Entertainment This Week Up Close Column: Profiles of Businesses and Business Owners.

Paint-A-Piece

Stephanie Giardina was a licensed stockbroker when she decided it was time for a different type of investment; one that was a little closer to home and a lot closer to her heart.

The inspiration struck when Stephanie’s daughter painted a bowl for her grandmother as a Christmas present. Most unfortunately, Stephanie’s mother passed away before she had the chance to give it to her. That piece of pottery, however, ended up as a gift that Stephanie not only treasured because of its connection to her daughter and mother, it put Stephanie on a new path. That bowl was such a personal and unique present filled with sentiment that it made Stephanie realize that this was not only something that was special, it was a fun activity that anyone could do and everyone would enjoy.

Soon after, Stephanie traded the high finance of Wall Street for the happy familiarity of Jericho Turnpike and Paint A Piece was born. It opened in Commack and is quickly catching on with local adults, teens and children of all ages. The paint-your-own-pottery studio has become a popular spot for children’s birthday parties, family outings and fun with friends. The events calendar is full of fun options like Friday’s Ladies Nite Out and Sunday’s Family Day as well as a Summer Schedule packed with programs and crafts. Paint A Piece offers party packages and scout troop specials at discounted group rates plus it’s a great spot for fundraisers, book club meetings, bridal showers, date nights, and more. Perhaps most importantly, this affordable activity is a way for parents to spend time with their children doing something creative together.

“It’s not a sideline sport where parents watch their kids from afar,” says Stephanie. “It’s interactive and a way for parents to connect with their children on a different level.”

Not exactly Picasso? Not to worry. At Paint A Piece, it’s all about fun. Simply select a piece of unfinished pottery from the more than two-hundred items that range from mugs and bowls to pet items and ornaments, then choose the colors you would like to work with and begin your masterpiece. The studio has stamps, stencils, sponges, idea books and many other tricks of the trade to bring your personalized project together. Paint A Piece will put on a clear gaze and fire it in a kiln. When finished, your non-toxic, lead-free pottery is safe for food and beverage consumption and is a special keepsake that you’ll enjoy for years to come. It also makes a memorable, irreplaceable gift. No one knows that better than Stephanie.

So come to Paint a Piece, put your heart in your art and see what happens. Walk-ins welcome. Visit their website at www.paintapiecepottery.com or call at 631-486-6969. Located at 6126 Jericho Turnpike, Commack (in the New York Sports Club Shopping Center).

Alarm-Tech Security

In 1979, Dominick Bertuccio’s house was broken into and robbed. His son, Jeff Bertuccio, Sr., wanted to make sure his father’s home would never be in danger again so he installed a top-of-the-line alarm system. It was then that the seed was planted for a business that, thirty years later, has bloomed into Alarm-Tech, a family-run company dedicated to the protection and safety of their customers.

Dominick, a ninety one year old World War II veteran, is the family patriarch. A member of the first generation of the Alarm-Tech family, he worked alongside his sons, Jeff, Sr., President, and Joe, Vice President of Sales and the newest member and third generation of Bertuccio’s to join the ranks, grandson, Jeff Bertuccio, Jr. The three generations of men feel fortunate to have worked together in a field of which they can all be proud.

According to the family, Jeff, Sr. was always the type to tinker with things. He had a fascination with taking items apart and putting them back together to see how they worked. He went to school to further his training and has put that fascination and education to good use by creating a company that installs security systems that includes fire alarms, security central station monitoring, security camera medical alerts, door access controls, carbon monoxide alert units and burglar alarms in everything from apartments and houses to entire retirement villages. Alarm-Tech even has special alarm systems for people with Alzheimer’s.

Jeff, Sr.’s personal philosophy was simple and effective. “I do an installation in someone else’s house like I’d want in my own home.”

That integrity along with their stellar reputation hasn’t gone unnoticed by the community. Customers often call the home office to express their gratitude such as one recent call by a customer whose family was saved by the carbon monoxide alert. Alarm-Tech has also been recognized by the Long Island Alarm Association National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association licensed by the New York Department of State and is the recipient of the 2011 Business Award.

The Bertuccio family is in the business of protecting your family. Visit their website at www.alarm-tech.com. Alarm-Tech’s new facilities (built entirely by the Bertuccio family) are located at 471 Town Line Road, Hauppauge or call 631.979.4500.

Lil’ Builders

You don’t have to take the kids all the way to Florida or California to find a fun-filled land of Legos! Thanks to Tracey Alemaghides, owner and operator of Lil’ Builders of Smithtown, your children can build their own great time right here at home!

“We’ve created a fun, new creative outlet for families to come together and play with their children,” says Tracey, a mother of two.

A creative studio for kids, Lil’ Builders offers activities of all kinds for children utilizing everyone’s favorite building toys: Legos! A Master Builder is on-hand to make sure that each child is able to make the most out of their adventure at Lil’ Builders. Whether planning some family time with you and your little one or celebrating a birthday with lots of friends, Lil’ Builders is sure to construct a delightful day of creative play for everyone.

