Not even the threat of Friday the 13th could keep nearly 100 industry professionals from attending The Spa Buzz and Southern California Spa Director’s Association (SCSDA) event at the beautiful seaside Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa in Dana Point, California.

“The main goal of Spa Buzz events is to connect professionals,” says Kristi Konieczny, founder of The Spa Buzz. “I always want people to walk away with something—whether it’s a new contact, an idea for business or the ability to see what vendors are doing to make the industry better.” If the sounds of note-taking filling the conference room or the attendees engaged in conversation with the evening’s vendors were any indication, that goal was certainly met, if not exceeded.

While the view of the pool overlooking the deep blue ocean was enough to tempt anyone to take a beach day, participants were enthused to take part in the event’s activities. Kicking off the afternoon was an informative session on the best practices in retail with Charles Compton, president of Mars Solutions, a retail-consulting firm focused on the hospitality industry. He started out in sales at stores such as Neiman Marcus and now works with hotels and spas (clients include The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Hyatt and Hilton) to implement innovative and effective retailing strategies. Compton went over how some of the more successful traditional retail companies operate, and how to apply those principles to spas’ sales floors. He provided insight on topics ranging from arranging dynamic displays to implementing effective merchandising strategies.

Lisa Michaelis, Universal Companies' regional account manager, demonstrates how to make your own sachets, body butters and scrubs using ingredients featured in Spa Pantry Cookbooks.

Once the seminar adjourned, attendees were directed to a ballroom where a tabletop show was set up. Nearly 30 vendors showcased their products, including Pevonia, Universal Companies and Phytomer. Guests enjoyed gourmet mac and cheese, sautéed mushrooms, mini servings of crème brulée and other hors d’oeuvres as they made their rounds, stopping at each table to learn about the latest in spa products and equipment.

Attendees were encouraged to visit each vendor, because in order to enter the night’s raffle, you had to submit a badge that had been stamped by a representative from every table. “We love getting the opportunity to highlight our products while fostering relationships with our clients in a fun and relaxed atmosphere,” says Lisa Michaelis, regional account manager for Universal Companies. “This event far exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed their passport system. It’s a great way to motivate attendees to check out all of the exhibitors.”

A catwalk cut across the middle of the room, backlit in blue, for the night’s fashion show presenting lines by Eco Malibu and Barco Uniforms. It was followed by a raffle, which featured tons of donated goodies. The grand prize—a full registration to ISPA Conference & Expo (valued at up to $1,050), courtesy of the International Spa Association—was awarded to spa director Stephanie DeCuir with Spa Namara in Del Mar, California.—Candice Yang

Co-founder Alicia Marantz Liotta and volunteer Robbie Schaeffer of ROB|B—an OPI Concept Salon—on a visit.

Last month marked the one-year anniversary of the Beauty Bus Foundation. This non-profit group is dedicated to bringing beauty back into the lives of those suffering from terminal illnesses, as well as their caregivers. Industry professionals donate their time and services to provide free treatments to homebound men and women, including haircuts, manicures, pedicures, makeup application and facials.

“What has grown out of a way to honor the memory of Melissa Marantz Nealy, and a dream to bring the lift and gift of beauty to other families suffering from disease, is astounding,” co-founder Alicia Marantz Liotta says. “We’re looking forward to continued expansion and the ability to provide respite on a wider scale.”

In their inaugural year, the bus has touched the lives of more than 100 patients and caregivers. With the backing of celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, along with sponsorships from big beauty industry players such as OPI, it rides on in its efforts to afford patients a little escape from reality.

“OPI was delighted to sponsor the Beauty Bus Foundation’s first ‘Beauty Drive’ fundraiser [last April],” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI executive vice president and artistic director. “I’m a strong believer that nail lacquer color can change not only your look, but your outlook. Beauty Bus Foundation takes that concept to the next level and shows how a little bit of beauty can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.”

The group centers its outreach on people suffering from ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease), cancer, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and stroke.

