Background

LePA Skincare is rooted in Manja Hossa’s background in the medical esthetics field in Europe, but a twist of destiny brought the spa to Austin.

Manja was born and raised in Slovenia, a small country in Central Europe that borders Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Her mother opened a day spa when she was still a young girl, so she had the opportunity to grow up in the industry. She looked over her mother’s shoulder and gained specialized experience at an early age. 

Later in life, she attended medical school for esthetics and received specialization certifications in Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany and Croatia. She took over management responsibility for the family’s spa business and held this position for three years.

Meanwhile in Texas, Sam Hossa, now her husband, underwent a professional experience of his own: boot camp in San Antonio. He was drawn to the military to serve his country and build his professional skill set.

Destiny eventually brought Manja and Sam together when he was assigned to an Air Force base in North Italy – about an hour’s drive to Slovenia, where Manja managed her skin care business. The two met when Sam was on break from duty, and they fell in love instantly. 

Manja chose her heart over her career and moved with Sam to Austin. It was tough for her at first, but the unusual magic of Austin quickly won her over.

“I loved the down-to-earth vibe of Austin,” Manja says. “People were really kind and warm. It reminded me of Cerkno, the town where I was raised in Europe.”

It was clear to the couple that Austin would be a great home for a day spa modeled after the successful family business back in Europe. So they chose a quiet and cozy location in the west campus area and opened LePA Skincare.

The difference at LePA

It was important for Manja and Sam to offer a completely authentic experience. They traveled back-and-forth between Austin and Europe to establish key relationships with suppliers so they could import exclusive skin care and cosmetic product lines. 

They also chose for LePA to offer the same exact spa services offered at her mother’s day spa in Europe.

“Coming into LePA Skincare is like stepping into our family day spa back home,” Manja says. “I was born and raised in that spa. I know which treatments are best and which products are most effective – so I brought them with me.”

Manja is also very particular about customer service at the spa. She trains her team to treat clients like family. 

“I learned from my mother that you have to earn the trust of your client,” Manja says. “After all, you wouldn’t feel comfortable with just anybody touching your face.”

Products and services

at LePA

LePA Skincare has built a reputation in Austin for delivering quality results. The facials, for example, emphasize deep extractions.

“The word, ‘extractions,’ doesn’t really sound pleasant, but it’s the most important part of a facial,” Manja says. “Cleaning out the pores is the only way to get rid of pesky dirt and grime that may have been there for years. Extractions improve your complexion and help avoid problems down the road.”

Another notable service at LePA is the RDT Deep Relief Massage. It combines deep tissue massage with the RDT system, a device that stimulates circulation and accelerates the body’s natural processes.

“I’ve been doing deep tissue massages for years, and using the RDT system really helps address tough knots and trigger points that would otherwise be almost impossible to reach,” says Sarah Steele, a massage therapist at LePA Skincare. “My clients can really feel the difference.”

LePA also offers a set of unique European treatments such as the Vino Therapy facial, the Green Tea face peel and the Italian Makeover cosmetic treatment.

Growing LePA

Sam and Manja see tremendous opportunity to grow the business in Austin.

“Spas in Europe are part of everybody’s life. Men, women, children – all frequent the spa,” Sam says. “They’re really comfortable with the relationship between spa services and feeling better. It’s considered more of a necessity than a luxury.”

Sam and Manja recently signed a new lease for a bigger space in the west campus area. The new space opens up the opportunity for the LePA team to treat more clients and offer new services such as body wraps and peels. 

The grand opening party for the new space is planned for Sept. 15.

LePA Skincare is located at 2520 Longview St. in Austin, Texas. For more information, call 512-468-4614, or visit www.lepaskincare.com. You can also find LePA Skincare on Twitter (@LePAskincare) and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austin.facials.and.hair.removal.