*sigh* Yeah, I know. It’s been a long time since I’ve written a blog post. But I have a good excuse. I’ve been working on product copy for our 2012 catalog, which will offer hundreds of new items, beautiful photographs, handy Spa Insider™ Tips, and more.

However, in a few short months, Earth Day will be here, and I’d like to write a community piece to share with everyone–a Top 10 list of practices for spas that want to become eco-friendlier. So I am reaching out to see if you have 3-4 tips that you’ve found easy, practical, fun, or financially savvy. These tips can include water/energy saving measures, successful promotional ideas, charitable giving, green product usage, and so on.

With each tip chosen for the Top 10, you and your company/location will get credit. The article will be distributed via our newsletter, our website, and social media. I am also going to write a B2C version for our consumer site (www.spastation.com) so readers who visit it will see the great things you’re doing.

Would you be interested in sending me about 3-4 of your practices and why they work for your property/properties? Naturally, I’m on a deadline, so email your submissions to me at lsykes@universalcompanies.com  by January 18.

Thanks so much and look forward to hearing from you!

Next week, a few thousand spa/wellness experts will convene at the Mandalay Bay for the annual ISPA conference.  An expo floor of product suppliers will host a marketplace catering to spa directors, owners, and consultants.  This begs the question: Do the buyers know what they want and how to go about looking for it?  Do they understand the significance of their choices?

 The Wellness Industry is a 2 Trillion dollar business.  There are 289 million ‘wellness’ consumers in the world’s 30 most industrialized wealthiest countries.  76 million of that reside in the US and comprise 25% of the adult population.  The $250 billion global beauty market is forecasted to grow by 12% by 2014.  Baby care, skincare, sun care and men’s grooming are expected to drive future growth globally.*

 

At this fall’s Green Spa Network Congress, one afternoon was dedicated to helping eliminate confusion in evaluating and selecting personal care products.  With all the ‘greenwashing’ claims, even the most seasoned spa director can be led astray.  And unlike drugs, the FDA doesn’t review cosmetic/personal care ingredients for safety before they hit the market.  In fact, personal care products and make-up often contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, hormone imbalances, birth defects, neurological issues and other health problems.

Beth Greer, author of Super Natural Home, shared her personal health crisis that prompted her to re-evaluate her lifestyle and environment, identifying and eliminating toxins that she never suspected she was being exposed to.   She shared some hard facts: 98% of more than 23K skincare and cosmetic products on the market contain ONE or MORE ingredients never evaluated for safety by FDA.  The average consumer uses 15-25 products/day.  WHAT WE PUT ON OUR SKIN MATTERS… OUR SKIN IS NOT A BARRIER.

Universal Companies Sustainability Specialist Lisa Sykes charges us, the spa industry, with the responsibility of being models for conscious living.  “Personal care products are part of the detox process,” per Sykes.  “In addition to nourishing the skin, they should enhance the spa atmosphere for relaxation, balance, and clarity.  Personal care companies have the responsibility to support wellness centers/spas in their endeavor to provide cleansing and conscious living.”  Her advice to us: Ask Questions; Analyze Marketing Messages; Check for Consistency; Do your Research.

But how do you do that if you don’t know what to look for?

 

Beauty expert & author Rona Berg shared some HOT & NOT SO HOT examples:

Hot General Categories with Green Examples:

•  Skin brighteners/dark spots: licorice extract (glycyrrhizinate), Indian gooseberry, soy proteins, white algae, kojic acid

•  Skin tighteners: rice bran oil-beauty secret inJapan, rich in antioxidants (and squalene), shown to promote collagen production

•  Skin boosters + serums: with rosehip, jojoba, argan oils penetrate deeply

•  Acids: still hot: glycolics, lactics, salicylics, AHAs (downside: thinning skin)

•  Antibacterials: honey

•  Antioxidants: vitamins A, C, D, E; pomegranate, resveratrol, acai and trans-resveratrol

•  Anti-inflammatories: licorice extract, chamomile, green tea, borage oil, shea butter, vitamin K, pineapple (active: bromelain), pomegranate, probiotics: emerging data indicates that these  protective bacteria may be beneficial for common skin problems such as redness, flaking, and inflammation

 

Not So Hot Ingredients

•  Phthalates: Landmark Korean study last year linked phthalates to ADHD in 8-11 year olds.   Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine recently found babies born to mothers exposed while pregnant 2.5 times more likely to develop attention and behavior problems. Many products with “fragrance” or “perfume” contain phthalates—but not all.

