Doers and Dreamers – Ani Kaiser

Your name: Ani Kaiser

Business or organization: Birch Body Care

Occupation: Owner

What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
Working as a Massage Therapist for over 10 years in a variety of settings and cities helped me identify what was missing in the Kingston area, and eventually Birch Body Care was born. Birch bridges the gap between the “pamper me” beauty oriented spa and the overly clinical and sterile health center. We offer great therapeutic massage and a few spa treatments in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Birch is especially unique because, in addition to having traditional by-appointment sessions, we offer focused by-the-minute bodywork. You can come in without an appointment, lay down fully clothed and have a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist work on the knots in your shoulders or on your aching neck, back, or feet. 10 minutes is only $10, 15 minutes is $15, and so on, up to 30 minutes.

Where are you from originally?
The lovely little Hamlet of High Falls, aka The Foliage Capital of The World. My parents still live in the house I grew up in.

What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
After living in NYC, Baltimore, Block Island, RI and travelling to many major and not-so-major cities in the United States, I realized how special this region is. Besides its beauty and culture, the Hudson Valley is full of forward thinkers, creative folks and foodies who make this area a rich place to live and play. Kingston is rapidly becoming a mecca of culture and cool, and I’m proud Birch is part of the current renaissance.

What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
In the summer I try to be next to a body of water or swaying in a hammock as much as possible. Otherwise, I’m enjoying one of the wonderful cafes and bars that are bringing new life and energy to Kingston.

When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
If I have friends there, I’ll go! If I’ve never been there, I’ll go! Travelling to new places and exploring new sights and cultures is one of my passions. You don’t even need to twist my arm if there’s a beach nearby.

Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
Once, I flew half way around the world, alone, to go snorkeling and sight seeing for six weeks.