An Interview With Zanya Gissler

What year did Zanya Spa Salon begin its journey?

Zanya Spa Salon opened its flagship location in Lambertville in 2004. Prior to that, my journey began in December 1995 with the launch of my first salon in New Hope — a boutique four-chair space that laid the foundation for what would become a full-service luxury destination. What started as an intimate salon has since evolved into a refined, professional environment designed to deliver beauty and wellness at the highest level of excellence.

Tell us about your roots and how your journey began.

I was born in New Jersey and grew up here until my family relocated to Massachusetts for my father’s career. I went on to study fashion design in Boston, where my creative foundation began to take shape. While in Boston, I immersed myself in the beauty industry — attending beauty school while working in some of the city’s top salons.

From there, I spent 13 transformative years in New York City, first at the prestigious Bergdorf Goodman Salon, then as a freelance hair and makeup artist represented by an agency. That chapter of my career allowed me to collaborate on editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, and projects that took me all over the world.

By 1993, I was ready to trade the constant travel for something more rooted. I moved to Lambertville, recognized a real need for a high-quality salon in the area, and opened my first four-chair salon in New Hope in 1995. That decision ultimately laid the groundwork for what has become Zanya Spa Salon today.

Why did you choose Lambertville?

At the time, I was living just outside of Stockton. My first salon opened in New Hope because Pennsylvania honored my New York license through reciprocity, while New Jersey’s licensing requirements were far more complicated. But as I looked to expand, New Hope’s parking challenges made it less than ideal.

When I discovered the space in Lambertville, it immediately reminded me of my years in SoHo — open, loft-like, creative, and full of possibility. Pair that with the ample parking, and I knew it was the right place. I was willing to go through the process of securing my New Jersey license because I could see the potential for building something truly special here.

What can you tell us about the building — its history, its charm, and why it was the right fit for your vision?

What drew me in immediately was the character of the building itself. Having lived in SoHo, I’ve always been inspired by the creative energy of lofts and warehouse spaces. This location carried that same spirit — soaring 11-foot ceilings, beautiful natural light, and a sense of openness that felt alive with possibility.

From the beginning, I knew this couldn’t feel like a typical salon. It needed to be a place where artistry lived and breathed in every detail. Over the years, educators and stylists from New York have visited and told me, this isn’t just a salon — this is an experience. And in many ways, the building itself has become part of that artistry — shaping the energy, inspiring the work, and giving both our team and guests a space that feels extraordinary the moment they walk in.

Tell us about your path of study — where did you first hone your skills and artistry?

I began my training at Lane Beauty School in Boston, but I quickly realized that a diploma alone wasn’t enough to build a successful career in this industry. From the start, I sought out the very best — working in top salons like John Dellaria, where apprentices received hands-on training and were mentored by seasoned professionals.

That experience was invaluable. It wasn’t just about learning technique; it was about understanding discipline, artistry, and what it truly takes to thrive in this profession. Those formative years shaped my perspective — that real mastery comes not only from education, but from immersing yourself in environments where excellence is expected every single day.

What makes Zanya Spa Salon distinct in the industry, and how have you built a team known for its professionalism?

I attribute so much of our success to our apprentice program. From the very beginning, we’ve only hired young professionals directly out of school and built them up through hands-on mentoring. Every week we host classes — from foundational skills to advanced color training led by our color director — ensuring that our team is constantly evolving and excelling in their craft. Two pillars truly set us apart: the fact that our stylists specialize in their chosen discipline, and the depth of our training programs, which prepare them not just to work, but to thrive.

Equally important is our hiring philosophy. We look for people who genuinely love to serve others, and from day one, our apprentices are trained in the art of the guest experience. That means learning the details that create lasting impressions: how to warmly greet someone, the right way to shampoo, how to make a guest feel cared for the moment they walk through the door. Offering a drink, taking a coat, guiding them gracefully through the salon — these nuances may seem small, but they are everything. They elevate a visit from an appointment to an experience, and that’s the level of professionalism we expect and deliver.

When you reflect on Zanya Spa Salon, what does it symbolize for you?

To me, Zanya Spa Salon is more than a business — it’s a living, breathing studio. Every day I walk into this space, I’m surrounded by wonderful, passionate people who truly love what they do. It feels almost like stepping into an artists’ collective, where everyone is performing their craft at the highest level. There’s an energy here — a sense of artistry, of care, of striving to be the best we can — and that’s what makes coming here every day such a privilege. It’s not just about beauty, it’s about creating something meaningful together.