The Beauty Bus is always on the lookout for industry professionals who would like to volunteer. If you’re interested in getting involved, or if you’d like more information, visit the foundation’s website.—Candice Yang

It’s that time again! The DAYSPA team is looking for the best in the industry for our upcoming 2011 DAYSPA Top Honors. Every year, we acknowledge exceptional spa facilities and the stellar management efforts that back them up. From Top Spa Design to Top Employer, we make sure all bases are covered and that the very best are represented in each category.

“DAYSPA looks forward to celebrating industry excellence each year in our Top Honors issue,” executive editor Rhonda J. Wilson says. “We’re proud to acknowledge the spas that excel in these challenging times and inspire others to do the same.”

Oasis Day Spa hasn’t slowed down since it was named the 2010 Diamond Award recipient. It has added multiple regional recognitions to its dossier and maintains a strong reputation.

“Receiving the DAYSPA Top Honors Diamond Award was so gratifying for the whole staff,” Oasis co-owner Bruce Schoenberg says. “Once you’ve achieved a certain level of recognition, the hardest part is staying there. That’s what we want to do. We don’t want to rest on our laurels.”

Introduced in 2010, Top Website is still a fairly new category. With the Internet being so integral to all businesses, it’s been a great one to track. It’s exciting to see how spa owners are stepping it up in this department and making their online presence part of a spa’s overall experience. We hope you agree!

We’ll need your help in identifying the businesses that are worthy of special recognition this year. Nominations are accepted in the following categories:

DAYSPA Diamond: A single-location day spa owner who has perfected every aspect of his/her business.

Top Spa Design: A facility with an outstanding design from the standpoints of functionality, originality, beauty, comfort and client appeal.

Top Boutique: A day spa that does an exceptional job of buying and merchandising products to maximize retail income.

Top Green Spa: A business that goes above and beyond to incorporate environmentally conscious/organic elements into its business.

Top Package: An exceptional combination of services that has continued to bring in new and repeat clients for at least a year, and generates media and client attention.

Entrepreneur of the Year: A day spa owner with one to four locations who has made exceptional business strides in a short time under competitive circumstances.

Top Medical Spa: A medspa that offers a true day spa experience along with in-depth medical services and treatments. (The business must offer day spa services independent of a medical practice and serve a high percentage of repeat clients.)

Top Hotel/Resort Spa: A spa located within a hotel or resort that’s open to clients from the surrounding community.

Top Day Spa/Medical Spa Chain: A business with multiple locations and a corporate structure that can be replicated successfully beyond the direct supervision of the original owner.

Rising Star: An individual with less than five years of experience as a spa/salon owner who has exhibited outstanding business acumen and industry understanding.

Top Employer: A day spa owner who has several long-term employees, outstanding benefits and helps his/her staff grow professionally.

Top Promotion: An exceptional promotional program that brings in new clients, generates word-of-mouth advertising and draws media attention.

Top Website: An online home for a spa that serves as an extension of the business. It should fully explain the facility’s mission and treatments, as well as add to the overall guest experience.

REQUIRED INFORMATION: Include as many of the following as possible for each nominee: business name, business owner name, business description and history, website address, references, service menu and images. Also, indicate the award(s) for which you’re making the nomination(s).

ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. The winners will be announced in our January 2011 issue of DAYSPA.

Please email nominations and all required information to rwilson@creativeage.com, or mail it to: Rhonda J. Wilson, DAYSPA Magazine, 7628 Densmore Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406-2042.—Candice Yang

Austin spas and salons rally together to support charity.


Abby Lewandowski knows there’s power in numbers. When she had the idea to stage a fashion and hair show to benefit charity, the owner of Urban Groove Salon in Austin reached out to the local spa/salon community for support.

“It’s a community that cares,” she says. “Everyone I contacted was game.”

The benefit, held last April, included hair and makeup styles from Vanity Salon, Breeze Salon & Day Spa, MaximumFX Salon Spa, Path Salon, Jackson Ruiz, Bodies by Anne and Urban Groove. Local fashion designers provided the clothing, and the community came out in droves. “We raised more than $1,000 in just one night,” Lewandowski says. “And the next one will be bigger.”

