DAYSPA Magazine News Alert

Mix & Mingle

It can be isolating just to associate with other green spa owners and enthusiasts. But there's a whole eco-friendly world out there, and even if much of it doesn't share the same infrastructure and focus that your business does, there's a lot to learn. Look in your area for seminars on environmentally sound practices and materials; you never know who you might meet and what unique expertise they can provide.

Plus, check out sustainable trade shows. Many of them are starting to showcase the personal care and beauty perspective. One such example is All Things Organic, which takes place in Chicago June 16-18. While it's staged by the Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com), the Day Spa Association (DSA, www.dayspaassociation.com) will also have a presence there. On Wednesday, June 17, Eric Light of the Strawberry Hill Group and a DSA advisory board member will host a session for spa owners looking to capture the eco-friendly market. DSA will also have a booth in the health and wellness section on the show floor—which will likely contain a number of interesting vendors for those who want to greeen their facilities.

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NEWS FLASH: Spa Brings Relief to Fire Evacuees

Across the nation, sympathy poured out to the residents who were evacuated from or lost their homes during the recent Southern California wildfires. In San Diego, scores of evacuees took temporary shelter at Qualcomm Stadium, where they received stress relief from the massage therapists and acupuncturists who donated their services. Dana Stallings, co-owner of relief participant Spa Velia, says the response was so overwhelming that some volunteers were turned away.

“It was wonderful that there was such an outpouring of support from the community,” she recalls. “However, at times it left us feeling useless in contributing to the greater good.”

So, Spa Velia employees—some of who were evacuated themselves--quickly found another way to contribute their talents and services. They’re currently visiting local fire stations to offer on-site massages to weary firefighters. Even though the situation has abated significantly, they’re still on the front lines and very busy,” says Stallings. “We want to make it convenient by going to them instead of the other way around.”

Spa Velia plans to provide additional support to these firefighters by creating spa packages specifically for them. Stallings says the spa has received a huge number of inquiries from clients who want to purchase gift certificates for the firefighters who saved their homes and protected their families.

“The response from our clients and communities has been tremendous,” Stalling says. “We’re committed to doing whatever it takes.”

We hope to hear more about the creative ways in which day spas in the region are contributing to the Southern California fire relief effort. Email us dayspamagazine@creativeage.com.