Allison Tray: My Biggest Challenge

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.
Allison Tray is a local business owner who has been very active in the community. She recently started her own business on Bond Street in Brooklyn so that she could take off when she needed to in order to devote time to philanthropic efforts and voluntarism. The economic downturn, and the story of how she has managed to keep Tres Belle Petite Medispa stay afloat while remaining an "Armchair Activist,” is inspirational.

Tray talks to Patch about weathering the economic downturn by reinforcing her commitment to professional and community values that were the foundation of her decision to go into business for herself. 

Q. What’s the biggest challenge you've faced.

A. The biggest challenge I have faced is staying busy in an economic downturn. The number of people coming in has remained the same, but the amount spent became an issue. Each client was spending less than they usually would. It’s not like we were slow or people were no longer concered with how to keep their skin healthy – they were. So I had to rethink the business. 

When the economy changes like that you have to rethink the way things have been working, so you're faced with taking a system that's been working for you, and changing it. A lot of times people find that difficult, we get comfortable doing things in a certain way when they have brought you success. I came face-to-face with that reality and it was a challenge. 

Q. What inspired you to take on that challenge.

A. Ha! That's easy. I'm a great boss, but a terrible employee. In my mind, not being in my own business is not an option. I thought about it for a second, but barely. I'm really close friends with a lot of my old bosses, and I was a great salesperson, but I did things my way.

I’m not a 9-5 person. I think outside the box, always looking for something to benefit my clients. And I love my work so much, I can't even tell you!

When things got slow, I thought 'what can I do?' Well, I could increase my presence in the community helping other people. The way I see it when you have nothing left, the only answer is to give. So instead of giving up, I increased my charity and fundraising efforts for other people in the community.

Q. Were you successful?

A. Yes. We've made it through nine years with most of the same staff. I’m still able to help the community, and instead of creating an atmosphere of competition, the spa’s atmosphere is one of teamwork. We are a wellness team for our clients and we believe that working together in this way attracts loyal clients that want to stay with us. 

About this column: We’re dedicating the month of April and May to telling the stories of people locally and statewide who have overcome the impossible, affecting positive change in their own lives, or in communities. Sponsored by Grape-Nuts