She plans to make Salon Industry Night a regular fixture in the Austin scene. The next event is slated for October and will benefit the Livestrong foundation. To show your support–or join in if you’re Austin-based–visit the Salon Industry Night Facebook page.

“We can all make a difference locally, to support our industry and causes close to our hearts,” Lewandowski says.

The DAYSPA Video Channel turns you and your spa into superstars as it spotlights trends, triumphs and transformations.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Although we’re not broadcast journalists or film production pros, we recently launched the DAYSPA Video Channel. Think of it as reality TV meets the spa industry. My staff and I shoot interviews with business owners and managers, and spa tours, industry events and trade shows.

Sounds easy, but we actually had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to. One time, while filming an interview with the spa director at Bliss Spa in Hollywood, California, I unknowingly backed into a rock garden and got my heel stuck between two stones. As I felt myself falling backward, he stepped briefly off camera to catch me and then immediately moved back into the shot without pausing in his delivery. Nice save!

Another time, I shot a snack segment in the lobby of Belle Visage Spa in Studio City, California. As the receptionist proudly showed me the goodies she offers guests, I reached in front of the camera to remove the top of an elegant pastry stand—not anticipating the weight of the lead crystal cover. With the camera still rolling, I had to quickly figure out what to do with it before I dropped it. I somehow found a way to lodge it between my legs, and spent the rest of the segment trying to keep it from falling and shattering on the floor.

Although things haven’t always gone as planned, DAYSPA has now amassed an impressive collection of videos. They’re designed to inform, inspire and enlighten. Check them out here, and see if you can spot the blooper moments.

To help minimize snafus while planning upcoming promos, we’re also introducing a new semi-regular column. Marketing Savvy provides valuable advice on how to get the word out about your latest offerings. “Here Comes the Guide” shows you how to ramp up your group services for brides-to-be and wedding parties.

Summer brides want to look their best on the big day. In addition to facials, manis/pedis (see “Pretty Pedis”), waxing, and hair and makeup, many day spas now feature eyelash extension services on their menu. “Eyes on the Prize” provides step-by-step application guidelines for this growing trend.

We hope you have a blockbuster summer season. Tell us about it on Twitter or Facebook.

Rhonda J. Wilson,
Executive Editor, DAYSPA

Skin 2 Skin Care raises money for skin cancer awareness.



May marks the beginning of summer, and the month the health and wellness community educates clients about Skin Cancer Awareness. To that end, Skin 2 Skin Care is partnering up with The World Skin Project to raise awareness on this prevalent disease—and donate funds to finding a cure.

“One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,” says Skin 2 Skin Care founder Ken Simpson. “That’s why we want to give back to an organization that will help educate the public on the risks of sun exposure.”

Throughout the month, Skin 2 Skin Care will donate 10% of its website sales of its Organic Anti-Photoaging SPF 30 to the World Skin Project, an organization that works to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer through the promotion of early detection, prevention and awareness.

The organic SPF moisturizer contains zinc oxide and titamium dioxide to protect the dermis from sun damage and burns that lead to aging and certain cancers. It’s also infused with skin-calming agents such as green tea, aloe vera and jojoba oil. Choose from three shades–Light Tint, Tan and Dark Neutral—to match any skin tone.

With summer’s rays almost upon us, it’s the best time of year to fill your clients in on the do’s and don’ts of sun exposure.

Skin cancer may be one of the fastest growing diseases in recent years. The Skin Cancer Foundation reveals an estimated 350% increase in instances over the past 15 years.

Spa professionals—who are regularly in close contact with clients’ dermis—are in a unique position to promote skin cancer detection. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and there are a variety of resources to help you spread the word about this deadly, but largely preventable disease.



SpaFinder, a global spa resource, is teaming up with thousands of facilities to distribute photosensitive wristbands that change colors when exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. The bracelets are at the centerpiece of the SpaFinder Melanoma Initiative. It educates the public about the prevention and detection of melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer. The white wristbands feature a metal faceplate engraved with the Melanoma Initiative’s motto, “I Will Reflect.” The phrase reminds wearers to keep in mind these five melanoma prevention tips—included in the bracelet’s packing:

• Be sun and skin smart.
• Wear sunscreen year-round.
• Use a minimum SPF-15 sunscreen.
• Have an annual full-body mole check by a dermatologist.
• Share this important message with others.