This innovative activity center for children offers programs like Mommy and Me Build Together (an interactive class for parents and children incorporating jumbo bricks for a memorable bonding experience); Daddy and Me (building sets based on different themes, movies and televisions show); Social Skills for Builders (groups are for children on the spectrum who will enjoy interactive play while incorporating creative building using Legos); Building Bridges Family Fun (designed for children with unique needs who will enjoy playtime in a safe and nurturing environment). Another fast-growing favorite among busy parents is Mommy’s “Time Out.” Have an appointment? Need groceries? Register for this class that acts as an introductory to preschool for children ages 2-4 years old and also gives parents some much needed time! (Classes include circle time, story time, healthy snack, games, singing and building time!) These are just a handful of the many programs offered at Lil’ Builders.

Plus, at Lil’ Builders, your child can enjoy Open Play anytime. A handy punch card offering the option to pay one price for ten visits means that your little one can come by and enjoy studio time building sets, a race car or playing some of the many games whenever it suits your schedule.

Birthday Parties are a specialty at Lil’ Builders! Come celebrate your child’s birthday party with Tracey’s party team led by one of our enthusiastic master builders who will engage the children with creative fun and games sure to entertain and bring out everyone’s inner creative Lil’ Builder!

“Legos are a time-tested tradition that has lasted through the years,” says Tracey. “I have watched my children’s imaginations explode with ideas while playing with Legos. They create entire worlds with them.”

Stop in at Lil’ Builders and Let your child build a world of fun! Check out the Lil’ Builders website at www.lilbuilders.com or call 631-656-6740 for more information. Located at 161 Terry Road, Smithtown.

Allettante Salon & Spa

Karla Gentile doesn’t think one should have to go all the way into Manhattan for a superior salon experience. That’s why she’s combined her twelve years of knowledge of the industry, the most innovative treatments and the best stylists to create an establishment with everything the city has to offer, and more. Comfortably casual with an upscale feel and a chic Soho edge, Allettante Salon and Spa has brought the best of the beauty business right here to St. James.

The talented stylists at Allettante stay current on all of the latest and greatest trends and tools. Whatever you desire, there’s a stylist to match your needs – Karla, Jodi, Melissa, Katie W., Natalie, Katie M., Diane, Alanna, Lisa and Kristine are at your style service. Their continuous training allows them to provide clients with everything from a regular blow-out for the work week to the perfect up-do for that once-in-a-lifetime walk down the aisle.

“The customers are so pleased to come into a salon where they are welcomed and feel comfortable,” says Karla. “It is my pleasure to continue to service our community. Our mission is mastering all aspects of haircutting, styling, coloring, skincare, body waxing and chemical treatments.”

Whether seeking a traditional wash and cut, coloring, highlights, Brazilian blowout upgrade, manicure, pedicure, lip wax, brow wax, traditional facial or microderm abrasion, Allettante Salon is sure to get you calmed down and glammed up with excellent results. Now is the perfect opportunity to visit the salon with Grand Opening promotions that includes specials on just about everything. The holiday season is the perfect time to add a little sparkle to your look or purchase a gift certificate for a friend.

The new full-service salon has just opened and it has already gained a reputation as the hip, friendly and fabulous place to go for pampering. Its Facebook following not only showcases the spa specials and fashionable look of this new hot spot, it even has pictures and posts from satisfied clients singing its praises.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s smart to first put yours in the capable hands of Karla and her expert staff. Visit Allettante Spa and Salon at 737 Middle Country Road, St. James or call for an appointment at 631-656-3363.

Curves

Unsatisfied with life in the day-to-day corporate world, Helen Jones decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being in the fitness industry. In addition to her work and continuing education in physical therapy and exercise physiology, she has recently opened a Curves gym right here in Greenlawn.

“When I saw the posting of a Curves for sale, I knew that it was a perfect match,” says Helen. “I believe that with the busy lives women lead today, a service that’s affordable, convenient and manageable is the key to help keep ourselves healthy, happy and able to maintain full and happy lives while enjoying optimum health.”

Helen knows that Curves, which specializes in fitness for women, offers all these things and more. Now, there’s even the added benefit of a brand new partner to the Curves family. Health and fitness expert and star of The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels, has joined up with the chain to develop an all new 2014 workout. This, in addition to the already top-of-the-line women’s fitness programs that Curves has to offer including a fully equipped gym, personal coaching, weight management and online meal programs, as well as classes like Zumba and Body Basics Toning.

Curves famous 30-minute workout has provided countless women with amazing results. In just 30 minutes a day, you could build lean muscle, amp up your metabolism and kick start weight loss. Remember, there’s always a coach to help, too. That’s just one of the many benefits of membership at Curves; no matter what your fitness level and whether you want to lose weight, increase strength, build resistance or all three, there is a professional staff to help you achieve your goal. Plus, Curves is also a one-stop shop for shakes, vitamins, workout gear and other essentials to help you on the track to fitness.

This practical approach to women’s diet and fitness, one that is mindful of women’s busy schedules and varying needs in a supportive club environment, is part of what’s helped Curves to grow into one of the most successful fitness franchises in the world over the last twenty years.

“You will be stronger, healthier and the happiest you’ve ever been. All you have to do is show up, give us 30 minutes, then go love your life.” – Jillian Michaels.

Are you ready to love your life? Then it’s time to get moving. Stop by and visit Helen Jones and the professional staff waiting to help you at Curves. For more information, call (631) 261-3274 or check out the website www.curves.com. Located at 751 B Pulaski Road, Greenlawn 11740.