Sequence XO

After your guests are through with their spa day and they hug you and thank you for taking such good care of them, they will always ask how they can take you home so their spa experience, that inner glow that relaxed, healthy feeling can stay with them. Now with Sequence XO, your guests can enjoy it while they are with you and then take it home as their relaxing beverage of choice. Not only is it good for their mind, but it is great for their body and skin as well.

Sequence XO is dedicated to its philosophy of beauty and wellness. Their mission is to enhance the spa experience by designing innovative nutritional products that complement the spa. To achieve optimal wellness your body must be effectively nourished from the inside and properly pampered from the outside. Together a connection of tranquility, strength, and balance is found with internal and external treatments.”

SXO is a wellness company providing quality nutritional products that complement spa treatments. Their goal is to add an effective product line into day spas, resort, destination, medical and dental spas as well as exclusive spa fitness centers. SXO’s product line focuses on what the spa goer needs, and delivers the quality they expect from their favorite spa - products with no gimmicks just pure nutrition!

The Best Spa Locator

World Travel Market Massages Health

A groundbreaking initiative that aims to make English the international language for the spa industry will be launched at World Travel Market as part of this year’s Spa, Health and Wellness focus.


Working with the British International Spa Association (BISA) and the Spa Research Fellowship, the focus will span all four days of the leading business to business event at ExCeL London (Monday 12 –Thursday 15 November).


This will include the Israeli Government Tourist Office (IGTO), who is once again linking with AHAVA Essential Dead Sea Treatments to bring delegates the benefits of the worlds oldest natural spa, the Dead Sea. As the lowest place on earth and renowned for its rejuvenating properties, the Dead Sea has the highest concentration of minerals on the planet and produces mineral-rich mud, proven to aid the healing of many skin conditions..


Robert Czik, Managing Director of spa product manufacturer SpaFind Skincare, is unveiling details of the new spa training college being set up in Kent, UK. “The plan is to get international spa operators to send their therapists to the UK, both to improve their technique and learn specialist spa English,” explained Czik.


“We hope it will appeal to large hotel groups, such as Hyatt, but also national spa associations overseas,” explained Czik.


He said that the position of English already as an international business language made it the obvious choice for spa students.


The initiative has already won over spa industry bosses in China, who are keen to build the treatment sector to aid their tourism development.


At the end of November the school is expecting to welcome its first batch of overseas students – 35 would-be therapists from Japan – who will brush up their language skills.


Health Boom


World Travel Market’s Health and Wellness focus is a reflection of the phenomenal growth of spa holidays, according to Fiona Jeffery, the event’s chairman.


“Research shows that the industry has grown 40% in the past three years alone”, said Jeffery.


“The sheer size of the market is mind-boggling. There are now more spas in the US alone (15,699) than there are Starbucks coffee shops in the world (13,728).”



“There are two definite trends,” explained Dr Osborne. “The first is for spas to align themselves with big brands such as ESPA. They can buy the products in bulk and get a whole regime of support, including staff training.


“There is also a trend towards the exotic. Creating new products sets you apart. Spas often look to the local culture, say using coconut milk in the Caribbean, to add an element of ethnicity to their offering.


Seminar Program


The three Spa, Health and Wellness seminars are:

 Sustaining credibility - avoiding customer disillusionment.
Dr. Bruce Osborne - Spas Research Fellowship, Monday 12 November

 The UK Market for Health Tourism, Tuesday 13 November, 11.00 hrs
Speaker: Keith Pollard, Managing Director, Treatment Abroad, UK leading web portal for medical tourism.

 English – The First Language of Spas, Tuesday 13 November 14.00 hrs Speaker: Robert Czik – BISPA



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Spavelous Spa Finder

Is your Spa Theft Proof?

Newbury Street, Boston MA spa owner is still owed some $18,000

Joyce Hampers is still owed some $18,000 from a former receptionist who swindled $25,000 from her Emerge Spa & Salon last year by issuing store credits to her personal credit cards and then tossing out the receipts.

A spa manager “caught her because the same credit card numbers were showing up over and over again,” said Hampers.

The woman was placed on probation and court-ordered to pay restitution at a rate of $1,000 a month, but last month she went back before a judge to get her monthly payments cut in half, court records show.

Hampers said she changed her credit card processing procedures and installed a password-protected system for issuing credits.

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Spa

Once serene spas invaded by high-tech noise

As more hotels and resorts install Wi-Fi throughout their buildings, the workplace is increasingly invading the spa.

"Occasionally, I'll see people with laptops or their BlackBerries working right up until the moment before their treatment," said Heather Dominguez, spa director at the Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek, Calif., which offers hotelwide wireless Internet access. "It's not something we really advertise. It's just kind of an underground thing."

The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort in Florida, for example, plans to offer Wi-Fi in its spa starting in October. So is the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, Fla., when its spa reopens later this year after renovations.

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg made a conscious decision to offer wireless Internet access when it opened this past spring with the rationale that for some of their customers, staying wired was actually less stressful than doing away with their gadgets.
The outside world also is creeping into the sanctuary of the spa through television. Some spas are installing flat-screen televisions for patrons who want to tune in to the news or sports before or after treatments.

