ALANA RICCA
Founder
Alana Ricca, Founder of The Studios at Katana Spa and Co-Owner of Katana Salon and Spa is a Master Esthetician with over two decades of experience. Her extensive resume includes many facets of the industry giving her a competitive edge in her field. As a preferred make-up artist for HGTV, Alana has had the privilege of working on The Ellen Degeneres Show, HGTV’s Dream Home, Urban Oasis, and Green Homes to name a few.
Alana’s true passion is working closely with her clients to tailor their individual needs to achieve their beauty goals. Her free-lance work with top beauty brands such as Smashbox, Lancome, Fresh and Glo coupled with her certifications with SkinCeuticals, Dermalogica and The Dermal Institute, allows her to stay on top of trends and cutting edge treatments giving her clients piece of mind that they are getting the best products and services available.
Her most recent endeavor - The Studios at Katana was born out of desire to create a space where talented beauty experts could be empowered to thrive and grow their own business while still having access to resources and brand recognition.
But her greatest source of pride is giving back to her community through The Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, Susan G Komen Foundation, Family Reach, Pan-Mass Challenge, Boston Children’s Hospital & Make-a-Wish Foundation. The Studios At Katana Spa offer support to smaller organizations as well and are proud of the difference that they make in other’s lives that extend beyond beauty.
Alana is thrilled to welcome you to her newest endeavour!
JESSICA ALLEY
When Jessica Alley graduated from high school, her future career path was unknown, but her strong interest in anatomy and medicine led her to begin working on a nursing degree at Bunker Hill in Boston, MA. While studying, Jess was fascinated by all the knowledge she was gaining, but didn’t feel the passionate drive she expected to feel when one finds their career path. She ultimately decided that nursing wasn’t the right path for her and she began working at an upscale salon and spa. Little did she know it at the time, but this would ultimately lead her to her passion and life’s work as an esthetician! Once her work at the salon and spa helped her realize her deep love for the beauty industry, she put her career path plans into motion and started working toward her 1,200 hour certification at Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics.
And boy did Jess blossom at Catherine Hinds! Her joyful studies only solidified her new career choice. And Jessica’s passion drove her to the top of her class! She excelled in every subject and always felt that all her lessons came very naturally to her. Graduation day came in June of 2016 and she was very quickly scouted and hired by Katana Salon and Spa, where she quickly gained a fierce and loyal clientele. Jessica says, “I can see myself in the beauty industry for the rest of my life.” And she continues to strive and excel in all of her work and continued education.
MARY CONNELL, LE
While I enjoy serving all clients, my expertise is providing solutions for women of age. In other words, helping clients achieve or maintain their preferred look when nature changes the baseline. I’m certified in age management techniques and advanced esthetic technologies but I also understand the numerous benefits of relaxing facial massage and appreciate the power of good lashes and brows.
I believe that managing my own skincare challenges (Rosacea, Acne, Acne scarring) in adulthood has made me a more insightful and compassionate esthetician.
My skincare philosophy is: Protect and nourish your skin. My approach to beauty is: Highlight your individuality.
I can’t wait to meet you!
WALESKA TORRES
Waleska attended the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics. Since graduating in 2008, she has become a leader in the skincare industry. She has extensive experience in advanced techniques such as medical grade peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, microcurrent micro channeling, and nano needling.
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Waleska’s passion for skincare extends from the spa into the classroom. While she enjoys working with clients, she also has a passion for teaching. She has been a full-time Dermalogica instructor for the last 12 years, sharing her knowledge and expertise with other estheticians.
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When Waleska is not in the spa or in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her daughter Moriah and her dogs, Mia and Oliver. In the rare moments of quiet, she enjoys reading historical fiction and cooking.
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We are so fortunate to have Waleska and her talents in our spa! Book your appointment with Waleska today!
ALLY STEEDE, RN
Ally is a graduate of Endicott College with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and works in the NICU at Tufts Medical Center. She has always had a love for all things skincare, and decided to use her nursing degree to pursue a career is the medical aesthetic industry. She received her aesthetic nursing training at the Aesthetic Mentor under Dr. Russo and his team, and has been learning every day since.
Ally wants to help you gain that extra boost of confidence, & make you feel comfortable in the skin you’re in. Her mission has & always will be obtaining a subtle, natural, and effortless aesthetics. She is not looking to change your face, but simply enhance your natural beauty. By keeping you, beautifully you!
