The Training Room launches new courses

administratil — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 14:03:47 +0000

Nationwide academy now offering three fully-accredited beauty courses

The three new courses, added this September, cover all aspects of beauty therapy and wellbeing.ITEC Level 3 Diploma Massage Therapy teaches practical and theoretical massage skills. Salon Management & Business is based online to allow students to learn at their own pace and combine study with other courses and commitments. The course takes approximately 160 hours over two years, teaching the practical and theoretical skills needed to own and run a beauty salon.

Finally

@SpaTherapy

Finally, Jennifer Young, founder of Beauty Despite Cancer, has collaborated with The Training Room to create the Oncology Face and Body Workshop, a course in specialist massage, created for all those affected by cancer.

Students will be taught how to provide adapted and specialist touch therapies to suit individual needs and promote wellbeing and therapeutic deep relaxation.

Laura Sheridan, Head of Beauty and Wellbeing at The Training Room, says: ‘We are very excited about the new courses and proud to be giving students the opportunity to learn new skills that will give them that extra knowledge in order for them to stand out.’

Working closely with all the top industry specialists, The Training Room has recently acquired new corporate partners including Blow Ltd, Cowshed, Lifehouse Spa, Urban Massage, Vebena Spa and Center Parcs.

Leisure workers love their jobs

administratil — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 23:35:16 +0000

Survey reveals three quarters of leisure and travel industry workers love what they do

Experience management specialist Qualtrics Pulse carried out a job satisfaction survey, which revealed 73% of those who work in the UK leisure and travel industries are happy in their work and 13% claim to be ‘extremely satisfied’.

When it came to career progression, 58% said they felt there was opportunity for growth in their current job situation and 60% said they were satisfied with the level of recognition they received at work. Almost two thirds (62%) were pleased with their work-life balance.

The Qualtrics Pulse

The Qualtrics Pulse survey also found that two thirds (66%) of respondents were happy with their commute.

Earnings, however, stood out as an area where many workers felt unsatisfied. Just 52% claimed to be happy with their pay.

Travel industry

Sheila Kearney, travel industry director at Qualtrics, says: ‘Our research shows that workers in the hotel, spa and leisure sectors are largely satisfied in their jobs, but not necessarily for the reasons we might expect. While pay and benefits achieve low scores among workers, our Driver iQ analysis shows these are not the factors with the greatest impact on employee satisfaction. The behaviour of business leaders and achieving a work-life balance are the most influential in driving satisfaction and staff retention, and this is where hotel, spa and hospitality is getting it right.

Understanding

Understanding the key drivers to satisfaction and focusing on the areas with the greatest influence, the leisure sector can drive greater employee engagement and this in turn will positively impact the guest experience.

While pay and benefits achieve low scores among workers, our Driver iQ analysis shows these are not the factors with the greatest impact on employee satisfaction. The behaviour of business leaders and achieving a work-life balance are the most influential in driving satisfaction and staff retention, and this is where hotel, spa and hospitality is getting it right.

Is wellness the new luxury?

administratil — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 18:03:03 +0000

Forbes.com suggests a shift in consumer perception, with health and wellness now more important than material possessions

Looking great, feeling good and sleeping well are the new luxuries that consumers want to enjoy and flaunt according to a recent report by global retail analyst and top retail influencer Deborah Weinswig.

Writing on Forbes.com, Weinswig argues that the definition of health and wellness has evolved – something the spa industry should be poised to capitalise on. The phrase no longer refers simply to a lack of illness and disease, but to a more holistic state of being, where mental, physical and emotional health are all in sync.

Jack Ma, Chairman and Founder of Alibaba, says: ‘Today’s customers want to be healthy and happy, no matter who they are. Owning the most expensive goods has taken a back seat to looking and feeling good, and consumers are showing an increasing preference for participating in activities and indulging in experiences that promote their wellbeing.’

According to Euromonitor International

@SpaNews

According to Euromonitor International, the global market for health and wellness offerings reached £535 billion in 2016 and it is expected to grow to £632 billion by 2021. Weinswig believes wellness is a trend that can only grow; people are increasingly participating in fitness classes and activities that improve wellbeing; frequenting spas and using spa products, eating organic and natural foods, taking health supplements and following special diets.

Millennials, she states, are driving its growth. Born between 1980 and 1999, they’ve grown up in a time of rapid change, so their priorities are different from previous generations. According to the Harris Group, 72% of millennials would rather purchase experiences than material goods. Wellness is a daily pursuit they’re willing to spend on.

For spas wishing to harness this trend, diversification is key. Weinswig highlights changes made at Saks Fifth Avenue New York City flagship store – a first-of-its-kind retail space dedicated to health, beauty, wellness – as an example. Called the Wellery, it combines traditional shops with unique in-store experiences; customers can purchase beauty products or luxury workout gear, take fitness classes, get spa treatments such as manicures, facials and makeovers. The store has even introduced a salt room where4 shoppers can schedule a 20-minute ‘Breathe’ treatment session.

