St. James Business Encourages Health, Beauty Pros to Become Entrepreneurs

Former O's Food and Wine Bar owner Art Garritano is set to open a new business that he said is unique to Long Island with Galleria Saint James.

“Health, beauty and wellness professionals that have been in the business for a while, I’m putting them into business, their own business,” Garritano said.

Garritano will open 22 suites in the former home of Energy Fitness, located at 556 Route 25A between Ancient Ginger and Gymboree. The suites are open to people interested in becoming owners of their own businesses without all of the overhead costs.

“The barriers to business are money, so what we’re doing is taking on that risk. We’re investing in people who are already professionals that want to be in their own business but can’t be,” he said.

While the spaces are aimed at people in the health, beauty and wellness industries, Garritano said renters are not limited to those fields as he has already fielded calls from insurance and real estate agents interested in acquiring space.

When renting a suite, all fixtures and equipment specific to your field will be provided and utilities such as gas and electric are included. Galleria will also provide materials aimed at promoting your business, such as business cards. There is a weekly rental fee with rental agreements beginning at six months for a suite and a one-time redecorating fee. 

“It allows people to work on their craft and clientele rather than their business,” Garritano said. 

Garritano is looking to have Galleria Saint James open by May or June.

More information on renting suites and more could be obtained at the Galleria Saint James website, sjgalleria.com.