•  Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent now banned in many countries. Can cause serious skin irritation, swelling, and thick skin; may be carcinogenic.

•  Talc: Related to asbestos. in powder formulations, particles are easily inhaled and may lead to tumors in lungs and ovaries.

Ingredients aren’t the only ones we need to look out for.  The personal care and beauty products industry accounts for approximately a third of all landfill waste.  40% of women surveyed indicated that eco-packing was part of their decision when buying make up.  As a result, P&G and Estee Lauder, two companies that own 28 brands between then, are switching to 100% renewable energy, eliminating the use of nonrenewable resource + petro-derived plastic as well as reducing the packaging size.  We can consider more earth-friendly options like recyclable packaging, screen printing and soy inks, bamboo, and FSC certification (verifies products from the forest of origin thru the supply chain).

Finally, take the time to study the claims.  Supernatural Home author Beth Greer shares her Top 10 Greenwashing Watchwords:

1. Made with… – could mean made with as little as 1% or 1 drop

2. Organic – many brands say ‘organic’ but contain few or no organic ingredients

3. Natural – can give give the illusion the product is “of nature” when it’s not

4. Certified Green – by whom?

5. Free of… – it may claim to have no parabens but substitutes Phenoxethanol

6. Derived from – some byproducts require use of carcinogenic synthetic chemical for extraction

7. Nontoxic – by whose standards? Toxicity threshold for The Consumer Product Safety Commission is lower than that of CA

8. Allergy-Friendly Fragrance, Fragrance-Free – may still contain artificial coloring or fragrances used to cover up the chemical smell of other ingredients

9. Dermatologist Tested, Sensitivity Tested, Hypoallergenic – Look for the organization behind these claims other than the company making the product

10. Environmentally Friendly, Eco-safe – The US Federal Trade Commission considers these phrases to be too vague to be meaningful to consumers.

  

 

*Spas & Global Wellness Market Survey, GSS/SRI International

*Euromonitor, a global marketing research firm

I recently spoke at the 2011 Green Spa Network Congress on safety and toxicology and personal care ingredient resources. While I was giving my presentation, I referred to a chart on my PowerPoint and inadvertently blurted out, “Charts are sexy.” Such a weird, nerdy statement deserves an explanation.  

I’m a visual learner. If I lay eyes on something, I’m able to recall it later—in detail—very precisely. Therefore, when I am studying something that’s complex in nature, I create charts to make sense out of what I’m reading. Over the years, it has become standard procedure for me to include them in presentations. Cosmetic chemistry is complex, so explaining certain points to audiences via photos and/or text won’t work. What I need are sharp arrows, corpulent bubbles, and roomy boxes to illustrate processes.

My work space is covered with charts. They help me remember facts but also serve as works of art. Yes, I said it, “art.” And why not? Each chart is unique in purpose and features its own distinctive design. Some are very colorful, others demonstrate an intricate weave of lines that form a pattern, and a few of them are even pretty cool, in a mod sense.

Okay, so what’s the point of this? Interesting artistic diagrams that effectively communicate facts are more stimulating than mere words. Rather than expressing a point through text, or worse, Excel spreadsheets, try using a chart. It will more than likely help your audience retain the information you’re providing. Now, that’s sexy.

 

 

 

 

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.” The premise was simple: capitalism got us into this mess; therefore, capitalism is the most effective way to get us out of it. 

The author predicted that small innovative entrepreneurial businesses would find the upside to addressing global concerns, and that these companies would not only make a positive impact on our environment, but also on our economy. I began envisioning how I wanted to conduct Universal in the future.  

I was inspired by business heroes like the late Ray Anderson, founder of Interface, the world’s largest producer of contract commercial carpet. He proved beyond any doubt that what was good for the environment was also good for the financial growth of his company.  Interface’s conservation efforts resulted in a 45% reduction in use of fossil fuels. The water used in the manufacturing process was cut to 1/3 of the traditional amount. Amazingly, sales rose almost 50%!

My first initiative was to put a sergeant in charge of our program who would protect us from the possibility of green-washing. Someone so passionate about doing it right and so devoted to sustainability that there would never be a shadow of a doubt that our company would set a high standard for others to follow. That person was Lisa Sykes–an organic gardener, vegetarian cook, and long-time ‘tree-hugger’.