‘Consumers are shifting away from purchasing luxury goods in favour of splurging on wellness as a luxury,’ she says. Now is the time to evolve.

Can Salt Therapy Benefit Respiratory Illness?

administratil — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 12:43:56 +0000

Salt Innovation

Salt Innovation, a nonprofit based in Fremont, CA, wants to know more about the benefits of salt therapy. The organization recently began researching the potential improvement of respiratory function with salt therapy. Using the newest findings and research available, the organization is establishing collaborations within the scientific, medical, and wellness communities across the globe to get the study underway.

According to the Salt Therapy

According to the Salt Therapy Association, dry salt therapy treatments claim to have multiple health benefits for respiratory and skin conditions that date back hundreds of years to eastern Europe. “Our mission is to improve the knowledge and understanding of Himalayan salt therapy for human diseases,” says Idrees Munir, Ph.D., founder of Salt Innovation. “Working with experts in the field and creating a global network by enhancing the education and research, we hope to focus salt therapy options for asthma and allergies and work towards improvement of patient’s quality of life.”

A study

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that people with cystic fibrosis – a progressive genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections – who were exposed to hypertonic saline, or salt water, experienced improved lung function. Studies such as this are what inspired Salt Innovation to continue researching for more health benefits that can better the quality of life for patients of illness.

With a local team

With a local team in on the ground in Rabwah, Pakistan, Salt Innovation is basing its medical expertise project near the biggest salt mine in the world. Research is being conducted at Tahir Heart Institute, a world-known cardiac hospital with two salt chambers. Initial trials of mild to moderate asthmatic participants are currently in development.

Woman Claims Tester at Sephora Gave Her Oral Herpes: Tips for Safely Applying Cosmetics

administratil — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 21:40:14 +0000

TMZ is reporting that a woman is suing Sephora after she claims she contracted the oral herpes virus from a lipstick tester at a Los Angeles store in 2015. The woman is suing the chain for emotional damages and claims that other beauty companies have ways to avoid the sharing of viruses like herpes.

Sephora responded to American Spa's request for comment, writing in an email " While it is our policy not to comment on litigation, the health and safety of our clients is our foremost priority. We take product hygiene very seriously and we are dedicated to following best practices in our stores."

We spoke to board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist Margarita Lolis, M.D. and Norman Rowe M.D., owner of Rowe Plastic Surgery (NYC) and Tight Medical Spa (Water Mill, NY) about ways to keep clients safe when applying cosmetics. Here are her tips for both shopping for cosmetics and how to provide a clean experience for clients.

When it comes to shopping

@SPAnews

When it comes to shopping for cosmetics, Lolis suggests not actually applying them to the lips. "Ideally in the case of lipsticks, you really want to try the cosmetic on your hand. People prefer actually trying lipsticks on their lips, so they can actually tell if they like the color but there's a risk with that," she says. "A good solution would be to bring your own lip brush and wipe down the lipstick and swipe color from the side as opposed to the top"

Rowe says communicable diseases can be transmitted through contaminated makeup and suggests that both makeup counters and spas supply Q-tips for client use, and spas and counters should clean the makeup dispenser between users. He says that by cleaning the dispenser in view of the next user will make the client feel comfortable.

Lolis suggests that spas follow the International Spa Association (ISPA) guidelines, which say the following: "Products, equipment and instruments used in spa services and treatments are cleaned, disinfected, stored and used in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. Staff is trained on how to handle products and provide first aid if needed." Lolis also suggests that surfaces are wiped down and instruments sterilized.

"Keeping products closed when not used is a good idea," says Lolis. "Testers are a breeding ground for bacteria so again, a formula of wipe-test-wipe again must be encouraged. When working with a makeup artist be sure to bring your own brushes or make certain the makeup artists sterilized brushes and cleaned them thoroughly."

From the Pros: What is Reiki and Crystal Energy Healing?

administratil — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 21:23:54 +0000

o conclude Spa Week 2017, American Spa took a special trip to Beyond Beautiful Aesthetics, a full service medical spa here on the east side of Midtown in New York City.

We got to chat with Donna Vincenti, a Reiki and crystal energy healing expert over at the med-spa, to get a better understanding of some of these unique spa treatments. Check out our Facebook Live video interview below to figure out what exactly both Reiki and crystal energy healing are, who should get them, what the treatments are like, and more.

Donna Vincenti

@SPAnews

Check out our Facebook Live video interview below to figure out what exactly both Reiki and crystal energy healing are, who should get them, what the treatments are like, and more.

