Milford native brings natural spa to downtown Milton

For Hillary Reid, there's nothing more rewarding than finding the beauty in other people.

For seven years, the Milford native has practiced aesthetics, and after five years working in a small shop in Milford, she's moving on to a larger location in downtown Milton.

“I've always enjoyed making someone feel pretty or confident,” she said. “I'm committed to helping people and figuring out solutions to get better results.”

Skin by Hillary is transitioning into Nest Spa & Boutique, a spa specializing in natural products, which will open at 105 Federal St. in the second week of October. Reid found her new spot thanks to the Delaware Economic Development Office's Project Pop-Up program, which partners eligible entrepreneurs with willing landlords to provide business space with the first three months rent-free.

“This is giving me a little extra time to establish my business financially,” she said. “The team that comes along with Project Pop-Up is amazing.”

In addition to three months of free rent, Project Pop-Up provides business owners with classes to give them the tools and skills needed to maintain their new storefronts.

“I think that Hillary has an excellent, already qualified business,” Downtown Delaware State Coordinator Diane Laird said. “She has the customer base, and I believe she'll be very successful.”

Previously, Reid worked out of a location above another established business, Eco Chic, in Milford. She said she's enjoyed her business space in Milford, but couldn't pass up the opportunity for a larger location offered through Project Pop-Up, as well as the chance to be closer to her children's school in Milton.

“My sons even helped pick out the spot,” she said.

Moving to a larger location also will allow Reid to expand her services, she said. She's planning to add massage, and organic manicures and pedicures to her menu of skin care treatments, which includes facials, makeup, lashes, waxing, ear candling, spray tanning and microdermabrasion.

Reid said she does her best to use organic or all-natural products in her treatments whenever she can, and will offer her Milton clients the opportunity to purchase products, like Fresh N' Fancy goat milk soap and lotion from Felton.

“I use the most natural forms I can find and the healthiest ways to do skin care,” Reid said. “You put skin care on your face every single day. There are a lot of chemicals in some of the products, but there are a lot of good products out there that are organic. They're just better for you.”

Milton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Sumstine said she's excited about Reid's move to Milton, because she could be bringing fresh faces to downtown.

“The most exciting part is she brings her own clientele with her,” Sumstine said. “I believe the folks in Milton will jump on board with her to expand and support her business. What we as a town may get out of that is that people who may have never been to Milton before will come with her and discover our little town.”

Whether they're familiar faces or new clients, Reid said she's thrilled to have brought her business to a new level and a new space.

“I've worked really hard to get to this point,” she said. “I really generally care about people, and I take the time to invest in my clients and get to know them.”

For more information about Nest Spa & Boutique, call 302-228-7208, email skinbyhillary@gmail.com or stop by the store at 105 Federal St. in mid-October.