History

Opening in September, 2005, Spa Ja was the brain child of Giovanna Kupfer, who had moved to New York from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Giovanna was a well known figure through out Brazil for her self named company "Giovanna Baby." Under that trademark Giovanna had introduced organic products for children to Brazil starting in the mid 1970's.

Located on the corner of 56th St. and 8th Avenue Giovanna created a dramatic red and black building facade inspired by the designs found in the favellos, or slums, of Brazil. Using scraps of wood favello dwellers often adorn their humble abodes with whimsical designs made of scavenged wood in the various colors of which it was found.