In a spirit of neighborliness, we present “Love Thy Neighbs,” our weekly series wherein we at ANIMAL introduce ourselves to some of the other businesses here in Hell’s Kitchen.
Belle Fee: 529 West 42nd Street
Who are you? I am Daphne Seligmann Hagadone, I’m from France with Mediterranean origins.
What is your business? I am a classically trained French estheticienne specializing in esthetics’ ancient ways. That is, aromatherapy and lymphatic drainage, the method of healing with aromatherapy essential oils. I also know the ancient Egyptian art of crystal healing that is basically light therapy. And I use great French wax for serious grooming.
How long have you been here in Hell’s Kitchen? I have been in Hell’s Kitchen for exactly 12 years this August.
How has your business changed in that time? My business has developed with the neighborhood: before people coming to see me were living in adjacent neighborhoods.
What’s the best thing about this neighborhood? To me the best thing of the neighborhood is its location. It is the center of New York. I can walk south by the river or the Highline, I can go easily to the Upper West Side. And crossing east on 42nd is fun. I’m also a dancer and there are a lot of dance classes in the neighborhood
What’s the worst thing about this neighborhood? The worst thing is the lack of food markets and clothes stores or shoe stores.
At the beginning, 12 years ago waking way West around the Javits Center or even on 10th or 11th Avenues was a little scary. Around Port Authority and around Times Square, too. The change is phenomenal.
