News Alert

Worldwide Wellness

Rescue and recovery efforts in Haiti continue after a devastating 7.0 earthquake struck the capital of Port-au-Prince last January. And many in the spa industry are getting involved.

Bruce Schoenberg, co-owner of Oasis Day Spas in New York City and Dobbs Ferry, New York, rallied fellow spa professionals to stage a massive fundraiser, Healing Arts for Haiti. The event, held last February at Manhattan’s Grand Hyatt, raised more the $20,000 for UNICEF. Table and chair massages, skincare and nail services, and health and fitness workshops were offered. All proceeds went to the charity, which directly benefits the recovery efforts in Haiti.

"It’s important for our industry to get involved,” Schoenberg says. “We’re in the wellness and healing business. It’s our duty to give back.”
Schoenberg hopes the event spreads throughout the United States. Healing Arts for Haiti brought together 300 volunteers and service providers, and more than 100 companies. He’s offering his event-planning and marketing expertise to anyone who wishes to organize a Healing Arts for Haiti day in their community. “I want to see this in every city, suburb and town, no matter how small,” he says. “It’s important for all businesses to give something back."

If you’d like to organize a Healing Arts for Haiti event in your area, please send an email to info@healingartsforhaiti.org or contact Schoenberg at 212.254.7722, ext. 238.

Blu Water Day Spa asked its clients to help raise funds for Haiti last January. The Kensington, Maryland, facility created a charity menu of treatments—Apothecary Spa Pedicure ($85), Swedish Massage (60 min./$100), Signature Facial (60 min./$110) and Gel Forever French Full Set Manicure ($70)—and donated $15 from each sale to the Red Cross. The spa also held a food-and-clothing drive a week after the earthquake to benefit survivors in need. Visit the Red Cross online to donate to the charity.

Great Face and Body in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is contributing to the Haitian relief efforts by raising funds for CARE. It’s a global humanitarian organization that provides resources, support and education to the world’s poorest nations. CARE had a team on the ground when the earthquake hit, and it’s sending additional support and supplies as resources are made available.

The spa is offering a series of three eco-premium facials for a reduced price of $299 (a $375 value). For each series purchased, Great Face will donate $75 to CARE’s emergency services fund. This promotion will run for the entire year.

“CARE is an important charity because it works in 66 countries and has a direct impact on the people who need help most,” says co-owner Keith West-Harrison. “We’ve been raising money for different CARE programs for the past four years, giving 10% of all sales to charities that empower women and reduce global poverty. Our clients love being a part of that giving spirit.” Visit CARE’s website to donate or learn more about the relief efforts for Haiti.

Repêchage donated 1,000 Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed Facial Sprays (about a $15,000 value) to guests of the 5th Annual Spokane Polo Classic charity event last September. Local spa Jaazz Salon Skin Care Center joined the cause as well, giving participants complimentary hair and makeup services, and donating items for the gift bags and silent auction

The event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities. They provide temporary housing and support for families of seriously ill or injured children as they undergo medical treatment.

Style File

For all clients looking for a little more flare in their manicures, Pro Cina Nail Creations has unveiled a new line of nail-art pens. The collection—released last March—includes five fast-drying colors: red, pink, purple, black and white.

Designed for technician ease and precise design, the pen is equipped with a thin, tipped nib. It allows for maximum control while creating art or perfecting French tips. "These pens give any nail artist the tools she needs to make a work of art in seconds," says Arica Carpenter, PR and marketing specialist.

The water-based formula makes for mistakes-free designs. A little water will clean up smudges without affecting the polished nail. A topcoat seals in the design.

Find Pro Cina Nail Creations products on the company's website or by visiting a local Sally's Beauty Supply.

CND held its first online Nail Style Competition last December. More than 600 entries were whittled down to 20 finalists by the CND staff. From there, the judging was open to the public on the company's website, where fans could vote up to once per day for their favorite style.

The winning design—a sleek, blue-and-black leopard print—was by Anna Nelson, from Fairfield, California. She received an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for Fall Fashion Week 2010, where she'll meet CND co-founder and style director Jan Arnold, and shadow the company's professional nail team backstage. 

Nelson's design was achieved by incorporating CND's Colour & Effects, using Oilslick, Ice Blue Shimmer, and Sapphire Sparkle. "It was a difficult task to select finalists from the large pool of talent," Arnold says. "We ultimately based our judging on layering, design work and unique execution."

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