Spa owners interested in distributing the wristbands can purchase them in quantities of 30 or more for $2 each. Proceeds go toward melanoma research and programs to raise awareness. SpaFinder has also partnered with facilities around the globe. It’s enlisting therapists and estheticians to encourage clients to apply sunscreen regularly and schedule yearly check-ups with a dermatologist.

For more information, please visit the company’s website.

To read about the latest advancements in sunscreen skin care, pick up the May issue of DAYSPA. —Katie O’Reilly

As spring transitions to summer, get ready to pick up the pace
with this season’s promotional opportunities.

There’s a point in my commute each evening where I need
to quickly transition from one busy freeway to another. I begin in the far right lane heading southbound, slow my speed considerably to make an Indy-500-type turn eastbound, and then accelerate again to merge into another highway. In the blink of an eye, the slow lane literally turns into the fast lane.

If I don’t adjust my speed properly during this process, it creates chaos. Drivers traveling faster than the law permits often blink their lights at me or worse—ride my bumper. However, if I anticipate what’s to come, I effortlessly maneuver myself into the new flow of traffic.

When it comes to marketing, day spa owners may find themselves in a similar situation at this time of year. While most have been cruising along at a steady pace with no major marketing push since Valentine’s Day, the landscape rapidly changes in May. Before you know it, you’re experiencing the Grand Prix of promotional opportunities with the arrival of Mother’s Day, dads-and-grads season and then summer package specials.

To ensure that your strategies are up-to-speed, here are a few tips from DAYSPA’s editorial advisory board:

Nancy Trent, Trent & Company: “The Woodhouse Day Spas (woodhousespas.com) host an annual Mother’s Day Tea. Each of its franchisees encourages mothers and daughters to spend the day together to experience stillness, relaxation and balance with mini-makeovers.”

Scott Kerschbaumer, ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare: “We kicked off our Mother’s Day sales with a Cinco de Mayo special last year. Our spa matched every $500 gift certificate purchase with a free $500 bonus gift certificate. In a six-hour period on May 5, we sold more than $20,000 in gift cards—which jumpstarted our Mother’s Day promos. For Father’s Day and graduation, our Dads and Grads package offers a complimentary treatment to men who are accompanied by an existing client.”

Felicia Brown, LMBT,Spalutions!: “Do something special for military moms and dads.”

For more tips, visit dayspamagazine.com. Plus, check out the latest Mother’s Day products in “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and “Breathe In, Breathe Out.” For ways to appeal to the male spa client, see “The Best Man.”

Rhonda J. Wilson,
Executive Editor, DAYSPA

Step up your green initiatives during Earth Month by re-examining
your spa’s commitment to preserving our planet’s natural resources.

My niece Natalie Wilson enthusiastically does her part to save the environment. For one, she rides her bike to work—a practice that many people now adopt. However, Natalie commutes daily from Los Angeles to Gardena, California, and back, which is an extraordinary feat. The 45-mile, nearly four-hour, round-trip trek includes cycling up hills, enduring the elements and dodging rush-hour drivers.

It took Natalie almost two months of weekends to train for her commute. At first, she surrendered a few times—calling on her twin brother Nicholas to rescue her from muscle fatigue. Still, she remained determined and eventually built up enough stamina to complete the journey five days each week. Not only has she lost about 25 pounds in the process, she’s also gained a lot of satisfaction knowing that her efforts reduce her carbon footprint.

Natalie is a day spa owner’s dream demographic. She’s an environmentally conscious career woman who needs to decompress from her active lifestyle. If she walked into your facility, would you be able to retain her as a client with your eco-friendly practices? Do you have energy-efficient lighting? Would you offer her water in a reusable glass? Do you use recycled materials in your decor?

