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Opening a business during a recession can be a scary proposition, but two Great Falls entrepreneurs didn't let fear stop them.

The day-spa Planet Beach opened in October, and employees say the response has been wonderful.

Receptionist Dana Dooley says although the team was a little nervous about starting up, they knew there was a need for their services.

Dooley noted, "We were concerned about the economy a little bit, but we think Great Falls needed this badly."

Downtown Doghouse Owner Dave Snuggs says his eatery has also seen success, but that there have been hard times.

He says the restaurant started out strong, but winter took a toll on sales: "We definitely saw it affect our business, but not in a huge way. We just adapted and changed our hours."

Snuggs says he doesn't spend his time worrying about the country's tough economic times, and instead focuses his energy on pleasing his customers.

"I wasn't really nervous even though the recession was starting to rear its ugly hard because we have a good product and a good price," he said.

Both business have high hopes for the future.

They say even in tight financial times, everyone leaves room for a little splurge now and then - and their customers seem to agree.