Spa Sustainability

Spa sustainability and conservation have taken starring roles as the nation deals with the current economic situation. I think it’s safe to say that just about every single one of us—from spa owner to esthetician to supplier to consumer—has had to change the way we think, the way we spend and the way we do business. Last year actually was not a bad year for spas, and some of the mechanisms put into place to achieve this level of profitability are going to be what help pull spas through this year’s crunch. The International SPA Association’s (ISPA) 2008 Executive Interview Findings cited some thoughts about the factors that contributed to last year’s increased profitability—strategies that your spa could also put into place to give business a boost. They include:

  • an evolution into more efficient businesses with an increased focus on bottom-line results;
  • hiring more people at the management level with a “balance of spa experience and business skills;”
  • working harder to attract untapped market segments;
  • offering new and enhanced products and series to increase the frequency of visits among current clientele;
  • an increase in spa-savvy consumers who are willing to pay a premium for a customized spa experience; and
  • offering a more select range of products and services.

Conservation offers another means toward economic recovery, as well. Recycling, cutting back on what is not necessary, and conserving energy and resources are smart ways to reduce expenditures while also helping out the environment.

The SalonSpa Sustainability Summit

America’s Expo for Skin Care and Spa®, alongside America’s Beauty Show®, is hosting the SalonSpa Sustainability Summit on March 27, 2009, at McCormick Place in Chicago, in conjunction with the conference and expo. This year’s program will kick off on an environmental note with the captivating “SalonSpa Sustainability Summit: Triple Bottom Line—People, Planet and Profit.” If you want to go green in your spa or personal life but are not sure exactly how to do it, plan to attend this event. The stellar lineup of speakers includes Mary Beth Janssen, founder of the Green Beauty and Wellness Group, as emcee and moderator; with Ted Ning, executive director of the LOHAS Conference, executive editor of the LOHAS Journal and www.lohas.com, providing the keynote address.

The summit is divided into three panels: the first is “People,” addressing sustainability of self, spa team and community. Panelists include Max Simon, founder and CEO, The selfcentered Tour; Tamara Wills, founder, Allyu; and Kate Leydon, founder, Ruby Room.

Panel two focuses on “Planet,” addressing sustainability of the environment through practices within the business setting. Panelists include Frederic Holzberger, CEO and president of the Aveda Fredric’s Institutes; Sherri Stewart, co-founder, Silken Tent; and Clodagh, CEO of Clodagh Design.

Panel three addresses “Profit,” highlighting the sustainability of business development, and includes Mark Wuttke, founder of the Wuttke Group, LLC; Mary Bemis, co-founder and editor in chief of Organic Spa Magazine; and Gary Howse, co-owner of Gary Manuel Salons. The closing speaker will be the legendary Horst Rechelbacher, founder of both Aveda Corp. and Intelligent Nutrients.

The SalonSpa Sustainability Summit is an educational forum that you won’t want to miss, along with the rest of the Advanced Education Conference Program lineup at America’s Expo. For more information, and to register, log on to www.AmericasExpo.com. I look forward to seeing you in Chicago.

Until Next Month,

Melinda Taschetta-Millane, Editor in Chief

More in Industry News