Winterize your skin

DECEMBER/JANUARY
Feel
the
glow
Winterize
your skin
Peek
behind
the scenes
at Akari
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Soaring to new heights
In today’s environment, customers expect not just a
service but also an experience.
We work diligently every day to constantly raise the
bar with our services, listen to your concerns and
provide some of the most highly trained professionals
anywhere.
Part of our success is a testament to our ongoing
education and in-house apprenticeship program. This
upcoming generation of service providers keeps raising the standards. It makes me proud to see they’re
taking their careers seriously and are wholeheartedly
invested in making sure you, our customer, receive a
full experience above and beyond.
We had a blast celebrating at our 25th-anniversary
open house festivities and so did you, judging from
the number of phone calls, emails and comments
we’ve received.
>L»YLUV^ZJYH[JOPUNV\YOLHKZHZ^L[Y`[VÄN\YL
out how to outdo this year’s event. I have no doubt,
given the amount of talent in this building, that we’ll
have plenty of ideas to pursue.
Wishing you a prosperous, safe and healthy 2013.
Cirque du Akari, complete with acrobats, marked the 25th
anniversary of Akari. (Francois Gagne photo)
Cheers,
Allan
Credits
Photography: Francois
Gagne, Liz Donnelly
Stylist: Catherine Pelosi
Makeup and hair: Peter
John Ulloa, Catherine Pelosi
Creative director: Tracy
Foss
Editor: Andrea Nemitz
Models: Allison Tietjen and
Lindsay Leclerc
Akari
193 Middle St.
Portland, Maine
207.772.9060
Resolved ... Our 2013 hair wishes
Change is a constant at Akari,
where staff members aren’t
afraid to try on new haircuts
or colors.
esting by using different products every couple of months,
changing up my bangs and –
once it’s long enough – doing
lots of braids and updos!
In 2012 Genevieve tried pink
hair, Evelyn switched from
blonde to brunette and Andrea gave platinum a whirl.
Peter John: To try to keep
my hair neat and clean-cut by
getting a haircut every week.
So what’s on tap for 2013?
We asked everyone to share
their hair resolutions ...
Thea: To let my natural color
grow out and stop over-processing!
Allan: To shave my head
every 10 days!
Carole: To keep stepping out
of my comfort zone by trying
new styles and products.
Jenny: To not cut its length
and keep it exciting and inter-
Rachel: To try to put effort
into my hair every day instead
of “wash and go.” Having
had mostly a shaved head
for most of last year, I’d like
to see how long I can get it
before I chop it off again!
Alex: To let my locks grow
longer and stronger and be
more creative in my day-today hairstyles.
Catherine: Hydrate, hydrate,
hydrate! Between dry air,
color changes, chlorine and
salty beach bum days, I am
vowing to show my hair some
better love.
Simply
elegant
Here we are, holiday season yet again. When I was
thinking about the look for our shoot, my biggest inspiration came from our wonderful photographer’s recent
fall wedding.
Liz wanted statement hair for her big day, and we
GHÀQLWHO\JDYHKHUWKDW²ELJJODPRURXVDQGDOLWWOHELW
retro, yet undone enough to keep it soft and
romantic.
,WZDVDORWRIIXQWREHDSDUWRIFUHDWLQJDVSHFLÀFORRN
for Liz, and I thought looks with a similar energy would
be a great base to build this shoot.
The Akari shop has some fantastic dresses that worked
themselves right into the vision.
With the long, dark days this time of year, we felt very
grateful to have the beautiful new carriage house as a
set for photographs. The incredible light in this space
adds so much to the alluring feel of the photographs.
– Catherine Pelosi
Above, Allison
models a merlot
dress by Kain Label while Lindsay
wears an apricot
dress, also by
Kain Label. At
left, Lindsay’s
black dress and
Allison’s print
dress are by
Gracia.
(Liz Donnelly
photography)
NEW
ON THE
SHELF
SECRET WEAPON
Take a tip from our
aestheticans, who are raving
about the newest product
from Obagi. Obagi’s new
moisturizer, Hydrate, is
formulated to work all day.