We then created the Green Team, a group of 15 volunteers who were assigned to “wage a war on waste.” In addition to implementing numerous effective recycling programs within our offices and educational programs for recycling at home, they provided the details regarding a cardboard baler for our warehouse, showing a Return on Investment within 12 months, and allowing us to recycle and sell thousands of pounds of waste.    

The second area of influence that we knew we had is with the over 5,000 products we sell in our catalog.  Even though Universal is not a manufacturer, its leverage with its vendors is strong.  We knew that if we could set strict criteria for our earth-friendlier products, our 300+ vendors would feel the need to apply higher environmental standards to their manufacturing practices and merchandise. 

In our 2008 catalog, we made “green” the primary theme and highlighted the products and manufacturers that held up to Lisa’s scrutiny. 

Finally, the third and largest area of influence we had, was to reach the 28,000 spa professionals who purchase regularly from Universal Companies. As always, our most successful campaigns were when we helped our customers with a business solution.  Education was our focus, showing our customers that the LOHAS demographic was exactly the same as the spa-goer, and to reach and retain this market segment,   establishing eco-friendlier standards was not just the right thing to do, but the necessary thing to do to grow their businesses.    

Throughout the past 4 years, even in spite of the recession, the brands that have experienced the most growth at Universal Companies (many with double digit growth), have been our green, natural brands.  The vendors who stepped up to the challenge, and the spas that made sustainability part of their business plan, are making money – even in a tough economy. 

Sometimes inspiration begins with a bright, quick spark. But I’ve learned that the subsequent changes it encourages do not happen instantly. They require careful calculated steps over time to produce strong, steady results.  

If any of you are uncertain about whether or not one person can truly make a difference, just find your inspiration, look for your heroes and emulate what they have done.  And then use your network and area of influence.  You just might be surprised to see what happens!

Aaah, yes, more ubiquitous advice on healthy living. From the slick covers of monthly magazines to overcaffeinated morning show hosts, your clients are getting wellness tips at every turn, but are they getting them from you? What types of advice do you give your clients before they leave your facility? It’s imperative that clients not only know you care about their health during their treatments but also in between. Here are a few simple measures you can share with them before they return:

 1. Drink Plenty of Water. The “8 x 8” rule (8-8 oz. glasses per day) generally applies here, but the amount could vary per person due to climate, amount of activity, and weight. Try dividing your weight in half, the outcome is the number of ounces you should drink. Sufficient water intake promotes alertness, encourages healing, flushes toxins, and reduces risk of kidney stones.

2. Take Your Vitamins. Referring back to the first step, add some granulated B12 to one of your glasses of water per day. Taking an easily digestible multivitamin is also important. Daily stressors can chip away at your immune system, so having back-up can help counteract this erosion. 

3. Avoid Stress. Realistically? Not always possible. However, you can at least reduce it to a tolerable level.

One thing we all do is try to be accommodating, but sometimes it’s just best to say “no” rather than overextend ourselves to the point of exhaustion.

Regrouping is essential too.  Designate thirty minutes a day for decompression, whether you practice yoga techniques, deep breathing exercises, or just lie still with your eyes closed. 

Realize that you are not always in control, and don’t just accept it; embrace it. Work with the tools you have and do the best you can.

4. Adopt Good Eating Habits. Yeah, yeah, avoid fast and processed foods. But it goes beyond that. Relax while you have a meal–eat at a table, not behind a desk or over the kitchen sink.  And, chew your food thoroughly.

Eat out less and prepare your meals at home, centering them around organic seasonal foods. Although this does require a little extra time, you will reap significant nutritional benefits. Try preparing plenty of food and dishing it out into small containers as “grab and go” meals for the rest of the week.  Still short on ideas and time? Consult with a personal chef.  Personal chefs don’t just cook for you; they offer advice on food preparation and meal planning too. 

Limit alcohol and sweets–empty calories.

If you need a quick snack, go for nutrient-rich foods like fresh vegetables and raw nuts.  Every bite you take should be abundant in vitamins and minerals your body can use. Food is not filler; it’s nourishment.

5. Exercise. Movement helps ease your mind and is good for the body. Try not to make it too routine or it becomes a chore. Free-form by breaking it up—perhaps a good brisk hike one day and Pilates the next.

