Saturday, April 28, 2007

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

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

Exchange services for free

Hi- I seem to be having some issues regarding exchanging of services within. As of right now in my spa/salon, we exchange services for free as long as the tech doing the service is ok with it.
There has been some problems with this. I would really appreciate any ideas / guidelines that have worked, or are presently working for other owners. Also, what about immediate family members getting a service from the tech doing their service, as well??
There must be a simple rules to go by.


The question you ask is not an easy one. It is beneficial to offer service exchanges to your employees for several reasons: It helps your staff members to become more familiar with other services in the salon and spa so they will be able to share their positive experiences with their clients or refer their clients for the services with others. This helps to build sales and can keep your service providers busy during down time. Here are some of the ways I have experienced the exchange of services: I should note that all ways include the following caveats: 1: The staff member pays for all products used in the service, and 2: If a paying guest desires the appointment time the staff member must give up the appointment time.
Option # 1: Give employees a discounted price for their service, and they should pay a normal gratuity for the full price of the service. This way if one person desires a service but the other person does not want to do an exchange they will still be paid commission and a tip for the service. Cost of service should cover all costs for example: Employee Commission +Hourly rate if applicable +product costs. Gratuity goes straight to the service provider.
Option # 2: Employees who are interested in an exchange sign up on a list for the services they want and when, This is posted in a common area if a match can be done then it is done. This way there is no pressure for people who do not want to participate.

For family, offer a Family discount. This is a fixed % discount. Establish the % based on what is reasonable to keep you profitable and cover all of your fixed costs. Most will do 25 % to 40%.

Hope this gives you a few options

Marie Bernat
COO Spavelous
www.spavelous.com

Should start of business be linked to peak season?

I would like to understand peak and low seasons for massage business to decide on start date for my new business. Should start of business be linked to peak season? Ex. if summer is a lean period for business, should i avoid starting my business in summer.



It is almost always good to have a soft opening and build your staff with the business. There will be plenty to do before you open as far as training all staff on procedures, systems and services. However, the downside is if you open and you are very slow, you may lose some of your service staff before you hit your season. Many services providers, who are dependent on commissions and tips to live, may not be able to stay working for you if they can not meet their own financial needs. So make sure you think about an opening compensation plan so that you will at least have a core number of service providers who will be with you as the business builds. Have a business plan for how you will bring guests in and how you can market to the local people in your area. If you would like some ideas, please feel free to contact me.


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

Can beeswax be substituted for paraffin for foot/hand dips?

Can beeswax be substituted for paraffin for foot/hand dips? I would like to stay clear of the chemicals...if I used beeswax, does it have the same properties? I know it is an emollient...but I am not sure if it is as deep penetrating as the paraffin. Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks!


There is an all natural alternative that was designed specifically for that purpose. Celtisoy is a completely new product that has been developed from the ground up by Celti. They use natural plant based ingredients to create Celtisoy. It is a wonderful mixture of biologicals including soy wax, beeswax, seabuckthorne oil, and grapeseed oil. Here is their website, http://celti.ca/index.html . They are based in Canada their phone number is 905-765-8334 and their email address is info@celti.ca. I hope this helps you, if I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

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

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Looking for spa director or spa concierge employment?

I am an experienced licensed esthetician and have been a spa manager, I am looking for employment as a spa manager, director, or spa concierge.

You did not indicate if you have a geographic preference. There are a couple of great sites that lists employment opportunities. Be prepared with an updated copy of your resume. The size of a spa will determine where your best opportunities lie and whether you would qualify for Spa Director, Assistant Spa Director or Spa Manager. I have listed some sites that I like and Recruiters I love, like Lori Hutchinson. http://www.hutchinsonconsulting.com/inde... Or Career searches like: http://www.hospitalityjobs.hcareers.com/... or Yahoo Jobs http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobseeker/jobse...

Good Luck it is a great industry

I am buying an existing salon & spa business. Should I keep the same name and deco. or totally renovate?

The success of your business is dependent on the reputation of the establishment. There was a spa salon in the Scottsdale AZ area that was sold to a new owner. They maintained the original name, but the name was "mud" in the community. Bounced checks, lawsuits, overall a bad reputation. It was difficult to get it back on track, a new name would have done wonders. How old was the establishment? Does it look dated or worn? If so update, renovate and recontact the list of former clients and win them back with the new management. Let Spavelous help you. You can list for free once you are open for business.

Is Seattle a good place to open up a salon/day spa?

There currently are several profitable spas in Seattle. The question of opening a spa up will be answered in your business plan. Have you defined who your target market is, what type of a spa you will have? Day Spa, Salon Spa, Medical Spa? Do you have a location in mind? Is it Residential? Tourist area? Business Area? As a Salon/Spa you will be needing more of a residential area, take a look at the area you are thinking of and see who the competition is, how are they advertising, where are their clients coming from. Do your homework first. Make sure you have adequate capital to start the business, equipment, training, advertising. The business plan will set you in the right direction and give you the correct choice for you.

Massage therapy or Cosmetology?

I am trying to decide on becoming a hair dresser (something I have dreamed of doing ) or a massage therapist?

I live in the Pacific NW, so I am trying to figure out which one would make the better income and why you would recommend each proffesion?

You indicated that you "dreamed of" being a hair stylist. If you follow your passion, the money will come. A cosmetologist, can do hair, nails and facials. A massage therapist can do massage and depending on state law, body treatments. Each position has its long term physical challenges. Massage takes a lot of physical energy, do you have the stamina for it and can you give a good massage. Hair, also creates physical challenges. It is not easy holding your arms up and drying long hair, Those muscles get a work out. Most massage therapist as they age will switch to aesthetics or facials so they can sit down and perform the service. Also look at the environment that you want to work in. In a resort environment, Massage is the #1 service. In a residential area, Hair is done by clients more on a regular basis, they consider a massage a splurge, although that is changing. If you can afford to be cross trained get licensed in both. If you can select only one. Then follow your heart it appears that is leading you to being a Cosmetologist.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Opening my own salon/spa???

Im thinking of opening a spa with manicures, pedicure, acrylic nails, massages, and waxing, etc. but how do i start off i already have my license. Got any advice for starting a new beauty salon/ spa?


How to Start Spa Business
•Create a business plan for your spa
-Include your budget and cost out all start up costs
-Do a preliminary P & L to determine feasibility

•Conduct initial market research for your spa business

•Decide which spa services you will offer and check the regulations with your state from who can perform the services and what licenses are required:
-Describe the treatment oBenefits of the service oRequirements for service provider (license)
-Time needed to perform each service
-Materials and equipment needed
-Cost of the service and What you will chargeoSurvey competitors in the area

•An overview of options for your spa business:
-Buying an established spa
-Opening a new spa
-Spa franchising

•Licensing requirements for spas

•Choosing a name for your spa business

•Start-up costs including sample start up budgets for both a small and medium sized spa

•Start-up financing for your spa how much do you have and where is it coming from?

•Site Selection: when choosing a location for your spa business including how much square footage you will need to accommodate the service you will offer

•Design the Interior spa business consult with end users for tips on areas you will need and common problems to avoid

•Cost out and research equipment you need to start a day spa business, including how to save money by leasing or buying used Managing Your Spa Business


•Develop effective systems for running your spa business on a daily basis

•Determine your hours of operation

•Working with spa employees
-Determine your staffing needs
-Recruit employees who are qualified
-Determine if you will have employees, contractors or leased workers
-Determine compensation planoSet sales goals and keeping staff motivated

•Maintain proper safety and sanitation requirements for spas

•Follow state codes

•Establishing a maintenance schedule for equipment

•Setting prices for your spa's service and developing packages to encourage clients to buy more

•Spa products
-Find suppliers for the products. Determine price point for your area.
-Develop a system for inventory and ordering
-Creating in-store displays merchandizing

•Develop promotional materials to market your spa business
-Logo, menu, Ads, website

•Develop press releases to announce opening

•Have a strategy for repeat business and referrals

There is so much more so do your research and join ISPA or a Day spa Association

Good Luck and make sure you have adequate capitol for your endeavor.

I need a name for my salon and spa, please help?

Select a name that you believe in and that describes your business. Start by brainstorming. Write down the product or service you offer. Underline it. Now below that, write down as many keywords related to your business that you can think of.

Once you run out of keywords, Use a thesaurus or use an online synonym finder to continue searching for keywords. Add the new words to your business name list. This will start your creative process.

You will want a name that can grow as your business grows. A name that has a decent '.com' or alternative Internet name available. A name that does not violate the intellectual property rights of another business or organization with the name you choose, which could put your ability to use the name in

Just because you've found a name and it appears to be available, it does not mean that you are free to use it for your business. If your name conflicts with an existing trademark, tradename or someone's intellectual property, you could find yourself facing a lawsuit and the possible loss of your business name.

Then, when you finally find a few names you really like -try reciting them to other people and get their opinion. It won't be long until your business will have the proper name that will carry it through it's life!

Key points to remember are:
Is it pronounceable and easy to spell?
Is it distinctive and concise?
Does it clearly communicate your message?
Does it have a positive sound?

What is the profession for someone who is working at spa?

Spas have several positions. Management positions would include:

Spa Director: They are responsible for the overall operation. They handle recruitment, hiring, equipment maintenance, vendor selection, menu development, marketing, building sales, control costs and training to name a few.

Assistant Spa Director: Works with the Spa director in overseeing the spa in the Directors absence.

Spa Attendants/ Spa Coordinators: They will general handle the reservations, bookings, check in and check out of the guests, and maintain all guest areas cleaned and stocked. They assist the guests with all their needs and insure that they know where they should be. They also insure the safety and cleanliness of the spa.

Massage therapists: generally a licensed is required in the US to perform these services. Depending on state regulations, they perform massage and body treatments.

Aestheticians: Generally a licensed is required in the US to perform these services. Depending on state regulations, they do facials, peels, waxing services.

Cosmetologists: generally a license is required; they can perform hair, nail and aesthetic treatments.

Nail technicians: They do manicures, pedicures and artificial nails. Most states require a license and passing of a practical exam.

Spa Supervisor: Generally oversees a specific area of the spa such as spa desk, or Service providers.

Lead person, generally supervises and trains the staff in their area of expertise. They may have additional job responsibilities such as taking inventory or placing orders.

Day spa business plan! help!?

I want to open my own day spa and need to write a business plan, I'm lost!! I have been in the spa industry for 15 yrs but this is all new!

Start with an Outline and then fill in the answers. Here is a sample Outline that may help you.

I.SITUATION ANALYSIS
A.BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
B.OBJECTIVES
C. MISSION STATEMENT
D.DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
E.TIME SCHEDULE TO COMPLETE BUILD OUT

II.AREA DESCRIPTION (DEMOGRAPHICS)
A.LOCATION
B.POPULATIONC. WHO IS YOUR CONSUMER

III.SERVICES & DAY SPA FORMAT
A.MASSAGE THERAPY
B.HYDROTHERAPY/ AROMATHERAPY
C.FACIALS
D.BODY TREATMENTS
E.RELAXATION AREAS
F.CLIENT EVALUATION & EDUCATION
G.RETAIL SALES

IV.MARKETING PLAN
A.ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW
B.TARGET MARKETS
C.COMPETETIVE ANALYSIS
D.MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

V.HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGY
A.STAFFING PLAN
B.JOB DESCRIPTIONS
C.EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION & INCENTIVE PLAN

VI.DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
A.RECEPTION AREA COMPUTERS & PHONE
B.RETAIL SPACE
C.MASSAGE & SPA TREATMENT ROOMS
D.SAUNAS/STEAM ROOMS/LOCKER ROOMS
E.ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES & STAFF LOUNGE
F.STORAGE & LAUNDRY AREAS
G.MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
H.MISCELLANEAOUS EQUIPMENT
I.WATER SYSTEM
J. VENDORS PRODUCTS

VII.CAPITAL EXPEDITURES
A.PROJECT COST
B.ANNUAL OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE COST
C.EMPLOYEE PROFIT SHARING

VIII.FINANCIAL STRATEGY
A.FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY AND KEY INDICATORS
B.OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE
C.RESERVE FUND

MASSAGE THERAPISTS, what is the best lotion to use on a client with sensitive skin? And where can I buy it?

I have to get massages twice a week as part of my physical therapy. This started 3 months ago, but my skin is just now starting to react to the lotion they use. I'm getting bumps all over my back and it's itchy! The girl said it's hypo-allergenic and oil based. I asked for a water based kind and she told me that will cause a reaction. She kinda gave me a hard time, this girl has a slight attitude. I don't want to argue or anything b/c I still have to deal with her twice a week. I think I'll buy my own and bring it with me. Can anyone recommend something for sensitive skin, preferalby non-comedogenic? And where can I buy it? Any good discount websites? Thanks in advance for all you're help and answers!

You will need to see what you are having a reaction to. Here are two brands that I use: Ingredients are listed so you can compare them to the oil she is using.Biotone Nutri naturals Product DescriptionNutri-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. May also be used daily as a skin care moisture lotion. Light garden-fresh scent.Pure Pro Ultra Blend Water Dispersible Massage Oil™a combination of natural vegetable wax esters derived from Coconut Oil and the finest cosmetic oils nature has to offer. Pure Pro Ultra is extra gentle for use on sensitive skin and it is nut-oil free. (Contrary to what it sounds like, Coconut is a seed oil.) It's Ultra concentrated so we recommend that you use it sparingly for optimal resultsOf course you can just use Jojoba oil which is not really an oil.

Places to buy:http://www.purepro.com/528 for Pure Pro
www.bodyworkmall.com for BiotoneJojoba Oil
you can buy at a health food store like Wild Oats

How to clean massage rocks?

There is a difference between cleaning stones and sanitizing stones. To clean and sanitize, I like to do the following:Have the water heated to above 150 degrees but not boiling. Add a few drops of joy dish detergent. It will cut the oil. Also add a sanitizer Bleach, or pool chlorine, or another appropriate sanitizer. Use a scochbrite pad only if you have a build up. Rinse and lay out to dry. To re-energize the stones you can place them out in the sun light and moon light. To store place in Epson Salt.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

What is the best kind of massage?

Out of the following which is the best massage, Swedish, Myofascial Release, or Deep Tissue/Muscle Therapy? I am getting a massage soon, and have narrowed it down to these threee, which do u like the best? Please if u want give details about them, and also i want to be sure they are all "laying down" massages, not chair. Ok well that's all for now! THANKS!!

You should check the terminology area of Spavelous.com for definitions of each of the type of massages. http://www.spavelous.com/Main/Spa_Terminology.html

As for the best massage, each person has different needs and results they want from their massage. What others like may not be right for you. If this is your first massage, see if they offer a custom massage. This is a massage that your therapist will customize for your needs. They can also give you a sample of each of the therapies so you will know for future reference what your preference is. Regardless of which one you book, You should communicate with your therapist if the pressure is too deep, too light, or if you have any areas of concern. Al the ones you selected are full body massage table massages, if you still are unsure, start out with Swedish a light relaxing massage and let the therapist know that this is your first massage and if they could incorporate other modalities in it for you.

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Perscentoelogy (Toe Reading)

Perscentoelogy is a unique new spa service that does personality profiling through the reading of your toes, body and face. This service assists you in changing your life with biofeedback. Developed by me over 5 years ago, it is based on Auyurvedic, Chinese and reflexology principles.