FROM NEPAL, WITH LOVE
Akari is excited to introduce scarves from
Nepali by TDM Design. These gorgeous
pieces are handmade by women in
Nepal. Michelle Baldwin of TDM Design
launched Nepali in 2007, inspired by the
craftsmanship of weavers there, Nepal’s
natural fabrics and vibrant colors. The
company pays its weavers above-market
wages and provides health care and
education for their children.
STAY COZY WITH SPANX
You may know Spanx shapewear,
but have you tried their tight-end
tights? They’ll do just what Spanx
promises – and keep your legs
warm all winter. Akari now carries a
wide selection of Spanx tights:
reversible black and brown, black
DBCMFLOJUCMBDLmMBHSFFBOE
opaques in ember glow (dark
green), amethyst and navy. We’re
also stocking footless black tights
and black leggings.
LICENSE TO SHINE
While some people hang their license plate collections on
the garage wall, Mariah Foss had other ideas.
Foss, a 17-year-old high school student from South
Portland, has collected license plates since she was
little just because she likes them. Last year, inspired by
watching her father at work with his tools, she began
DVUUJOHBOENPMEJOHIFSMJDFOTFQMBUFTJOUPnPXFST
She started out creating jewelry for her school’s annual
fair, but soon had requests from strangers who admired
pieces she wore. Mariah says she still has a huge
collection of license plates for jewelry and her everexpanding collection. She calls her line “Playing in
Daddy’s Garage.”
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK FACEBOOK EACH DAY TO SEE WHAT’S NEW AT AKARI!
DESIGNER PROFILE
INSPIRED
Natasha Durham talks
about her transition
from restaurateur to
handbag entrepreneur
Natasha Durham’s
Pillow Pack, which
transforms into a
small backpack, is
available exclusively at Akari.
Natasha Durham
Design is based in
Hebron, Maine.
Many people may recognize your
name from Portland restaurants you
owned (Natasha’s and Mims Brasserie). How did you make the shift
to designing bags and how did this
venture begin?
There really was no transition per se. It
is all design, execution and marketing.
A different mise en
place, perhaps – a
dream to be working with a non-perishable palette.This
venture was not so
much planned as it
was discovered. I
was not looking for
a company, I was
LUKLH]VYPUN[VÄUK
the perfect ingredient to play with,
Natasha Durham
and textiles, being
an early love, felt like home.
What is your design background?
Like most designers, I have been designing for as long as I can remember.
No beginning or end. Some projects
– like general contracting/designing
four restaurants – stand out, but it is all
the same to me. I put equal focus into
designing a pattern for a pair of knitted
socks.
What’s the process to actually design
a purse?
The process is the same as designing a
dish, a menu or a dining space. Close
your eyes and look for what is authentic.
It is always there waiting. Once a sketch
takes physical form, it goes through
many alterations.There are at least
20 bags produced before a design is
launched.
What inspires your designs?
0UZWPYH[PVUPZPSS\ZP]LHUKKPMÄJ\S[[V
describe. It is simply the best feeling I
have ever felt. I think it has something to
do with God. It comes from within. That
being said, I am certainly recharged by
experiencing great design in the physical world. It shows me always how I am
barely scratching the surface of what is
possible in my own work.
How many different designs are you
now producing; what is the range of
styles?
Presently, the two lines, Rough & Tumble and MIMS, hold numerous designs.
Rough & Tumble, a line with notes of
waxed canvas, vintage leathers and
YPJO^P[OOPZ[VYPJHSYLMLYLUJLZPZPUÅ\enced by my love of turn-of-the-century
\UPMVYTZ*SV[OPUNYLÅLJ[LKVUL»Z^VYR
This line is adapted for function and
smart utility. Enduring. Understated.
MIMS, a line designed for luxe leathers,
focuses on well-edited, paired-down
form. There is a striving for the right
shapes to complement these high-end
leathers. Clients often ask for certain
colors to be added to the line. I can only
say that I search solely for the quality,
hand and drape. If there happens to be
some great colors, even better. And we
happen to have them for spring.
What are some of the details that set
your bags apart?