Want more tips?  Read the full article here. And, please share with us–what wellness suggestions do you give to your clients?

vē-gən: a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products; also: one who abstains from using animal products –Merriam Webster Online Dictionary

Veganism is somewhat controversial. For every argument for it, there’s one against it. Even some vegetarians question it. I became a vegetarian in 1993 and converted to veganism in 1999, but when I became pregnant with my son in the fall of 2001, an intense craving for a buttery local cheese did me in. I’ve been an intermittent cheese head since then, especially when I visit the Earth Fare. But, I won’t get into my personal weaknesses. . .

I have enormous respect for vegans. It’s tough, especially in the South. You label-read everything—everything. Your friends and family think you’re nuts—at least mine did—and laugh when they hear the word “Tofutti”. But, veganism stretches beyond mere dietary preferences. It includes clothing, shoes, and personal care product choices too.

Of the many arguments that vegans have, one of them is very relevant to the spa industry: the environmental cause. Green spas would be remiss to ignore the environmental contention of veganism because it is profoundly compassionate. Vegans maintain that the use of animal by-products contributes to three major environmental problems:

Depletion of natural resources: The amount of fossil fuel energy invested in animal protein is over 10 times greater than the amount used for grain protein production. In addition, raising animals for food requires massive amounts of water; for example, one pound of beef necessitates about 2500 gallons.

Global Warming: Meat consumption is partially responsible for razing the Amazon rainforest. Several South American governments allow the clear-cutting of lush forest for cattle crops and grazing in order to satisfy the western demand for beef, thereby increasing the amount of CO2 that goes back into the atmosphere. Further, animal waste and methane also produce greenhouse gases, many times over the warming impact that CO2 generates.

Pollution: Factory farms are some of the most culpable air, land, and water polluters in the United States. Factory farms are owned by corporations that have literally outgrown themselves and the natural resources that surround them, creating a surplus of legal cases and EPA violations.  

With these concerns in mind, clients have demanded vegan products for ethical and environmental reasons. They have challenged personal care product manufacturers to cease the use of cheap slaughterhouse by-products. In fact, major vegan brands have emerged like SpaRitual, the finest in eco-luxury. Furthermore, a quick search for “vegan” on SpaFinder yields 155 results for spas that offer vegan treatments and vegan dining options, and the numbers continue to grow.

Essentially, vegan clients practice the “live and let live” doctrine; they’re concerned about the environment and have compassion for all living creatures. Spas that present vegan treatments and cuisine offer benevolent refuges for vegans and non-vegans alike. Beautifully simple, the vegan theory is this: If consumers insist on vegan products and meals, the demand for meat and animal by-products will plummet. Accordingly, if the demand for animal flesh drops, the meat industry will no longer have the means or the need to clear-cut forests or build factory farms, thereby drastically reducing resource depletion, contributions to global warming, and pollution. Arguably, one could say that if it came to fruition, the vegan theory would resemble a strong shimmering chain of reactions that would ultimately hold the earth in perfect balance.

As I’ve mentioned before, I spent most of my teen years at the beach. Hey, it was the 1980s, so like everyone else, I squeezed and slathered my way through innumerable bottles of baby oil. Unfortunately, this bad behavior has generated copious clusters of freckles and moles on my chest and back. I’ve monitored them over the years, and never saw any changes. . .until recently.  Naturally, the mole that concerned me the most was the one I could only see by folding myself into a contortionist-like pose in front of the mirror. The suspect mole had turned pink around the edges, so I immediately made an appointment with a dermatologist.

As I waited in the exam room, I focused on a laminated poster displaying large, colorful photos of dysplastic nevi, benign atypical moles that may resemble melanoma. (Apparently, the higher number of these, the higher the risk of melanoma.) It certainly heightened my awareness. When the doctor arrived, I explained my concerns to her and showed her the moles that concerned me. She looked me over and said that all of them were “birthday spots” except for the questionable one in the center of my back. She took a biopsy and scheduled me for a follow-up in two weeks.

On my way back to the work, I thought about the incredible opportunity that estheticians and massage therapists have to help their clients by keeping an eye out for suspicious looking moles or lesions. Practitioners can find them in areas where clients normally don’t look, such as the scalp or the back. And, by recognizing them and urging your clients to seek treatment, you may help prevent the advancement of a deadly disease.