So as not to distract other guests from relaxing, the Asha Salon Spa at the James Hotel in Chicago provides headsets for the television watchers in relaxation rooms.

The two televisions in the Men's Only Zone at Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas often show sporting events so spa-goers can keep up with bets at the Sports Book.

The electronic invasion has not extended to cellphone calls, which generally remain forbidden in all spa areas. Internet usage is also different, some spas say, because guests can check e-mail or surf the Web without disturbing the serenity

"In the past, you couldn't leave your office without work shutting down. Today you can sit and get a pedicure and be working on your BlackBerry."

About two months ago, Michelle Howard, spa and wellness director at Zermatt Resort and Spa in Midway, Utah, said she came across a guest sitting in the relaxation room and finishing a report on his laptop.

Chris Farley, director of the Gainey Village Health Club and Spa, has been offering free Wi-Fi since April 2005, witnessed "head-in-the-face-cradle surfing" once or twice — spa-goers checking their BlackBerries while lying face down on the massage table.

Spa purists balk at the thought. "I would not send a client to a spa with Wi-Fi," said Jenni Lipa, president of Spa Trek Travel in New York, which specializes in spa vacations.

Skana, the spa at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y., was given the option of adding wireless Internet access in the treatment and relaxation rooms. They declined

"At the Ranch, we want our guests to disconnect and don't offer Wi-Fi service in the rooms or in any of the relaxation centers," said Roma Maxwell, a spokeswoman for Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa in Tecate, Mexico. As an alternative, the spa offers a designated Wi-Fi area and an Internet room with computers and printers.

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Is your Spa Website on the list.

Massage Table Makes a Difference

Would buying portable massage tables and using extra heated padding and plush blankets give the same feeling as buying stationary massage tables.

Thanks



Not all massage tables are built the same.

Personally I prefer a hydraulic table. You never know the girth of the person who is going to be on the table. Having a hydraulic table enables you to adjust the height of the table after the person is on it. This will save the wear and tear on your therapists body. It also comes in handy if you need to apply deeper pressure. As the lower the table the easier it is to apply greater pressure. In addition, when a person is on a hydraulic table you can elevate their head and feet easily to take the pressure off of their low back. In a portable table you do not have this option.


Hydraulic tables also have arm extenders, and head and feet extenders. This allows for a wider table or a longer table if needed. Most portable to not have this option. Portable tables will get squeaky after a while they are not as sturdy.


Keys for comfort is in the padding. At least 3" prefer 3 1/2 to 4" of padding for comfort. For heating the table, make sure the heat is not directly on the table. If the table is leather or plastic the heat will dry it out. I like to use a lambskin in between for additional comfort or a tempurpedic twin topper cut to size for protection.

If you are doing a detox, then an electric blanket or heating pad will not be adequate, you will need an electric ETS or Bioslim Thermal Blanket usually has a timer and heat zones. So the client is fully wrapped not just warmed if you are doing a wrap.

If I can further assist you please let me know.
Marie Bernat
COO Spavelous

Ranked # 1 Largest Spa Directory by Google.com

Find a Day Spa

Wants to Open a Japenese Themed Spa

I am very new to the spa industry but would like to open my own day spa within the next 6 months. I would like to go with an Asian theme preferably japanese. Can you point me in the direction of Asian treatments and products and asian inspired designs for spas maybe in pictures. Also i would appreciate a foundation plan. Right now i'm really confused as to which direction to turn. What type of office space would make more sense to lease (a beauty salon, doctors/dental office or just an open floor plan office space) as there is no existing spa in my area. I would like to start out small, how many rooms would i need besides the reception area if i plan on having 2 massage treatment rooms and i also want to do facials and foot massages. what type of rooms are generally found in a day spa. thanks

Dear Jade,

Before you start, I would advise that you do a Business Plan and Market Analysis to determine the feasibility of what you plan to do. If you are not sure of how to write one or how to perform a Market Analysis, then you should consider either hiring a Spa Consultant or if you do not have the funding to do that, then I would advise that you contact the small business association in your area or SCORE which is comprised of retired business executives http://www.score.org/.

In regard to Japanese Therapies, here are a few. However, these are very technical services and really require proper additional training and certification to perform. Seeing how there are no spas in your area currently, You may not find specialists in your area who can perform these services. So, hiring staff may be a challenge.

Shiatsu

Ashiatsu

Thai Massage

Anma Massage

Reiki

Accussage

Accupunture

Acu Facials

Anma Facial

Facials & Body treatments incorporating Japanese Herbs or Green Tea

Japanese Enzyme/Herbal Baths

Location is going to be key, and starting out small is a good idea. Do consider how long your lease is for, because if you need to expand you do not want to be locked in. You will probably need to be in a high traffic area. Going into a strip center with a good anchor or a location where they are already generating the type of traffic /cliental that you determine is your market audience is also important. Locations near a salon, Fitness club, yoga/palates studio is beneficial. Developing a network with dermatologists, chiropractors, and plastic surgeons is advisable.

