Thursday, January 10, 2002

Facing Our Financial Future Fabulously

Getting money is one challenge entrepreneurs and technology companies face these days; keeping it and increasing it (through smart investments) is another. And "Controlling Your Wealth: Trusts and Estate Planning" is yet another topic women and men must face at some point in life. This very topic was the subject of dynamic Kathryn O'Hagan's presentation Thursday night, January 10th at the Helena Rubenstein Spa. If you didn't think the topic was enough to lure women in, just announce you'll host it in a luxurious location, offer free makeovers, paraffin treatments, wine, cheese and crackers and chocolate, and you'll have 'em beatin' down the doors! Which is precisely what happened.

It was a packed house--although a few of the young-ones that came in seemed more interested in the makeup. Nonetheless, Kathryn delivered yet another outstanding presentation to the women on trusts and estates and how to use those to control your wealth accumulation. Her presentations are gaining in celebrity status and she's got Donna Karan, Henri Bendel, Bliss Spa and others clamoring to have her come and speak in their spaces too.

Don't worry though, you can still catch her next seminar on January 31st at the Spa (email: kathryn.o'hagan@morganstanley.com). While some women walked around with plastic baggies covering their paraffin-soaked paws, others lined up to get makeup touch-ups and new ideas for sexy eyes and lips. And still others, like TeleSession Corp.'s Robyn Friedman, Open Society Institute's Nancy Abramson and a friend who requested to be unnamed, gathered by the cheese and crackers taking in the treats. Parisian Fabienne Pedron of FP Communication was in town for her usual tri-monthly trip and met Carr Futures' Anne Amiard and Elizabeth Arden's Gaelle Rachon, who were all enjoying the wine and treatments. Women In New Media's new COO Lisa Maxon and Amanda Richman took advantage of the festivities and chatted with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter financial advisor Karen Davidson West.

As the evening progressed I had Helen, the nail technician, dip my hands in the rich hand cream and warm wax treatment and let an esthetician, Vita, take me on a tour of the Express Stop Manicure-Pedicure-Facial chairs (all in an hour and for $100) in the back and the full spa downstairs. The calming rooms were spacious and peaceful in tones of white and cream and once you were changed into your soft terry robe and slippers, you could sip a cup of tea, coffee or white or red wine while enjoying a little snack before your full body treatment. How about having six showerheads spraying your seaweed-clad body for a change? Or bring your beau and do it together! Check our Calendar of Events for Kathryn's next presentation to ensure your financial future and check out www.helenarubenstein.com to ensure your facial future!