs cuts to the heart of success: "You better be ready to commit to it because you can't just have one foot in, one foot out." His story proves that when you're willing to push through fear, doubt, and uncertainty, you can transform your circumstances and create something meaningful. Subscribe to hear more inspiring stories of hustle, heart, and the relentless pursuit of dreams on the Lakeside Hustle.

Catherine Roman's journey from childhood dancer to dance studio founder beautifully exemplifies how passion can transform into purpose. On this episode of Lakeside Hustle, we dive deep into the story of how a kindergarten teacher created Newfound Dance Academy from scratch, bringing dance education back to the Bristol and Newfound Lake area of New Hampshire.

Growing up summering on Newfound Lake before her family permanently relocated there, Catherine developed twin loves - the lake itself (she calls herself a "lake girl") and dance in all its forms. When COVID disrupted her college graduation and early career plans, she found herself missing dance intensely. After briefly working for another studio that moved away from the area, Catherine saw both a personal need and a community gap that needed filling.

What makes Catherine's approach unique is how she blends her educational background with her dance expertise. With degrees in both childhood and special education, she structures her classes to support not just technical dance skills but also child development, creating an environment where students of all abilities can thrive. This educational foundation, combined with community partnership from the Tapley Thompson Community Center, has allowed her studio to flourish where others couldn't sustain.

The proof of her success came recently when her annual recital completely sold out - standing room only - forcing Catherine to consider larger venues for future performances. But beyond business metrics, what shines through our conversation is her genuine pride watching her students perform, from the tiniest pre-K dancers to her dedicated soloists.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Catherine offers simple but powerful advice: "Find something you're passionate about because you'll never get sick of it." Her dual career as both teacher and studio owner demonstrates how modern entrepreneurs can balance multiple professional identities while making meaningful community contributions. Want to discover how passion plus community support can create something special? This episode is your roadmap.

When Stacey Barnard and Katie Robbins decided to open Newfound Spa in Bristol, New Hampshire during August 2020, they faced all the challenges of the pandemic plus an added twist – they were creating the first spa ever in their town with absolutely zero initial clients. What gave them the confidence to take such a bold step?

Their story reveals the transformative power of friendship-turned-business-partnership, built on a foundation of exceptional communication. "It's like a marriage," they explain, sharing how their connection formed instantly when they met at a previous spa. Both seasoned estheticians with a combined 30 years of experience, they left behind frustrating environments where management wouldn't listen to their insights. Today, they create the supportive workplace culture they always wanted.

What truly distinguishes Newfound Spa is the feeling clients describe upon entering – "this feels like home." This isn't accidental but intentional, cultivated through remembering personal details about clients' lives and creating a stress-free environment. As they beautifully articulate it: "It's not so much the actual work you're doing on them. It's making them feel good and making them feel better."

Beyond services like facials, massages, and Reiki, the spa actively engages with their community through hurricane relief efforts, charity galas, and career days at local schools. This commitment reflects their values while strengthening their business through authentic community connections.

While hiring qualified staff remains challenging, they've developed comprehensive training programs to maintain their exceptional standards. Their journey shows how taking calculated risks can transform intuition into success. As they prepare for their five-year anniversary celebration this August, their advice resonates powerfully: "Trust your heart, your intuition... Make that leap."

Ready to experience a spa that feels like coming home? Follow them on Facebook or Instagram @anewfoundspa or book your appointment through their website. Your self-care journey is waiting!