Make sure you get all of the legalities clarified so you know what is required in your area to operate an establishment with massage, aesthetics and nail services. Verify the need for water and equipment in the treatment rooms as required by local ordinances.

To view locations for ideas, just Google Japanese Day Spas and you can get a few ideas. Or visit Japanese restaurants to get inspired on colors and features. Spa Trade has a buyers guide that can assist you with locating Equipment companies.

Good Luck if you need assistance as you move forward please feel free to contact me.

Marie Bernat

COO Spavelous

The Best Spa Finder

The $200 Pedicure

What is it really? A $200 pedicure.

It takes place at La Prairie Spa at the Beverly Hills Hotel. You slip into a terry robe and slippers and sip a cup of Introspection tea, then an attendant leads you into a candle-lighted massage room. Once you've disrobed (for a foot treatment?), you stretch out on the table and await your "reflexology." La Prairie lotion is lavished on your feet, which are then given a vigorous shake. But the reflexology never comes -- just some light petting. The robe goes back on, you're led into a pedicure room -- a really nice pedicure room, with a reclining chair that makes you feel like you're floating, and a view of a gorgeous garden. The pedicure looks and feels great -- this time there's real massage -- and then you relax in the garden while the polish dries.

The "After Shopping Paradise" is just one of a growing number of crazy-expensive spa treatments at luxury hotels.

Not so long ago, hourlong massages for $60 were easy to find, even at upscale day spas. Now a regular old 60-minute Swedish massage will set you back $220 at Montage Resort & Spa's ocean-view facility in Laguna Beach.

In the spa at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, a two-hour massage costs $385 -- but the massage oil is "infused" with rubies and emeralds.

Spa directors explain that there are reasons for the astronomical prices. As hotels and even some day spas build multimillion-dollar facilities, their owners say they're pressured to make a profit.

"In the '90s, spas were thought of as an amenity that would drive room rates," says Anne McCall, general manager of spas for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.

The spa industry doesn't have a formal rating system, explains Maureen Schumacher, director of Le Spa at Sofitel in Los Angeles. "In the eyes of the public, we are judged by the rates we charge," she says. "The more we charge, the more exclusive we seem." (Le Spa's basic massages range from $125 for a 50-minute "So Relaxing" treatment to $145 for a deep-tissue massage.)

"The massage is often the first introduction to a spa experience," says Lynne McNees, president of the International Spa Assn. "And once you have it, you're hooked

At top resort hotels across the nation and particularly on the coasts, treatment prices have shot up in sync with room rates and ever-increasing expectations. Hotels are especially adept at creating the most lavish environments, complete with prestige beauty products, marble showers, heated massage tables with silk blankets and daylong treatments. They spin the treatments as "indulgences," and charge accordingly.

Day spas also are reaching deeper into wallets as they upgrade the treatments and the trappings. The basic 50-minute massage at the 6-week-old Voda Spa in West Hollywood is already pricey at $125, and guests must also pay a $50 admission fee that allows access to a pool, saunas, steam rooms, a cafe and even a bar outfitted with Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

Sparing no expense, the spa at Santa Barbara's Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore, hired star architect Peter Marino for its recent redesign, which includes two-level, loft-like treatment rooms that overlook the ocean and a rose garden.

Someone's getting a raise IF the rising salaries of top spa personnel are any indication, there's lots of money being made inside those gilded treatment rooms. This year, spa directors are expected to see their average salaries jump at least by $10,000 to $85,000 a year, according to the International Spa Assn. and WageWatch.

Spa trade groups such as the International Spa Assn. say they are trying to address the issue of perception and value by instituting standardized business practices that will help unify the industry.

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The Best Spa Locator

Feel like royalty while you get new crowns

Woodstock practice part of growing trend of spa, or concierge, dentistry

A waterfall adorns the entrance and heated sidewalks lie underfoot. Leather couches, hardwood floors and free Wi-Fi await visitors.

Tischler Dental, a three-dentist practice, moved from an aging building two miles down the road and opened the $3 million, 10,000-square-foot office on Route 375 in January. Here, patients gaze through large windows toward a wooded landscape and watch movies on TV screens mounted to their chair.

Capitalizing on the new office, quaint town, and proximity of a 4-star resort, the dentists hope to attract cases of tooth decay and stained smiles from New York City and beyond.

Most of its clients are Ulster County adults and children seeking general dentistry, but Tischler Dental wants to be a national destination.
Concierge dentistry, or spa dentistry, is on the rise. A national survey conducted in 2003 found that half of dentists offer some type of amenity, such as headphones, neck rests, warm towels and free beverages. About 5 percent take it further with massages, facials and pedicures.

A hot oil and herb poultice massage certainly takes the edge off the pain and discomfort.

Guests also can choose from a long menu of spa treatments -- from a Bindi herbal body treatment to a maple syrup bath. And of course, the chef will prepare meals that accommodate the guest's dental situation.

Sharon Johnson's hands gripped the armrests of the dental chair, and she watched CNN on the TV through tinted glasses. The Clifton Park resident was in the final stages of a full-mouth rehabilitation under Tischler's care.
"I'm very funny about my teeth," Johnson said. "I like them white and even."

Johnson has stayed at the Emerson during several of her visits to the Woodstock dental office. The resort's high price tag doesn't ruffle her.
Anything that relaxes patients is good, said Matthew Messina, a Cleveland dentist and consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.
"There are dentists that have spas right in their office.

Tischler said his spa package isn't for everybody, but he hopes it appeals to 20 or so patients a year.

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The Largest Spa Directory

Spas- threat to Ayurveda

Mushrooming of the so called Ayurvedic massage parlors and spas sans qualified Ayurvedic therapists is posing a threat to the health of customers as well as the credibility of the Indian stream of medicine, say experts.
During the past few years, a lot of centers have sprung up offering ayurvedic massages and therapies as part of wellness treatments and they often "dilute" the treatment methods for making a quick buck, they say.
"Even though this shows the growing popularity of Ayurveda, the attempt to dilute the system for purely commercial interests will do great harm to this stream of medicine," said Dr U Indulal, Deputy Director, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore.
Echoing his view, Dr C Madhusoodanan, Chief of the Ayurveda wing at Kumaran Hospital, Chennai, said many of the centres do not even have doctors, proper facilities, medicinal oils or qualified therapists.
"This would even paint a wrong picture about this ancient system of medicine not only among the people of the country but also the foreigners who show interest in Ayurveda."
Unlike other streams of treatment like Allopathy and Homeopathy, Ayurveda has treatments that help rejuvenation and wellness. This trait makes it vulnerable to be excessively commercialised, he said.
"To do an oil massage as per the Ayurvedic texts, we need seven therapists and a systematic method has to be adopted as per the advice of the doctor. The choice of oil, massage, preparations etc are prescribed after evaluating the condition of the patient."

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The Largest Spa Directory

PCA SKIN(R) Forms Alliance With Renowned Dermatologist and Executive

Leading Skin Care Line Undergoes Changes in Company Leadership and Product
Branding

Jennifer Linder, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs skin cancer surgeon, biomedical engineer and chemist, and Richard Linder, a Harvard Business School graduate, have joined PCA SKIN as Chief Scientist and CEO respectively. Dr. Linder's extensive practice experience and commitment to clinical research will further develop
PCA SKIN's product pipeline, while Mr. Linder's expertise in international business will expand the markets offering the line.

"PCA SKIN's commitment to developing products with the highest quality ingredients attracted me to become more involved with the brand.

Dr. Linder leads all product development and clinical trials for PCA SKIN, developing new products that bridge the gap between aesthetics and medicine. The company has put global skin care education at the forefront of its mission.

Founder Margaret Ancira, who developed PCA SKIN in 1990, remains an integral part of the PCA SKIN organization. Mr. Linder and Ms. Ancira comprises a strategic
Partnership combining the best of aesthetics, science and business expertise
in the cosmeceuticals industry.

"Dr. Linder and Richard bring exciting ideas, a rare expertise in chemistry and an unparalleled commitment to quality to PCA SKIN," commented Ms. Ancira. "Under their leadership, PCA SKIN will continue to grow and thrive globally. I am thrilled to have them onboard and our partnership thus far has been a success."

New Leadership, New Branding

In addition to the new leadership, the company has officially re-branded itself as PCA SKIN. PCA Professional(TM) Products, PCA(R) MEN, and PCA SKIN(R) Clinical Care Products will fall under the new umbrella of PCA SKIN in order to clarify the company's vast product offerings. PCA SKIN has also recently launched new product packaging.

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The Largest Spa Directory

Spa Employment Opportunity

Position Currently Available:
Full Time Dual Licensed Massage Therapist/ Esthetician

Spa Xanadu, Arcadia, CA

Voted

"Top Ten Day Spas Around Greater Los Angeles" by Los Angeles.about.com

"Top Ten Spa in L.A." by Spa Living Magazine

Qualifications:

· Minimum 1 year experience in a day spa environment

· California: Massage Therapist Certification Program of 500 hours or more

· Licensed by California State Board of Cosmetology, Esthetician or Cosmetologist.

We are looking for hard-working, committed, dependable. experienced, customer service oriented people, with professional high standards. If you would like to join the Spa Xanadu family, send your resume to spaxanadu@spaxanadu.com or fax to (626) 821-9679.

Spa Advertising

Question From Lemans -

I have a magazine in Northern VA that is eager for me to advertise some what expensive 1300.00 a month any feedback

Dear Lemans,

So much information must go into making a marketing decision like this.

First, what is your monthly marketing budget? Your monthly budget should not be more then 10% of your top line revenue a month (with some fluctuation for seasonality). In some cases due to your fix costs, your budget may be less (3 - 5%). What is your marketing budget? Does this cost fit into your budget?

Second, what is the ROI (return on investment). I like to look at it this way, how much will that ad need to bring me on the top line to pay for itself on the bottom line. If right now, you are averaging putting 20% on the bottom line each month, that would translate to for every$100,000 on the top line you put $20,000 on the bottom line. So in this example, if you spend $1300 of your bottom line, then this should generate at least $6500 on the top line to pay for itself. If your average service is $100 this means that the ad would need to generate 65 treatments to pay for itself. Can this ad do that?