>OH[OHZ^VYRLK\UPX\LS`[VT`ILULÄ[
is knowing relatively little in regard to
the physical process of constructing a
handbag when I started. It was simply
a problem to resolve: How to construct
a three-dimensional vessel. A more
pure form is always more likely to be
discovered when starting from zero. By
default, these designs are wholly original. Even the hardware is original. There
was nothing on the market that matched
my aesthetic, so I had it custom made
¶ZVM[T\[LKÄUPZOLZVMIYVUaLHUK
tarnished brass.
Are the linings different in each bag?
Yes, the inside is meant to bring a secret
smile. Each one is unique.
Tell us about the people who make
your bags and where they’re made.
My favorite subject. What I ended up
missing most about my other company
was the team that I had built around me.
There comes a time very quickly when
executing your vision requires a team.
7YLZLU[S`^LOH]LÄ]LWYVMLZZPVUHSPU
home sewers and a couple cutters – all
local artists and moms.The fact that I
have found this level of talent right outside my door still astounds me. My staff
also includes a sales representative and
an in-house controller who meticulously
ÄUPZOLZL]LY`IHN[OH[HYYP]LZKHPS`MYVT
the sewers.
What is your favorite bag at the moment?
I seem to have a different favorite every
week. My tendency is to appreciate high
contrast and a great drape. So I love a
tiny bag, like the ones now exclusively
available at Akari, or an extra large bag.
Like many of my clients, I respond to
the right bag in the right leather. It is all
about carefully considering what the
material is asking to be.
Cirque du Akari
THE 25th ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE
Akari held its grandest annual open
house yet to celebrate 25 years in Portland.
Staff worked for months to create Cirque
du Akari on Dec. 5. The event drew
close to 500 clients and their friends for
an evening of carnival games, food, muZPJHJYVIH[ZHUKÄYLWLYMVYTLYZ
Thanks to everyone who helped us mark
this milestone!
Genevieve,
near left, was
the perfect pick
to man the cotton candy machine at Cirque
du Akari, while
Dr. Toth from
our MediSpa
spun the wheel
of chance. At
far left, Monica
and Allison
make friends
with a visiting
(yes, real)
snake from the
animal menagerie in the nail
salon.
SEEN AT CIRQUE
Photos by Francois Gagne
EXPLORING AKARI
TOE TALK
It may not be a sexy topic, but they’ll thank
us when it’s time to pull on strappy sandals
By Andrea Nemitz
Meet my feet.
They wore earth shoes in the
’70s, platforms in the ’80s
and pointy-toed heels in the
’90s.
Years ago I didn’t think twice
about what went on my feet
– my biggest concerns were
staying in style or maneuvering Portland’s brick sidewalks
in stilettos.
Now, some 60 million steps
later, my poor peds are
showing – and feeling – their
age. Worse yet, my calloused
soles and bent and bumpy
toes have a new enemy:
fungus.
Carole, our head nail-care
specialist, has seen much
worse (I’ll spare you the vivid
descriptions). Luckily, my
fungus symptoms weren’t
advanced – my nails had lost
their healthy-looking blush
and taken on a yellowish
cast.
Fungal nail infections, left
unchecked, can lead to
deformed, brittle and thick
toenails that may separate
from the toe bed. Infections
also can pose health risks for
people who have diabetes
or compromised immune
systems.
For most people, though,
toenails infected by fungus
are just downright embarrassing – reason enough to
avoid sandals and keep their
toes under wraps.
The steps to healthier (and
better-looking) feet are actually simple, but the solution
does take time – up to nine
Dr. Christopher Toth
months before a “new” toenail grows out, says Carole.
Laser treatment offered at the
Akari MediSpa is is the safest
and most effective way to
treat nail fungus, according
to Dr. Christopher Toth, a podiatric surgeon who practices
at Akari.
Akari now offers a private
room for medical pedicures,
above. At left, Dr. Christopher
Toth directs a laser at my
toenail.
Count me in.
Toth says the laser treatment
is 88 to 95 percent effective
for treatment of fungus and
yeast. The concept is simple:
Heat from the laser heats the
toenail and nail bed to kill the
fungus and other organisms.
technicians.
My treatment at Akari started
in a private medical pedicure
room, located in the thirdÅVVYZWH;OLX\PL[YVVT
with its plush chair and view
of City Hall, is ideal for clients
who prefer privacy for their
appointment.
Carole started my medi-pedi with a warm foot soak
and Footlogix products that
contain patented trans-dermal technology to better
penetrate skin. Next came
a thorough cuticle cleaning,
toenail trim and aromatic
seaweed scrub.
Finally, she thinned the surface of my nails with a rotary
ÄSLZV;V[OJV\SKTVYLLHZPS`
target the fungus during my
laser treatment.
Treatment with PinPointe
3HZLY[OLVUS`-+(JLY[PÄLK
laser treatment for nails, is
done in three stages, each of
which also includes a medical pedicure.
Toth is the only doctor in
Northern New England who
uses PinPointe Laser for
treatments. Akari is one of
few exclusive medical spas
in the country where doctors
work side by side with nail
The biggest challenge in
treating the problem is
hidden: Fungus lurks in the
nail bed under the skin and
grows out with the nail. Only
laser heat that penetrates
the skin or medication in the
bloodstream can reach the
nail bed, said Toth.
Oral medication is only 65
percent effective and doesn’t
kill yeast infections that often
go hand in hand with fungus.
The oral medication also
See FEET, next page
Hydrate,
hydrate,
hydrate
Avoid bar soaps and use
creme cleansers if your
skin is dry. They’ll cleanse
your skin just enough but
won’t strip your skin’s
own oils.
Try body balms or
butters with a heavier
weight, which can create
a better barrier on your
skin to retain moisture.
Threading by Elle provides quick hair removal for sensitive skin.
R
The dry season
VZ`JOLLRZJOHWWLKSPWZÅHRPUNZRPU!
Welcome to winter in Maine. What
we’d give for humid summer days and
dewy skin …
Winter can be a skin-friendly season, though, especially if you choose
[YLH[TLU[Z[OH[ILZ[Ä[`V\YULLKZHUK
lifestyle.
“Now is the perfect time to exfoliate
and use anti-aging products because
you’re in the sun less, the days are
shorter,” says Erinn, an Akari aesthetician. While Retin-A exfoliation products can be used in the summer,
people who aren’t vigilant about using
sun screen may be more prone to
sunburns.
Two Akari procedures, the microdermabrasion facial and Obagi radiance
peel, stimulate new collagen growth
and also provide a better base to
moisturize skin.
Microdermabrasion resurfaces the skin
by sloughing off epidermis and stimu-
lating production of collagen, which
results in a younger-looking complexion. Collagen production tends
to wane as we age, which creates
looser-looking skin.
Akari’s Obagi radiance peel can
improve the look and texture of skin
in a matter of minutes. It not only
exfoliates skin but targets sun damage and brown spots and provides
an instant glow while it tightens the
skin.
Erinn suggests everyone take time
when the seasons change to assess
their skin care routines.
Many clients she sees have clogged
pores that prevent moisturizers from
doing their jobs. She says many facials include a mild peel that helps
with exfoliation, whether you have
dry or oily skin.
She also recommends Hydrate by
Obagi, one of the best new moisturizers on the market.
Avoid powder foundation if your skin is dry. A
tinted moisturizer or BB
cream are better options.
Give threading a try if
your skin is sensitive
to wax hair removal.
Threading, an ancient
technique that uses
cotton thread to pull out
hairs, is fast and doesn’t
irritate skin.
Consider laser hair
removal now instead
of waiting for warmer
months. The series of
treatments will leave your
skin silky and smooth by
bathing suit season.
Assess your skin care
regimen to see if you
need a stronger moisturizer in winter. Hydrate,
the new product by Obagi, moisturizes throughout the day. Rosarctica
by Kiehl’s is another good
option if you need to
moisturize your face.
Feet, continued from previous page
can elevate liver enzymes
and isn’t approved for use
by children. Creams, added
Toth, just don’t work.