The “ABCDE” mnemonic is a great reminder for spotting potential melanoma:

Asymmetry

Borders that are irregular in shape

Colors that vary (brown and tan, pink)

Diameters that are fairly large (generally larger than 6mm)

Elevation or bumps

Non-melanoma skin cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) usually appear as chronic reoccurring lesions that look like blisters, scabs, or ulcers. The basic rule is this: If you spot an abnormal mole lesion, then it should be examined by a dermatologist.

Don’t be shy. If you spot an irregular looking mole or lesion, gently ask your client if he or she knows about it. The goal isn’t to send your client into sudden panic but to suggest that the client consult a dermatologist. It may save your client’s life.  Fortunately, if detected early, skin cancer is 100% survivable. That’s a great statistic, and as a wellness center, the spa may be the best place to detect these abnormalities.

Incidentally, I did return to the dermatologist, and the biopsy came back negative.  I am relieved, but because of my youthful folly, I must return every year for a check-up.

I recall the beauty advice my grandmother gave me almost twenty-five years ago: 1. Stay out of the sun—carry an umbrella if you must. 2. Only wear mascara on your upper lashes and don’t use eyeliner. 3. Don’t smoke (even though, ironically, she once modeled for Chesterfield cigarettes).  At the time, I thought I knew better than she did and politely agreed with her, ultimately doing what most other teenage girls did in the 1980s: tan. And, uh, mmm. . . I won’t address the years I listened to new wave and ignored her suggestion by applying makeup in the fashion of Siouxsie Sioux.

Growing up in Florida, I spent most of my teen years on the beach, eschewing sunscreen and rubbing in the baby oil. Now, as I approach 40, I’m becoming increasingly cautious about how I treat my skin. So are your clients. Perhaps they ignored good guidance from their grandmothers too. As they age, they’re more willing to listen, so here’s your chance to offer them some practical pointers, perhaps the same they were given years ago but disregarded.

Don’t Smoke
A major contributor to premature wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes, smoking depletes skin of oxygen and nutrients because it impairs blood flow. Studies also show that smoking also damages collagen by destroying the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) molecule, which is integral for the production of collagen.

Drink Water
Much has been written about drinking water to moisturize skin from the inside out, but some dermatologists disagree with promoting this theory because it lacks a controlled study. This isn’t to say, however, that you should lower your water bottle. Maintaining proper hydration helps reduce the appearance of fine lines–it just doesn’t prevent dry, flaky skin.  So, continue to drink plenty of water, just don’t rely on it to replace your daily moisturizer.

Choose Highly Nutritious Foods
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will deliver the nutrients your skin needs to look its best. Avoid low nutrition meals like processed and fast foods—they’re mostly comprised of salt, calories, fats, and unhealthy additives.

Exercise
There are two reasons why exercise is good for your skin: It reduces stress and boosts circulation. Your skin tries to keep out viruses and antigens, but sometimes these wicked little assailants get through. When this happens, your skin discharges an immune response (white blood cells) to destroy them. When you are under a lot of stress, there’s an increase in the frequency of this occurrence, which can lead to blotchiness. Stress also releases cortisol, a hormone that triggers the production of sebum. While sebum is beneficial for pushing out impurities from the pores, too much of it can actually clog them, causing a build-up of dead skin cells, resulting in inflammation and acne.

Boosting circulation is important too. Blood removes waste and carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The more often blood circulates, the better.  When skin cells are nourished, they function properly.

Get Some Sleep
Chronic lack of sleep can alter your complexion by causing puffiness, bags, and dark circles. Research even suggests that it slows collagen production. Most people need 7-8 hours, but some may require slightly more or less. 

Avoid the Sun
You don’t have to carry around an umbrella–you can avoid harmful rays by utilizing sunscreen/sunblock, hats, and sunglasses. The difference between sunblock and sunscreen? Sunscreens are light and water-soluble.  Their function is to filter certain UV rays. Thick and water-resistant, sunblock actually blocks UV rays, so they don’t reach the skin at all. (Think of the thick white zinc oxide that lifeguards use on their noses.)

Gently Cleanse
The following will strip oil from your skin: bathing in hot water, using harsh cleansers, and toweling off completely dry.  Try warm water, gentle cleansers, and patting dry, allowing a little moisture to remain on the skin. Then, follow up with a moisturizer.

I’m sure there’s more! Have suggestions? Reply to this post and share them.

