Archive for the 'From the Field' Category



Ajune Medical Spa to Close on December 28

Published on December 14, 2011

I love the train. Perhaps it is because growing up I took the Swiss train regularly. Always on time (not a myth, one second late and you miss it), always clean (also not a myth), it wound through the mountains slowly but surely and brought me to my Nona, to the ski slopes, to Bern. […]


Faith Popcorn Encourages Attendees to “Be Successful with What is Coming”

Published on November 14, 2011

Trend oracle Faith Popcorn was frank yet positive on Day Two of the ISPA Conference. Her overriding message was that spa professionals learn to be successful with what is coming—and that means change. “Align your brand and business to the emerging future. Seek future forward wisdom and have the guts to act on it.” Popcorn’s […]


Live from Vegas: ISPA 2011

Published on November 8, 2011

Day 2 begins at the ISPA Conference in Las Vegas. Yesterday was jam-packed with educational sessions and social activities. The show floor was buzzing and the relaxation areas were busy providing services to already weary attendees. Universal’s relaxation lounge in Lagoon H is once again the place to be for elite spa directors. The Universal’s […]


Preview of ISPA Conference Nov 7-9: Will You Be Joining Us?

Published on November 5, 2011

Next week I will be among 2,000 spa professionals at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for ISPA’s 21th annual conference. This is my 18th consecutive ISPA conference, and it is always a pleasure to see old friends and connect with industry colleagues from around the globe. ISPA is known for incredible keynote speakers at the […]


Universal Companies’ New & Cosmopolitan Way to Showcase Brands.

Published on September 6, 2011

Universal Companies’ 2nd Spa Day Event was held at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on August 30th. The all-day event introduced Vegas Spa Directors to Universal’s brand partners by experiencing them first hand. I was lucky to be included and we all left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I also learned about some great new treatments! […]


Universal Companies’ Inaugural Spa Day Event was a Huge Success!

Published on August 26, 2011

Universal Companies Spa Day Event was held at Aji Spa at The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Scotttsdale, AZ on August 16th. The first event of its kind, Spa Day is the brainchild of Lisa Michaelis, Director of Development, Western US. The event paid tribute to hard-working spa directors across the state, offering a menu […]


Spa Development Is Alive and Well!

Published on May 9, 2011

2011 is off to a roaring start! Universal Companies’ Spa Development Division has been working on several new openings in the US and abroad. Our projects have sent my team and I all over the globe to help with brand development, service development, and technical specifications, working with consultants, architects, designers, and engineers to make sure […]


Universal Companies Takes India! Indian Woodhouse to Open Summer 2011

Published on April 24, 2011

Our corporate division has been growing tremendously! Equipment sales showed exponential growth last year, with no sign of slowing down. In this post, I’ll discuss our foray into India with client Woodhouse Day Spas. In my next post, I’ll talk about some of our other projects around the world. Our long-term partner Woodhouse Day Spas […]


Universal Companies Opens Cancun Office and Warehouse

Published on April 7, 2011

Did you know that we expanded our international reach last year?  In December, we opened a new office and warehouse in Cancun. We have two full-time staff, and they’re totally engaged in supporting our rapidly growing business in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. With 148 resorts in the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun […]