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

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

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.

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.