Laundry Lessons

DAYSPA recently took part in a virtual trade show presented by SpaClique. From the comfort of our office's conference room, we were privy to a live slideshow narrated by Michael Stusser, president of the Green Spa Network and founder of Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California. While he revealed many innovative ways that businesses can alter their practices in favor of sustainability, he had quite a bit to say about laundry.

Here's some information to help you do a "load of green":

• Read detergent labels.
  Stusser advises spa professionals to choose non-toxic products. "Synthetic chemicals are hard on the environment and negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and marine life when wastewater's reintroduced to the system," he says. You can avoid this pitfall by choosing detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate-free.
• Use towels, sheets, robes and uniforms made from all natural fibers.
  This ensures that you're not filtering dyes and other chemicals into the ecosystem. "And choose cold loads," Stusser says. "Tremendous energy—and money—is wasted by heating water."
  
• Purchase Energy Star equipment.
  These machines recycle laundry wastewater. They also open in front, rather than up top, like older washers. "This uses 18-25 gallons of water per load, compared to the 40 that older machines guzzle."

It's not always easy being green. How do you tweak existing business practices to minimize your spa's carbon footprint? Send your ideas to Katie O'Reilly, associate editor, at koreilly@creativeage.com.

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Industry News

New & Notable

Retail Realities

The Day Spa Association (DSA), has released a new survey tracking the success of retail sales in the industry. "Retail Sales In The Day Spa Industry" was compiled by members of the DSA and its Advisory Board.

The report reveals “the percentage of day spa income stemming from retail sales,” says Monte Zwang, one of the study's researchers. "We also detail how spas select the professional products they sell, where they buy them, how they market these items, and their price points as well as the incentives used for their staff."

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Focus on Women's Well-Being

Repêchage makes education a major component of its business. CEO and founder Lydia Sarfati hosts informational workshops and training seminars around the world. Recently, she extended her knowledge to Africa.

At a three-day workshop held at the company’s Secaucus, New Jersey, headquarters, Sarfati introduced Arinola Adeniyi, owner of Venivici Health Club & Urban Spa, Repêchage’s first spa and concept salon in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Building Community

Southern California-based leaders of the spa industry gathered at SpaRitual/Orly International headquarters in Los Angeles last July to network and share ideas to strengthen the professional spa community. Attendees included product manufacturers, vendors, spa owners, industry consultants and the press.

 

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Web Exclusive:
Breast Cancer Awareness

As any massage therapist knows, cancer is usually taught to be a contraindication. Thus, spa professionals are cautioned against treating these clients. In fact, when breast cancer patients began coming to Marlys Brovold, she wasn't sure what to do—but she didn't turn anyone away.

"I went through breast cancer myself, so I know what it's like to have the scars and everything," says the owner and lead therapist of Perfect Little Spa and Salon in St. Paul, Minnesota. "Scars hold memories, and they're not always good ones—especially with cancer. So we decided that we needed to help people out."

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What's New:
Product Premiere

Fall into new retail opportunities with a harvest of spa items.

1. G.M. Collin Intense Hydrating Cream for Men.
Applied after shaving, this quick-absorbing cream comforts and moisturizes the skin. It’s part of the company’s all-new men’s line. 800.341.1531, gmcollin.com

2. Decléor Paris Self-Tanning Milk Natural Glow.
Help clients of all skin types achieve a healthy autumn glow with this clean-smelling cream. Apply it two to three times a week to maintain a natural tan. 888.414.4471, decleor.com

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Seen & Heard

Business Bits

Poll

DAYSPA Video Channel

Clients enjoy massages and summer breezes in the outdoor treatment cabana at Elégance Boutique Spa in Manhattan Beach, California.

Services: Star Treatment
Rejuvenate Oxygen Infusion Facial

Madonna, Katy Perry and many more A-listers consider this treatment a must have. That’s because it combines therapeutic-grade oxygen technology with a hyaluronic acid-based serum to leave clients’ skin looking brighter, firmer and more lifted.

"It’s the only facial that serves as a go-to before an important event—say a TV appearance or awards dinner," says Lena Bratschi. "That’s why the stars love it."

The co-owner of Carasoin Day Spa in Beverly Hills, California, says the facial (45 min./$175) carries plenty of appeal for all clients (mortal as well as celebrity) because of her facility’s location.

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Quotables

"Women are strong, wonderful and powerful. They’re fighters, and they don’t give up or give in to breast cancer, so we won’t either." —Tamara Friedman, owner, Tamara Spa in Farmington Hills, Michigan

 

"We keep track of our regulars and what they spend. We like to give Christmas gifts, such as two complimentary treatments they’ve booked before. Or every so often, we’ll present deserving clients with a gift. It’s a great way to keep them coming back."—Soyoung Kim, spa director, Silk Day Spa in New York City

 

"For moms to receive the nurturing they need, we knew we’d have to offer child care." —Zenana-Renee Rose, co-owner, Zenana Spa and Wellness Center in Portland, Oregon "

 

"Clients—especially return visitors—want to feel well taken care of. That has to be consistent. It should be something they expect and we provide without compromise." —Gloria Ah Sam, spa director, Spa Ojai at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, California