April is Earth Month. If you haven’t already done so, it’s an ideal time to begin implementing the use of products and treatments containing natural ingredients. For ideas on how to look to nature for inspiration, see “It’s Good to Be Green” and “Earthly Delights” in this month’s issue.

We also profile three ecologically sound spas in this issue. These facilities understand that high-tech is losing ground to handmade as well as how to make these business strategies resonate in their communities. Take a look at Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (anaraspa.com) in Hawaii; Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness (complexions.com) in Albany, New York; and Great Face & Body (greatfaceandbody.com ) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For a peek at how Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design elements translate in a spa setting, visit our DAYSPA Video Channel on the homepage.

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate unsung conservation superstars, such as Natalie, on their individual efforts. Plus, I want to send a collective thank-you to all of the day spa owners who make the preservation of our planet a top priority. Keep up the good work, and enjoy our special issue.

Rhonda J. Wilson,
Executive Editor, DAYSPA

Here’s how some spas are celebrating Earth Month–and promoting green business practices.

The month of April brings forth sunny days, light showers and a national awareness of the earth’s well-being. In the spirit of celebrating the 40^th Earth Month, we take a look at some spas that have made it their mission to promote health and wellness not just for clients, but for this vast, green place we call home.

The Spa at The Resort at the Mountain in Mt. Hood, Oregon, has a name that echoes its lush surroundings, which can be seen as its most valuable attribute. During the month of April, the facility will be encouraging guests and volunteers to help protect this all-important asset. It’s hosting a Give Back program on April 17 to ask volunteers to help raise funds for The Wee Burn Stream Restoration Project.

The initiative seeks to re-establish local fish habitats and streams, including Wee Burn, which runs through the resort’s golf course.

As a reward for their service, volunteers will have access to eco-friendly spa treatments at exclusive discounts–such as an Ancient Cedar Body Polish (50 min./$59) and Relaxation Massage (50 min./$55).

Blue Marble Spa in San Diego, California, is celebrating all-things green by offering a limited-edition, organic treatment package throughout the month of April. The Earth Journey (2 ½ hours/$216) begins with a warm stone massage using organic sunflower, olive and wheat germ oils. Then, guests are treated to the Blue Marble Manicure and Pedicure, which employs California sea salts and bamboo to exfoliate skin, soy and lavender to soothe it, and vegan nail polish to finish the journey.

“Each of our spa treatments are rooted in nature and use the best organic and natural ingredients,” says spa director Kyra Johnson. “We take a holistic approach to the inner and outer beauty of our clients. Our treatments respect the integrity of the body and the environment.”

Facelogic Spa, with locations throughout the South and East Coast, is promoting the use of organic products by rewarding those who do. During April’s “Go Organic” event, clients are encouraged to bring in empty recyclable skincare product containers in exchange for a $5 Facelogic gift certificate. The spa will recycle the tubes, pots, canisters and pumps and encourage clients to shop for eco-friendly products, such as those by Eminence Organic Skin Care. Those who spend $25 will enjoy a complimentary 20-minute facial. A percentage of sale proceeds will be given to the Earth Day Network.

The Nova Vita Salon & Spa in Tustin, California, began work to reduce its carbon footprint earlier this year and wishes to celebrate its accomplishments with spa guests during Earth month. For the month of April, visitors will receive a 25% discount on all organic spa treatments when they refer a friend to the spa between April 1 and 30. They’ll also receive $15 in Nova Vita spa bucks for any purchases of organic products.

Nova Vita’s green makeover included a recycling program for all paper, glass and plastic waste; switching to electronic communications; replacing all spa applicators, sheets, gauze and wax with recycled versions; and cutting down on in-office printing.

Nova Vita took cues to cutting back on carbon emissions from carbonfootprint.com.

Although the spas mentioned here have built a green practice with a lot of hard work and effort, it was those first steps that were the most important. Whether you’re a LEED-certified green spa or an organic newbie, let your clients know about your earth-friendliness through special promos and events. They’ll be happy to know that the place they go to rejuvenate is also a place that fights for their planet’s well-being.  — Stephanie Flores