If you do decide to move forward with this, you should run an ad with a coupon this way you can track redemption to see if you get the ROI.

What is the distribution of the magazine? How is it distributed (subscribers by mail, available for free in supermarkets, placed in hotels)? Is it geared toward the demographics of your clients? Have you spoke with other advertisers in the magazine to see what type of results they experienced? How long has this magazine been in business. Is it a read once and throw out magazine or is it a coffee table magazine. What is the readership of the magazine?

I am familiar with N. VA, I lived in Fairfax and I still have a sister who lives in Sterling by Dulles Airport. I will be happy to help you as much as I can with research on the publication.

Today, depending on the location of your spa, most consumers are finding their spas by word of mouth and on the internet. For $50 a month or $500 for an entire year of service, my company Spavelous will support you. We work with you on your word of mouth by having you stay in touch with your current clients with newsletters and email blasts. We assist you with building sales by posting your spa deals and spa specials on our web site and in our Spa blogs. Many of our members receive these specials daily through RSS feeds. You can review our offering more at http://spavelous.com/mkt/index.html There are four plans to choose from. At very least you should sign up for your free listing.

As you can see by my posts, I am truly here to support you and the spa industry. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me directly. I am located in AZ so I believe I am 3 hours behind you now. 888-887-7831 ex 1818

I hope you have found this information helpful and not too confusing.

Sincerely Yours,

Marie Bernat
Spavelous - The Largest US Spa Directory

Developing Spa Business Plan

Question From Latoya -

I am in the process of developing my business plan to open my own day spa. I wanted to find out how I conduct a market analysis and determine who my target market is? Any suggestions on where to go to get industry population, average pricing, age range of spa goers?

Also how do I determine how much to charge for my services?

Thanks
Dear Latoya,


Here are some simplified answers to your questions. However, based on the questions you asked, you may want to hire a spa consultant to assist you so you have a better understanding of what you are getting into and set yourself up for success. You have not indicated where you are located, so I have based this on the USA.

Market analysis of the demographics: First you need to know the demographics of the city that you want to build your spa in. You can go to your city's website to pull up the latest population demographics, or you can get a rough estimate on line form the AP site for Census Data. You will first select the state and then using the pull down menu select the city. The numbers in blue you can click on for greater detail. An even easier and more specific way if you are in a shopping center is to get the information form the commercial realtor for your shopping center they can give specifics broken down to radius miles around your specific site. This information will be the most accurate.

What is the demographics of the Spa Client: I recommend that you become an ISPA member. They have several publications that will assist you. The 2006 Spa-goer study will give you general demographics. Your demographics may be different, so I recommend that you situate yourself outside your competitors and do random counts during peak periods.

For the question What should you charge. You want to be competitive in your market, but you also want to make sure that your services are priced to be profitable. This means you need to know what product line you will carry and what services you will offer. Start by doing a Google search with the name of your city and the word spa. In this link I did "Scottsdale, AZ Spa"

A map will come up with the spas in that area. If the spas near you have a web site go online to their website and pull up their spa menu. Start a spread sheet so you can Spa name, chart services, cost, and facility information, product line. You can also go to my website http://www.spavelous.com we have the largest database of spas in the USA in one location. We are still growing, so we hope that all spas will sign up for their free listing so people can find them. This will also tell you who your competition is.

After you let your fingers do the walking to view the menus, services and facilities, book some spa appointments. Nothing can replace a first hand experience. This will help you view the spa as your guests will view you.

Good Luck, if you need any other information, please call. Spavelous is here to support the success of the spa industry. Don't forget to sign up with Spavelous before you open, we can even help develop your spa website and a year of our services for $500.


Sincerely Yours

Marie Bernat

Spavelous - The Largest US Spa Directory

Microdermabrasion

Question From Holly -

I am finally purchasing my first microdermabrasion unit for my salon/spa, though i’m now having problems deciding which one. I know the company who i will buy from but they have two different machines. One is the Skinborn Microderma S-100 which uses crystals, the other is the Dermapeel “Diamond”Microdermabrasion, which uses a diamond tip wand. The diamond peel is 5,900 USD and i read that this is the newest technology. The Skinborn S-100 is 8,300 USD, and i’m not sure why it costs more. Could you explain to me why this machine would be more. Or just let me know which one you would recommend. Thank you so much for your time.

Dear Holly,

Of the two, I would go with the Diamond Tip. For years I have looked for a microderm machine that uses vitamin c crystals instead of aluminum oxide crystals. Call me old fashion, but all of the studies that I have read, indicate that aluminum is correlated to Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other mental disabilities. I would not want to risk my health as a client or my aestheticians health for the sake of beauty.

Over the years I have spoke with many machine representatives, and they tell me that I could use Vitamin C crystals or baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) in the machines instead, but they do not know who would supply it as they do not carry it.

If you can find the Vitamin C Crystals or the Sodium Bicarbonate, I would go with that if not select the diamond tip.

Marie Bernat
Spavelous-The Largest US Spa Directory (ranked #1 by Google Search)

Learning Body Treatments

Question From Sandy -

I have been a massage therapist for six years and now am creating a day spa and want to learn how to do body treatmets and then train other therapists to do them. Our location does not have a shower facility so what companies sell bulk products for body wraps, scrubs etc. and also have training videos on how to perform these treatments.

Also do any of these companies offer organic, chemical free products?


Dear Sandy

First, you should check your state regulations to see if a massage therapist license will allow you to apply products to the body. Not all states allow this.

You can find products in the spa trade Products and Services Buyers Guide. If you are an ISPA member, you may also search their data base for a supplier.

There are many companies that produce organic or all natural products. One of my favorite companies is Hylunia. They do not have minimum orders, mandatory start up orders or some of the requirements that larger companies have. They also have an excellent retail line for home care. Their products are all natural and only the finest ingredients. When I started to use them, they came out for 2 days to train the staff and the local representative was fabulous.

I should caution you that doing body treatments without a shower is difficult. You did not mention if you have water in the rooms. Removal of a scrub, with hot towels or a spray bottle is not the most effective or comfortable way. That said, there are some treatments that can be done with these methods.

If you have never done body treatments before, you should see if your local massage school offers a spa treatment program which takes you through some of the basic body treatment procedures. Here in Arizona the Southwest institute of the Healing Arts has good Spa treatment courses. Here is their online site and spa treatment classes .

I would recommend either having training through a school or through the product manufacturer or distributor as opposed to a video, because practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect and you need someone to give you follow up and feedback on how you are doing and how it feels. Especially when you go to remove the product, the water on the client can cool them off quickly.

If you have an other questions, please call me at Spavelous.

Marie Bernat

Promotional Emails and News

I have been using Microsoft Entourage, basically Outlook for Mac to send out our promotional emails and news, but it only lets me send out 40 at a time, and most of the emails get sorted into our clients junk bins. I am looking for a great email marketing program that organizes my email database, produces great looking email templates and is preferably for Mac, but doesn't have to be, we have PCs too.

Any advice on programs out there?

Did you know that if you sign up for Spavelous. That we will put out your monthly newsletter for you, and send out emails for you when you want them to go out. Professional, Easy and only $500 a year!

You can sign up and review the programs at our marketing area. In addition, we will link to your website in our spa directory, the largest spa directory in the USA and list you in our National Spa Gift Certificate Directory with a link to where you sell your gift certificates at no additional cost. You can take a look at the newsletters that we put out for Spavelous "Now You Are in the Know"

Sign up to receive a copy weekly, here. For a sample of your e-newsletter, and eblast.

For more information, please contact us at Spavelous.

Opening Body Wrap Business

Question From TIA:

Do body wrapping? If so what kind of license is required?

I am considering opening my own body wrap business? I am in Indiana. Anyone know?

Dear TIA,

The requirements for body wraps vary by state. In most states you are either required to be a licensed Cosmetologist or a license massage therapist. You need to check with these two state boards to see which applies in your states.

The state laws are changing in Indiana as of July 1st,2007. As Indiana has a new license for massage therapists.

As far as I can see, a Licensed Cosmetologist may apply a body wrap as long as it is the application of product on the body and not used to treat disease. Here is the Code.

Indiana is currently becoming a licensed massage state. According to the American Massage Therapy Association of Indiana, effective July 1st of this year.

I would conclude that you need to be either a licensed massage therapist (as defined by the new law) or a licensed cosmetologist to perform these procedures. To be 100% accurate, you should contact the state board of Cosmetology the phone number is (317) 234-3031. I could only find an address for the State board of massage Professional Licensing Agency.

Attn: State Board of Massage Therapy
402 W Washington St, Room W072
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

I hope that this at least points you in the right direction.

Good Luck with your venture.

Spavelous

Esthetician License

Question From mlehmanusa …

I am looking at two different schools to get my master esthetician license — each is 1200 hours. One of the schools spends about 1/2 time in the classroom and 1/2 time performing services on clients. The other school spends about 1/4 time in the classroom and the rest performing services on clients.

Which is more important — emphasis on education or experience?

Dear mlehmanusa,

This question is not that easy to answer. When hiring an aesthetician, there is a combination of qualities that one looks for. Yes, there are some schools that produce a better caliber of aesthetician, but that is not the only criteria. When selecting a schools:

• Call local spa directors and ask them for their feedback on the schools and the caliber of staff that comes form the school.
• What is your learning style. Do you learn better from hands on or from books. You need to select a school that will provide you with the training that will best support your learning style.
• What products and procedures will the school be training you on. Is it state of the art products and procedures or are they old product lines or product lines that are not being used in the types of spas you would like to work in. A spa director will always give an edge to someone who has already worked with and is knowledgeable about the products they use.
  
