aspirations & achievements
Strut Magazine - August 2006

Mary Glancz is the Detroit area's doyenne of pampering. In 1967, two years after emigrating from Romania, she opened Mary Glancz Facial and Cosmetic Salon in Birmingham. At the time, hers was only the second shop that offered facials in Michigan.

Over the years, she has seen many changes within the industry. Primarily, products have evolved to reflect changes in women's skin due to variations in pollution levels, sun and diet, says Glancz, who lives in West Bloomfield.

We completely cut out (products with) alcohol and astringents," she says. "They dry the skin, and 80 percent of my customers have sensitive skin."

Services have expanded, too. In the old days, facials were about the only option. Today, Glancz offers manicures, hair removal, microdermabrasion and a host of other services.
"In the 90's, everybody started going to spas," Glancz recalls on the decision to offer services that go beyond facials. "You have to expand."
Glancz, 65, is far from retirement. She just signed another 10-year lease for her store.
"I'm everybody's grandmother," she says of her age, "but I do not feel it!"

Why is pampering important? We lead a stressfull life. Everyone is like my customers, and I want my customers to feel wanted and loved. You have to show that to people.

How do you unwind? " I swim a mile every day, I ride a bicycle, play tennis and read a lot."

Favorite peaceful place in the metro Detroit area: Cranbrook Gardens in Bloomfield Hills.