First, let me say that I love organic cotton–I use it for my bedding at home. However, some spa professionals have shared with me that they shy away from it because they feel it’s expensive, takes a while to dry, and doesn’t hold up well to stains. They’ve asked me for some other recommendations, so in this post I am presenting  a few other choices to fit a variety of budgets, needs, and levels of spa greening.

Extend the life of your existing linens. Wash fabrics in cold water so they will retain their color and strength longer. Use an eco-friendly spot remover or presoak to help loosen grease or stains.

Bamboo is a bit controversial. While it is rapidly renewable, doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers, and features natural antibacterial/antifungal properties, it involves harsh chemicals to make it into fabric. Further, because most bamboo is grown in China, the ecological cost of transporting it is high.

Hemp is twice as durable as cotton and requires less chemical processing for the appropriate feel and texture for linens.  It’s also inherently antibacterial/antifungal and very breathable. However, hemp has to be imported from other countries because it is illegal to grow it in the United States.

Soy is made using a by-product from soybean oil production.  Soy fabric has a soft feel that drapes well, and like bamboo, it is resistant to bacteria and UV rays. However, do note that the raw materials could come from genetically modified crops.

Microfiber. Yes, that’s right—microfiber! This soft “peachy” fabric dries quickly, resists stains, and is completely recyclable. Microfiber is also extremely durable, which means it won’t need to be replenished as frequently. Bonus: It’s inexpensive!

Eucalyptus. Soft and sustainable, eucalyptus fiber sheets absorb moisture and release it away from the body, creating a cool, dry feel. Eucalyptus blends are labeled as Tencel +Plus™ Lyocell. (More about manufacturing below.)

Tencel® or lyocell is made from wood pulp cellulose. It’s very smooth, similar to the feel of rayon. The manufacturing process to transform wood pulp into lyocell fiber is a “closed loop” method and no bleach is used, which means there’s minimal environmental impact. However, to create fabric from lyocell fiber, chemical processes are used that might not be so eco-friendly.

Third party certified manufacturing processes. The fabric may not be organic cotton or lyocell, but it could be manufactured under strict safety and environmental standards such as Öeko-Tex® or the ISO 14000 series.

Öeko-Tex® (pronounced echo-tex) was developed by the German Textile Industry in 1992. It uses analytical tests to determine the safety of textiles and their manufacturing processes. Its tests include the following: Standard 100 evaluates and screens textiles for their human ecology properties; Standard 100 Plus relates to the finished product which fulfilled the requirements of Standard 100 and was produced on sites carrying the Standard 1000 license; Standard 1000 concerns the production methods and the manufacturing site itself. It makes certain that the textile facility is following environmentally friendly procedures and does not use banned or harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process. 

The ISO 14000 series addresses environmental management. A company that is ISO 14000 certified takes the initiative to minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities and continually improves its environmental performance. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland that comprises of a network of national standard institutes.

Do you know of any other options? Please share.

Universal Companies Founder Marti Morenings learned how to run a company from the ground up, beginning in 1982 with a business she and her father created. In the late 1980′s the company began to distribute skin care and esthetics products, and in 1991 Marti created the first company catalog and one-stop-shop for estheticians and spas around the world. Since then, she has developed several proprietary brands and created strategic alliances with well-known brands.

In 2006, Marti served on the Travel and Tourism Panel for the 21st Annual Entrepreneurship Conference at Harvard Business School. Day Spa Association and the International Medical Spa Association also named Marti the 2007 Spa Philanthropist of the Year in 2007 for her success raising funds to benefit breast cancer awareness.

Brian Paris joined Universal Companies in January 2009 and has developed his projects using Universal Companies’ Equipment Services for over 12 years.  Brian contributes over 20 years of design, development, consulting, and FF&E sourcing experience, including 14 years devoted to the spa, medical, and hotel/resort industries. He is a specialist in the areas of spa development, design, and sourcing for spa owners, hotel/resort companies, developers, architects, and medical spas.

During his years as a spa consultant, Brian served as Corporate Operations Manager for LaBelle Spas and was later recruited by actor Robert Redford for the conception, creation, and development of his signature project, The Spa at Sundance Resort, which has been featured in Bernard Burt’s spa industry review “100 Best Spas of the World.”  His most recent project clients include Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Blissworld, Trump Hotels, AM Resorts, Disney Resorts, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and many more throughout the world.