  Of course, some qualities that I looked for in an aesthetician, did not come from the schools:
• Good professional appearance
• A passion for the job they do
• A positive attitude, smiles. Team player
• Great sales skills
• Proper etiquette, lets the guest walk into the room first, explains what will happen,
• Places the clients needs first and exceeds their expectations.
• A desire to learn more and looks for continuing educational opportunities
  
  The list of qualities is endless. Tap into your passion and you will be successful. When you are your best you cannot help but do your best.

Spavelous

Opening A New Spa!

I am opening a spa in a up and coming city in Florida. Although I have training in Massage Therapy and I am working on my licensing as an Aesthetician, I need LOTS of help. I can tell from previous postings that the people on this site no what they are talking about. ALL advise is welcome especially concerning pay for staff, services that are worth their costs(ie laser machines, cellulite treatments, wraps, etc), amenities that every spa should have, etc. I have my own ideas about this stuff but I haven't worked in the industry, I have only been trained in it. Thank you very much.

Congratulations! on your decision to open a spa. As you know, this is a competitive business. It is great that you will have experience as a massage therapist and an aesthetician. This is very valuable. When I was a Spa Director, I was able to better operate the spa, manage the costs and develop new services due to my background as a licensed therapist. Have you done a business plan? Have you studied the demographics of the spas in your area and the demographic of the population around you? Have you selected your site yet? Have you conducted competitor surveys of services and prices? What product lines will you be using? Who are your suppliers? Have you done a revenue projection and budget? How many treatment rooms do you have? What services will you offer? What is your break even? Who is your clientele going to be?

These are all questions that you need to answer. As for equipment and treatments. Lasers in most states require that you are an ARNP or a Physicians assistant to operate a laser. In addition, I believe that there may be a requirement there must be an MD on staff. This is not my expertise, so check with the Cosmetology Board.

As for other treatments, you will need to look at the basic, Do you have the room to accommodate the equipment? How effective is the equipment? Can you lease it for a short period to determine if it gives results and will be used by your clients? What is the ROI (return on investment) How many treatments must you do before the equipment pays for itself.

When it comes to salaries, you need to work with your budget while being competitive in your market. Are you an ISPA member? If not I recommend that you join at ISPA . They have a company which offers discounts to ispa members www.wagewatch.com. They can provide you with information for the various positions in your area. You can also do your own informal survey by calling the spas in your area. At least here in Arizona, all of the spa directors are friends and are very helpful and supportive of each other. ISPA also has a Compensation Workbook that may be helpful for you.

When you are ready to market, of course my site Spavelous is the best value and very effective. If you have any further questions or need support, please feel free to contact me. Spavelous is here to support the spa industry. We are only successful if you are successful.

Presented By Spavelous

Esthetics License

OMG I really hope someone can help me. I live in NYC and am relocating to Indiana. So far the schools I have called said I cannot transfer over my hours that I so far have to finish the esthetics course and I basically would have to start from scratch? Anyone know any different? TIA!

Dear Jessy,

The state of Indiana requires 700 hours for an esthetics license. Unfortunately, the Schools establish their own policy in regard to the transfer of hours. As time consuming as it may seem, you would have to check with each school in the area individually to see if they will allow the transfer or allow you to pay them an additional fee to transfer the hours you have already completed. If at all possible, you can always finish school in NY so you do not lose the money you have already paid. If you cannot find a school that will transfer the hours, then you will have to weigh your financial choices. Would it cost you more to stay in NY and complete the program you are in? Or would it cost you more to start school over? You also may want to check with your current school to see if they have a sister school in Indiana. A sister or affiliated school may be more inclined to transfer the credits. Good Luck!

Spavelous

Spa Marketing

Natalia asks -

how to get more clents?
marketing companies charging too much..any prival marketing person in my area with experience looking for job?
thanks,

Natalia


Dear Natalia,

More and more people are looking for and finding their spas on line. It isn’t enough to just have a website. They need to be able to find your website and information about who you are and what you do. This is why I developed Spavelous. www.spavelous.com. We are more then a spa listing service. We are a complete marketing program. We list your spa; send out e-mail blasts (with your logo) to your guests and to our members in your area (whenever you want), and monthly newsletters for you with your company colors and logo. In addition, we will check all critical points of your website to provide you with feedback on how you can improve your web performance. We also will feature you in our weekly Spavelous “Now You Are In The Know” newsletter which goes to our members. We will provide you with monthly consultations as well, all at less then the cost of one service per month. If you didn’t have a website, we would develop and provide you with a 5 page site and host it for you complimentary for the first year. After that you could leave it with us to manage or we would turn it all over to you. As a former Spa Director, I know how hard it is market on a limited budget. It is exactly for this reason that I developed Spavelous. I am passionate about the spa industry and I am passionate about doing what ever I can to help you to be successful. If you would like more information on our program, please contact me. I am happy to assist you any way that I can.

Sincerely Yours
Marie Bernat
COO/Founder Spavelous
www.spavelous.com
888-887-7831 ext. 1818

Massage Lotion

ema3nidad ask -

I am incorporating massage for a new spa I am putting up. I have long been looking for a non-greasy massage oil I can use, and one that does not have a strong (maybe even offensive) scent. Most of what I have seen available in the market and even in the spas where I have been to are really thick and greasy. I have a difficulty washing it off from my skin and hair. Please recommend any concoctions or suppliers you may know.


