Archive for the 'Marti’s Corner' Category



Take Your Spa to the Next Level with Wellness Coaching

Published on January 11, 2012

In my last post, I offered a few tips for integrating wellness programs into spa. One of my recommendations was to partner with complementary wellness practitioners such as wellness coaches. This is one of the best ways to make a lasting impact on your clients’ lives. In fact, wellness coaching is one of Spa Finder’s […]


Creating a Wellness Spa: Easier Said Than Done?

Published on December 9, 2011

It seems that everywhere I look; I see “wellness” and “integrative medicine” listed as top spa trends. Consumers across the globe are seeking a holistic spa experience that addresses mind, body and spirit. This is good news as far as I’m concerned, but I can’t help but think of the difficulties day spa owners may […]


Universal Companies Wages War on Waste

Published on October 26, 2011

I was honored to say a few words about Universal Companies’ sustainability initiatives at the 4th Annual Green Spa Network Fall Congress. My hope is our efforts will inspire other companies to find their green path.  My motivation for “greening” Universal was a 2007 Fast Company article where the author referred to the “Eco-Innovation Revolution.” […]


Cloth Made Thread by Thread by the Hands of the People: My Visit to a Sustainable Weaving Village in the Peruvian Highlands

Published on October 25, 2011

On my recent adventure to Peru, I had the opportunity to visit a traditional weaving community in an ancient Andean village. Chincero is one of several small communities located throughout Southern Peru supported by the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. The center is a hub for cultural and technical interchange among weavers, and promotes […]


Calling All Green Spas! Your Story Could Be Featured in Upcoming Book!

Published on October 19, 2011

I just returned from the 4th Annual Green Spa Network Fall Congress at Sundance Resort. It was wonderful to spend time with such passionate and inspirational spa and sustainability professionals. Universal Companies was a sponsor of the event and has supported the organization from the beginning. One of the many fascinating people I met was […]


Takeaways from Willka T’ika Garden Retreat

Published on October 17, 2011

I just returned from a trip to Peru, where I had the opportunity to spend several days at Willka T’ika, an eco-retreat in the Sacred Valley of the Inca. The rooms and yoga studios are built around “Chakra Gardens”–seven gardens that correspond to the chakras of the energetic body. The gardens provide a bounty of […]


Why City of Hope?

Published on October 5, 2011

As I’ve said in my earlier blogs, I have toured City of Hope and it is amazing that within the park-like campus just northeast of Los Angeles, resides one of the most advanced biomedical research institutions in the world.   Renowned for transforming elusive clues into scientific discoveries, City of Hope brings groundbreaking research and compassionate […]


Engage Your Staff and Help Find a Cure!

Published on October 3, 2011

Everyone wants to make a difference when it comes to finding a cure for breast cancer, especially the natural healers who make up your core spa staff.  How can you ignite their natural passion and contribute in a meaningful way to support breast cancer research, treatment, and education that makes a difference?  Join thousands of […]


Why Pink Gloves?

Published on September 28, 2011

Six years ago I was honored to be a on a fund raising committee for City of Hope, a bio-medical research and treatment center located just outside of  Los Angeles dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other life threatening diseases.  Having toured the facility and getting to see firsthand the […]


What Is Your Opinion About Groupon?

Published on July 13, 2011

There was discussion about Groupon at the Global Spa Summit.  On the positive side, some felt that it can be an extremely beneficial marketing tool for spas; however, on the flip side, there was talk that if not used correctly, Groupon can set negative pricing expectations for your clients and strike a real blow to […]