Business owner expands, moves businesses to central Downtown location

ALBANY, NY: Two businesses focused on inner and outer beauty were welcomed to downtown Albany with a ribbon cutting ceremony today, July 21, 2022. Joining owner Nicole Daniels and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) Marketing & Communications Manager Rebecca Hughes in celebrating N.D. El’s Salon and Spa and Blessed Body Fitness at the 488 Broadway location was Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

With a focus on businesses that help clients blossom into their best selves inside and out, Daniels opened the first N.D. El’s Salon and Spa location in 2015 and Blessed Body Fitness in 2019, both in the Capital City. A licensed cosmetologist with degrees from the Orlo School of Hair Design and Aesthetics Science Institute, Daniels experienced the physical and mental benefits of pole dancing for years before opening her own studio. As bookings grew for both businesses and Daniels was experiencing significant client crossover, she recognized the benefit of housing both the salon and studio under one roof.

It was in the Arcade Building that the Albany native found “the perfect location” to house both the studio and an expansion of her salon. Noting the building’s rich history in contributing to the small business community, she recognized that Downtown’s expanding residential foot traffic creates a perfect environment for growth.

At N.D. El’s Salon and Spa, clients can experience a range of services including haircut, color, and additions, eyelash extensions, manicures and pedicures, skin tonic treatments, prom and wedding makeup, and teeth whitening. While receiving the services, clients are surrounded by an aesthetic that is colorful, cozy, stylish, and feminine.

Down the hall from the salon, Blessed Body Fitness is where the combination of physical and mental strength becomes the focus. While pole dancing dates back at least 800 years, it wasn’t until the 1990s that classes became a popular form of recreational activity and exercise in the United States. Through the fitness classes Daniels and other instructors offer, students of all levels experience a full body workout while achieving body awareness and confidence through building of strength, flexibility, and coordination. At Blessed Body Fitness, students can experience classes ranging from Intro to Pole, Thick Fit, and Queer Spin; one on one sessions are also available.

N.D. El’s Salon and Spa and Blessed Body Fitness Owner Nicole Daniels said: "A lot of time, focus, energy, sweat, and love went into creating this space, and our clients have been raving about the outcome. I want to thank my team and clients for their support; without you, this growth would never have been possible. To not-yet clients, I invite you to bring your friends and enjoy some ‘you’ time. Come experience the welcoming and positive pole dancing community, have a spa treatment, and leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for your next visit!”

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “I want to congratulate Nicole Daniels on bringing her vision of complete mind and body wellness to the Arcade Building. N.D. El’s Salon and Blessed Body Fit offers a unique package of services to clients, and I am thrilled to join the Downtown BID in welcoming Nicole and her team to this new space where they will provide even more options to our Downtown residents and visitors that include salon and spa services, fitness and wellness classes.”

Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: “Downtown is not only Albany’s fastest-growing neighborhood, but we are also the Capital City’s Central Social District. A visit here means you can enjoy a concert, throw axes, paint and sip, explore massive murals, and now at N.D. EL’s Salon and Spa and Blessed Body Fitness, you can also experience total body health and wellness in one convenient location. We are grateful to you, Nicole, for your investment in your hometown, and for adding a unique experience for our residents, employees, and visitors.”  

Located at 488 Broadway (entrance on James Street side of building) in downtown Albany, more information on N.D. El’s Salon and Spa can be found at ndelssalon.com. To read more information on Blessed Body Fitness, and to book your class, visit blessedbodyfitness.com.