Specializing in cosmetic chemistry, Lisa Sykes works  closely with our product development team and vendor partners on green product selection and personal care formulations.  When she isn’t researching and analyzing ingredient declarations, she writes informative articles on sustainable living and wellness.

An organic gardener, experienced writer, and vegetarian cook, Lisa has a master’s degree in English and a certificate in sustainability studies from University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. She is co-chair of the Green Spa Network personal care product committee and serves on its advisory council.

Nancy Griffin has been a recognized marketing expert in the spa industry for more than 15 years. Prior to founding Spatrade.com and Spaexec, she completed graduate studies at Cornell University Hotel School. Her newest venture, Contento Marketing, helps spa and wellness businesses take advantage of new media. Griffin can be reached at nancy@contentomarketing.com.

 

Jenny Farrand joined the Universal Companies team in February 2011 as the National Education and Training Director.  She began working in the spa industry over twelve years ago as an esthetician and massage therapist and eventually owned and operated a small New England day spa before joining the world of resort spa management.  Working with both Orient Express Hotels and The West Paces Hotel Group, she gained powerful insight into creating and executing the five star spa experience. Building on extensive insight gained through planning, staffing, and training teams for spa opening launches at four properties, Jenny assists Universal Companies customers with product knowledge, hands-on training, menu design, and treatment protocol creation. You can reach Jenny at jfarrand@universalcompanies.com .

With graduate studies in marketing and economics at Sciences Po in Paris, Marylise Sauliere moved to Athens, Greece 20 years ago to pursue a career in marketing.

Having acquired a rich experience in market research for the tourism and cosmetics industries and having received specific training and seminars for several years, it was only natural that Marylise become a spa industry specialist.  She currently does spa consulting for many of the premier hotel spas throughout Greece and is co-founder of popular spa website SpaMind.gr.

Ada Polla is the co-creator of the Swiss antioxidant skin care line Alchimie Forever. She launched this high end line of 16 products in the US in 2004 and has expanded her company’s global visibility and distribution during the past 6 years. Her strategic focus and implementation have yielded double-digit annual revenue growth for the company. She has secured partnerships with exclusive spas, specialty boutiques, and cosmetic dermatologists (US, Switzerland, France), as well as with Universal Companies as the brand’s exclusive North American distributor.

Ada has professional consulting experience (DiamondCluster International) and product management expertise in the medical device industry (Candela Corporation).

Her industry involvement ranges from being a founding member of the Washington Spa Alliance (and its elected Treasurer) to being the Treasurer of Fashion GroupInternational of Washington DC. Ada also serves as a committee member of the International Spa Association, contributes to numerous magazines, and frequents leading universities and industry conferences as a guest speaker. She was featured on the cover of Business Week Small Biz and was a nominee for the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award for Entrepreneur Magazine.

Ada’s community involvement ranges from entrepreneurial ventures (she is the founderof the Network of Entrepreneurial Women and on the board of DC Coalition forCapital and involved in NFTE) to artistic (Corcoran Gallery of Art) and environmental (Arbor Day Foundation) interests.

Ada graduated in the top 5% of her MBA class at Georgetown University in 2004. She majored in art history and political science at Harvard University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999.

Alchimie Forever blog: www.alchimie-forever.com/blog/

Ellen Clark, Owner and President of Control Corrective Skincare Systems, has over 20 years of skincare knowledge and advanced practical experience. Before launching her clinical skincare line, she owned two skincare clinics that specialized in treating problem skin, as well as her own skincare distribution company. Seeing the need for an advanced skincare line that was also easy to use, she developed Control Corrective Skincare Systems, a line that offers affordable, highly active formulations that are easy to incorporate as a primary or supplementary skincare line.

Ellen Clark holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Marketing, and a master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology. Also a licensed esthetician, Ellen Clark specializes in working with salons, medical practices, and day spas looking to expand into corrective treatments. Having taught advanced esthetics for over a decade, she is an experienced lecturer, author, and educator, and is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Lisa Starr has over 30 years’ experience in the spa & beauty industry, starting as a technician and currently as a consultant, writer and educator.  As the senior consultant for Wynne Business, she has overseen dozens of startup projects for hotel, hospital, medical, fitness, day and salon spas within the US and Asia.  Her expertise includes business operations and finances, marketing and advertising, inventory management, human resource development, and business process improvement.  She is a popular and top-rated speaker at trade events such as ISPA, IECSC, and SpaAsia Wellness Summit, and is a frequent contributor to industry trade publications.  She is currently the Community Ambassador and lead blogger for GramercyOne www.gramercyone.com/blog.