Dear ema3nidad,

My favorite massage lotion is Biotone’s Nutri-Naturals Massage Lotion. It is non greasy provides good glide, basically no scent, contains quality ingredients and can be used with hot stone massage without causing the stones to get an oil build up. It is a quality product at a great price. The website is http://www.biotone.com I know they ship internationally, but I do not know if this would be cost effective for you. You can write their customer service department and they can provide you with additional details.

Product Description
Nutri-Naturals Massage Lotion combines skin healthy, vitamin rich ingredients to create a silky, emollient lotion that goes beyond basic moisturizing. Easy to apply and non-greasy, Nutri-Naturals Massage Lotion provides gentle friction, and the ideal glide, that leaves skin smooth and nourished. Blended with deep-moisturizing Avocado Oil, vitamin fortified Carrot Oil (Beta Carotene/Vitamin A), Wheat Germ Oil (Vitamin E), Vitamin C, healthy Sunflower Oil, and healing Jojoba Oil. Nutri-Naturals Creamy Massage Lotion is perfect for full body massage. Lotion may also be used daily as a skin care moisture lotion. Light garden-fresh scent.
Sincerely

Marie Bernat
COO Spavelous
www.spavelous.com
marie@spavelous.com

CIDESCO certification

I am an Esthetician in the Dallas area. I recently married an European man who would like for us to move back to his home country. I would like to make the move and would like to complete the CIDESCO certification before we move so I can first secure a job. Do you know of a place in the Dallas area that offers this training and how my hours of training and practicing as an Esthetician apply to this certification? I did a Google search and only found a place in Houston.

Dear Marg2,

According to the CIDESCO site, there are only 5 places in the USA where you can becomed certified। The link to CIDESCO for USA is:
http://www.cidesco.com/index.php?menu=3&umenu=32&suche=search

Then you would enter the country you want to check.
Unfortunately, Houston is the closest। This may not help you, but at least you will know exactly where to go to do research for training abroad, or make the comitment to go to Houston. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know. My best to you in the future.

Sincerely
Marie Bernat COO/Founder Spavelous
www.spavelous.com
"when you want to be more then great you want to be spavelous"

Independence College of Cosmetology (US 209) 815 West 23rd Street, INDEPENDENCE MO 64055 Tel: 1 816 252 4247 Email: indcollege@aol.com http://www.hair-skin-nails.com

Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics (US 210) 7011 Harwin Dr. #100, HOUSTON TX 77036 Tel: +1 713 783 9988 Email: margritaltenburg@aol.com

Miss Marty's Hair Academy & Esthetics Institute (US 278) 1087 Mission Street, SAN FRANCISCO CA 94103/415 Tel: 1 415 227 4240 Email: msmartys@earthlink.net Web: http://www.missmartys.com

St. Paul Technical College (US 319) Address 235 Marshall Avenue, SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102 +1 651 846 1513 Email: mary.finnegan@saintpaul.edu

Merrell University of Beauty Arts and Science (US 282) 1101-R Southwest Boulevard, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 Tel: 1 573 635 4433 Email: mbsharp@earthlink.net

Eyelash Extensions

Could you please recommend good glue, silk and synthetic lashes, and kit for semi-permanent eyelash extensions? Any information would be helpful. Thanks!


As a former Spa Director, I introduced eyelash extensions to my clientele before anyone in the Scottsdale AZ area was doing them. I was able to capitalize on the media due to the newness of these fabulous lashes. The first several months I was bringing in over $10,000 in doing eye lash extensions and fills. I did a great deal of research into the different brands and developed a protocol for communication to the client before, during and after their treatment to maximize their results. I would be happy to share this with you. Please feel free to contact me.

Marie Bernat
COO / Founder Spavelous LLC
www.spavelous.com
mbernat@spavelous.com

Slow Season

Hello! I have private practice skincare studio in Miami. I'm considering hiring a coach. I noticed there are some salon and spa coaches out there, but the cost is pretty high. (I'm still new and summer's here! Biz is in the toilet. god, I hate summer in Miami!) How long does it take to get results? What are the results one can expect? I really want to do this but my checkbook says no! well, right now it says maybe! I really don't want to struggle again this summer. Anyone have any suggestions/advice? Help! Thanks


As a former Spa Director of a seasonal spa, I developed strategies that helped me to build business year after year and turn a spa that was not profitable into one that consistently put 27% on the bottom line. I did not have the big budgets of a larger spa which had substantial funds behind them to pay for marketing and advertising. The secrets I discovered built the business while controlling my costs. I started Spavelous.com to help all spas develop a marketing program that will build their business, make it easier for new clients to find you and encourage and promote loyalty from your clients. This is a very affordable program, and includes monthly consulting at no additional fee. My desire is to help you to be more successful, to promote the spa industry and to help everyone be their personal best.

If you would like additional information, please feel contact me.

Marie Bernat
COO / Founder Spavelous LLC
www.spavelous.com
888-887-7831 ex 1818