I don’t know how your winter went this year, but in Chicago, we had one of the snowiest winters on record. Almost every week there was a major snow event, which tended to bring people to a standstill and, in the end, left us with feet of snow on the ground for months on end. By all accounts, for Chicagoans and all others affected by the Polar Vortex, it was definitely a long winter. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Spring, at long last, is truly on its way and with it, an optimism that can’t be denied. I, for one, can’t wait to put away my big, puffy winter coat, and pull out short sleeves and lightweight cardigans. I can’t wait to spend time outside and open the windows and start watching as nature renews itself. I can’t wait to shake off this blue, always-dark, always-tired feeling that I’ve been lugging around all winter and breathe in the fresh air of a new start!
A big part of this is spring cleaning, which our Editorial Advisory Board member, Deedee Crossett, writes about in her “10 Things” column this month. Take a look at her top 10 tips for rejuvenating your treatment rooms and scrubbing your way to spring. And in that same vein, consider other ways that your facility can help welcome spring, and capitalize on the glorious feeling of sunshine and fresh air that your winter-worn clients are feeling. What types of services can you offer to help slough off dead skin cells, and spring-color those craggy hands and feet? Don’t be shy about welcoming spring. Consider organizing special spring packages and events for your spa. As new flowers are blossoming and plants are preparing for a splendid summer, what better time to offer a naturals-based treatment or package to your clients. Our cover story this month on honey should inspire you to embrace the beauty of spring and nature, and introduce your clients to treatments they may not have even thought of. In fact, the other day, one of my friends here in the office was bemoaning a new zit. When I recommend honey, due to its antimicrobial qualities, she could hardly believe I was serious. Educate your clients and your team members about good-for-you ingredients that are right under their noses. And along with honey, check out the Inspiration: Natural section within that article to get inspired by some amazing naturals-based products available from the professional skin care industry’s top suppliers.
Another way to welcome spring is to make it a point to have a “spring” in your step and try to influence those around you into positive thinking, as well. Figure out ways that you can bring light into your own life, as well as those around you— clients, employees, family members—even the cashier at the grocery store. I once read that one positive interaction or good deed is like a large beat in the center of a gong, with the sound waves radiating out to the edges of the instrument. In the same way, one mood-lifting experience that you give can radiate through those around you to the people around them ... and so on. Make it a point to bring light into the world and welcome spring in every way imaginable!
Until next month,
Cathy Christensen
Editor