Toes prepped, I was ready for
my laser treatment. I popped
on protective glasses and
watched as Toth aimed the
laser beam over and under
each nail and on skin that
covers the nail bed.
Toth typically makes six or
seven painless passes over
each nail, a process that
takes 20 to 40 minutes. Each
time the laser encountered
fungus or yeast on my toes I
ZH^HÅHZOVM^OP[LSPNO[HUK
heard a popping sound.
“Exploding fungus,” he said
with a smile. “There’s no
better way to do it.”
Turn your world
upside down
If your idea of childhood fun was jungle
gyms, this fitness program may be for you
By Andrea Nemitz
So who would have thought that Monica and I could hang
upside down from the ceiling with no hands?
5V[TL)\[P[^HZLHZPLY[OHU^L[OV\NO[K\YPUNV\YÄYZ[HLrial yoga lesson with Akari’s instructor, Janette Hough-Fertig.
Aerial yoga combines yoga, strength training and (if you’re up
for it) some astoundingly simple acrobatic moves. I sat down
^P[O1HUL[[L[VSLHYUTVYLHIV\[[OLUL^Ä[ULZZJSHZZLZ(RHYP
is offering in its renovated carriage house studio.
What is aerial yoga and how did it start?
Back in the beginnings of the Aerial Dance Festival in Boulder,
Colo., somewhere around 1998, we all were playing and improvising and needed a good way to regroup and focus. Yoga
Z[HY[LKVU[OLÅVVYHUK[OLUHZP[HS^H`ZKVLZ^P[OHLYPHSPZ[Z
it ended up on the trapezes.
I’ve always played with it, and recently fellow aerialist Cathy
Gauch developed a formal vocabulary of aerial yoga poses.
It’s also happening, as any zeitgeist, all over the U.S., fueled
by the popularity of Cirque du Soleil.
I see the aerial slings and traps as fantastic yoga props. I use
both the fabric slings, or hammocks, at hip height, and we
hang, stretch, pull and swing as we go through our poses.
We start slow, feet on the ground, and move into adding the
HLYPHS,]LU[\HSS``V\JHUÅV^[OYV\NOWVZLZHUKHK]HUJL[V
aerial moves based on trapeze tricks.
>OH[HYL[OLILULÄ[ZVMHLYPHS`VNH&
0[OLSWZ`V\ÄN\YLV\[[YHKP[PVUHS`VNHWVZLZI\[^P[O[OLPUcredible feeling of weightlessness. It’s a fun way to gain upper
HYTZ[YLUN[OHUKKLÄUP[PVUHUK^VYRVU`V\YJVYL[OYV\NO
IHSHUJL0ÄUKP[TVZ[OLSWM\SMVYÄNO[PUN[OLLMMLJ[ZVMNYH]P[`
on your spine through fun inversions.
Do I need to know yoga poses before I can start aerial
yoga?
No. We learn as we go right on the apparatus. However, everyone should attend a beginner class or private session just
so they understand how the apparatus moves and how to get
in and out of the hammock.
Do I have to be strong and conditioned before I can start
aerial yoga?
No! It’s a great way to build up the strength. It’s so much fun
Monica perfects hanging upside down during her first
aerial yoga class with Janette Hough-Fertig.
you hardly realize how much strength you are building. As in
any yoga class, we start slow and you advance as you are
ready. Even sitting in the slings is fun and a workout.
Also, if you are just getting back in shape, a restorative yoga
class gets those hard-working muscles stretched and relaxed
while calming the stressed or anxious mind.
What if I’m experienced with yoga on the mat – can I still
ILULÄ[MYVTHLYPHS`VNH&
Yes! Using the aerial apparatus, I can help you see your yoga
practice in a new way. Poses, balance and transitions are
transformed and inverted, swinging adds a new dimension,
HUK[OLUHÅVH[PUNZH]HZHUHLU]LSVWZ`V\HZ`V\YIVK`NP]LZ
way to gravity and rejuvenation.
How far off the ground will I be suspended? Is it dangerous?
Although daring and adventurous, these poses are tried and
tested for safety. The slings are at hip level, the trapeze at
shoulder height. I’ve been teaching aerials for 20 years and
have yet to see a serious injury. You will be happily sore.
Sometimes the slings and trapezes can take getting used to.
See Yoga, next page
BEHIND THE SCENES AT AKARI
Long days, hard work and
lots of enthusiasm paid off in
November when three Akari
apprentices graduated after
months of training.
Friends, families and
co-workers gathered in our
renovated carriage house to
celebrate the accomplishments of Kari, Mya and
Rachel.
The rigorous apprenticeship
lasts from nine to 18 months,
during which assistants work
full time, meet for classes
and practice on live models.
The training program culminates with a graduation
show where each apprentice
demonstrates her skills with
ZWLJPÄJOHPYZ[`SLZ
Allan and senior stylists
inspect each cut while the
apprentices eagerly await his
thumbs-up.
Akari owner Allan Labos checks a model’s haircut during graduation for three apprentices. Staff
members standing behind Labos are, from left, Jenny, Rachel, Genevieve, Mya and Kari.
2HYPPZUV^VU[OLÅVVYHZH
colorist while Mya and Rachel are working as stylists.
ing skills, learned how to create lesson plans and present
effective demonstrations.
patterns; and analyzing how
staff can create even more
rewarding experiences.
Training is an ongoing
commitment at Akari, led by
Jenny, our education coordinator.
Jenny recently surveyed
the Akari staff to help her
create a six-month education
program that will begin in
January.
She recently traveled to New
York City for a workshop
^OLYLZOL^HZJLY[PÄLK[V
teach Bumble and bumble
product classes. She also
ÄUL[\ULKOLYW\ISPJZWLHR-
The training will include
such topics as new products
and how clients can attain
more professional results at
home; identifying hair growth
Allan Labos, owner of Akari,
is now a blogger for Salon
Today. Labos will write weekly blogs for the national trade
magazine’s online site and
electronic newsletter.
Jessica LaPierre, RN, has
joined the Akari MediSpa
staff as an aesthetic nurse.
Jessica is available two days
a week and administers
Botox injections. She also
works at Massachusetts
General Hospital in Boston
and Southern Maine Medical
Center in Biddeford.
Andrea Nemitz has joined
the Akari staff as marketing
director and assistant buyer.
She most recently managed Black Parrot boutique
following a 35-year career
as a newspaper reporter and
editor.
Yoga, continued from previous page
But it’s absolutely safe!
How should I prepare for
an aerial yoga class? Do I
need a yoga mat? Is there
anything I shouldn’t wear?
Prepare as you would any
other yoga class. Come hydrated, bring water for during
and after and leave the big
meals for after class. Also, I
ask everyone to wear clothes
without buttons or zippers or
anything that would catch or
hurt the fabric. Jewelry, metal
hair clips and anything that
may get caught should be
removed. If you have a mat,
bring it. If not, we have mats.
Is there anyone who
shouldn’t do aerial yoga?
Anyone who is pregnant, has
low or high blood pressure,
a heart issue or any injury,
ZOV\SK[HSR[VTLÄYZ[;OLYL
are always adaptations
ZWLJPÄJ[VLHJOPUKP]PK\HS
or each individual’s health
issues.
Will I be sore after an aerial
yoga class?
Most likely, but just a little.
We’ll be using muscle groups
that don’t normally get used
PU[OPZ]LY`ZWLJPÄJ^H`
When was the last time you
hung by your knees, your
hips or hung by your arms?
The soreness is a reminder of
accomplishment – enjoy it!
How often should I practice
aerial yoga?
Three times a week for an
hour is ideal to get you to a
place that keeps the upper
body strong so you can
get the most out of your
ÅV^6UJLH^LLRPZNYLH[
for restoring the mind and
stretching those hard-working muscles.
If you’d like to learn more
about aerial yoga or pop by
for a consultation, email instructor Janette Hough-Fertig
at janettefertig@akaribeauty.
com.
Tone.
Stretch.
Strengthen.
Rediscover your shape in 2013
Pilates and Aerial Yoga, now at Akari
Call 772-9060 for more information on personal training and classes