Check out our Facebook Live video interview below to figure out what exactly both Reiki and crystal energy healing are, who should get them, what the treatments are like, and more.Check out our Facebook Live video interview below to figure out what exactly both Reiki and crystal energy healing are, who should get them, what the treatments are like, and more.Check out our Facebook Live video interview below to figure out what exactly both Reiki and crystal energy healing are, who should get them, what the treatments are like, and more.

administratil — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:15:57 +0000

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

Help Your Spa Give Back to Those with Cancer on Sparks of Light Day

administratil — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:30:23 +0000

Cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can feel alienated, but the healing touch of a trained wellness professional can ease their pain and help them feel a little better, even if it’s only for an hour or two.

For the third year in a row

For the third year in a row, spas across the globe are invited by the Faye’s Light Organization to unify for Sparks of Light Day on November 6. In Sparks of Light encourages spas from all over the world to provide free treatment services to those undergoing active cancer treatments as well as their caregivers. Internationally, spas in Bali, Haiti, and India are joining forces with hundreds of U.S. spas this year.

Local organizations

“Proudly, three Canyon Ranch locations are partnering with local organizations to invite people into our spas for this event,” says Deirdre Strunk, executive spa director of Canyon Ranch SpaClub. “Unfortunately, like so many others, I have first-hand experience dealing with the impact of cancer on a loved one. This event will have an immeasurably positive impact on our guests and our team. We are offering a variety of gentle services such as massage, facials, manicures and pedicures – whatever pampering, healing offering suits these deserving guests best."

Sparks of Light

Sparks of Light was inspired by founder of Faye’s Light, Vicky Weis. Vicky endured a 13-month-long journey helping her mother, Faye, through lung, brain, and liver cancer. Sadly, her mother lost her battle in 1995.

“I have never forgotten how much she loved it when I would polish her nails and massage her hands and feet,” Weis says on her website. “She was able to relax and feel more attractive, and definitely felt loved.”

With much success

With this in mind, Weis continued on by creating Faye’s Light, a clinic in Chicago that offers free treatments for clients with cancer, in 2005. They clinic has provided 17,000 free treatments that were completely funded by donations. With much success, Weis wanted to create a system that inspired spas all over the world to provide services for free at least once a year. Now, she accommodates participating spas with treatment protocols, basic guidelines for treating clients with cancer, and email templates for potential guests.

Award-Winning Entrepreneur Jen Groover to Speak at Women in Wellness Leadership Conference

administratil — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:22:46 +0000

This is an aside post.

Awarded by numerous publications and organizations for her innovative entrepreneurial skills, Jen Groover will share her expertise on March 6 at the American Spa's Women in Wellness Leadership Conference with a session on "Building a Brand with Impact and Influence." From yet-to-be realized personal passion projects to enhancing the impact of your current efforts, she will reveal best practices for innovation, evolution, and entrepreneurship. Groover is the founder of the multi-million-dollar Butler Bag brand, the world's first compartmentalized handbag, and multiple other lifestyle brands, such as Empowered by Jen Groover, and entrepreneurial empowerment efforts, such as Leader Girlz, which teaches young girls the importance of empowerment through play. Groover was tagged by Success Magazine as a "One-Woman Brand," a "Creativity and Innovation Guru," and by Entrepreneur magazine as a leading "Serial Entrepreneur." She was recently nominated as a UN delegate to the first-ever Global Accelerator for the Global Entrepreneurs Council. And she made history at the New York Stock Exchange as a member of the first all-female group to ring the opening bell.

This fall, Groover is relaunching her best-selling What If? & Why Not?, with updated resources; Optimized Potential; and #Empowered, which is based on her one-hour PBS special. A top business and lifestyle contributor and content creator for major television networks such as ABC, CBS, CNBC, NBC, Fox News, and more, Groover has also contributed to a host of publications and online resources including The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur magazine, and HealthyStyle NY.

The success and momentum of Groover's empowerment movement led her to launch the Empowered Economy Initiative, which encourages corporations and universities to combine efforts in order to educate and support small business owners and entrepreneurs in their communities, thereby stimulating the economy. She is also an advisor and partner for a new company called Thuzio, started by Tiki Barber and Mark Gerson, which is an innovative business model blending sports management and sports entertainment.

Most recently, Groover launched an innovative economic and innovation movement for entrepreneurs and small business owners called Jumpstart StartUp, a first of its kind pop-up shop that launched in Philadelphia in October 2016 and is currently expanding to 10 cities nationwide. The groundbreaking venture features a curated matchmaking conversion of business experts, global brands, and entrepreneurs, creating an inspired experience to support small business growth and accelerate brands.

Calling All Spa Professionals: We Want to Hear Your Stories

administratil — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:18:58 +0000

Offer what people want to buy, not just what you want to sell.