Executive Vice President of Universal Companies Alfredo Carvajal
joined Universal Companies in June 2008. He has over 20 years of experience in hotel and spa operations, management, service development, and strategic planning to the organization. As a Executive Vice President, Alfredo oversees Universal Companies’ Sales and Operations departments, and is responsible for developing the domestic and international resort and day spa market segments.

 

Felicia Brown, LMBT is the owner of Spalutions, a firm that provides business and marketing coaching programs and products for massage, spa and wellness professionals, and is passionate about inspiring others to succeed in their lives and careers.  With appearances at many state, national and international industry conferences, Felicia is a sought-after speaker and educator. She has written for numerous trade publications including DAYSPA, Spa Magazine, Skin, Inc., Massage Therapy Journal, Massage Magazine, Massage & Bodywork, Spa Management Journal, Spa Business and Dermascope. She is also a licensed massage therapist, Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and NCBTMB Approved Provider. You can find Felicia on facebook, twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and www.spalutions.com.

Monte Zwang is a principal of Wellness Capital Management, providing cash flow and financial strategies to businesses in the wellness industry including medical practices, wellness practitioners and spas.  Monte has been a consultant for more than 25 years, teaching business planning and cash flow management. Zwang negotiates sales, acquisitions and merger transactions. He is active in the Day Spa and International Medical Spa Association and spearheads their research projects.  A graduate of Denver University Daniels School of Business, Zwang has been honored by Seattle Magazine as a Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager for 2009 and 2010.   For more information visit: www.WellnessCapital.com

A Regional Account Manager for Universal Companies, Lisa Michaelis contributes over 19 years experience in sales, business development, and marketing in the computer, fashion, and gift industries. Most recently, the last 5 years in the spa/resort industry with a specialty in spa retail and merchandising.  Known for her personable nature and her highly consultative approach, she engages with her clients to analyze business processes, identify needs, create solutions, and offer value propositions.  In addition, she has owned several clothing and gift businesses and has a 360 degree perspective and entrepreneurial enthusiasm.  Lisa is always looking for innovative ideas that will positively impact many areas of spa business.

After completing a degree in economics at the University of California and working in the banking and real estate industries in the US, Toula Victor relocated to Athens, Greece in 2008 and began writing for Athens Insider magazine. Her monthly spa column and extensive travels throughout the United States, Mexico, and The Caribbean in search of the perfect spa inspired her to launch the popular spa blog SpaMind.gr .

Spas2b is a full-service spa business development, consulting, and training company based in Ontario, Canada, drawing on the extensive experience of its President, Leslie Lyon. Leslie has evolved with the health and beauty industry for more than 30 years, participating in many aspects of the spa trade, today enjoying per profession as an international consultant, educator, speaker, published columnist, and freelance writer. Leslie is also an advisor for numerous committees and associations throughout North America.  Specializing in online distance education, Spas2b in now recognized in 49 countries around the world and growing. www.spas2b.com

Morag Currin, President of Touch for Cancer Online, is a highly sought-after esthetics educator with over 16 years of spa industry experience and more than 7 years in training and training management. Recognizing the lack of specialized skin care available for people undergoing cancer therapies, she has pioneered an Oncology Esthetics Certification for licensed estheticians, and has written a text book on the subject. Her students learn to incorporate massage techniques specifically for people undergoing cancer therapies, screen for skin cancerous lesions, and bring cancer survivors’ skins back into balance. Morag has travelled around the globe with her training and expertise, helping to raise the bar in the spa industry, and opening the door to all peoples, regardless of skin type or health condition. www.touchforcanceronline.com

Susan Link has been a corporate copywriter with Universal Companies since 2005, writing and editing creative marketing content for business and consumer audiences in the spa industry. She has also developed an extensive network of relationships with the spa trade press through Universal Companies’ public relations program. Susan is a graduate ofRadford University, where she earned her B.S. degree in Journalism and Sociology.

 

 

Dori Soukup is the founder and CEO of InSPAration Management, a firm specializing in spa business development, advanced education, and BizTools. 

Over the past 12 years, Dori has contributed to the success of spa companies worldwide.  Her work encompassesconsulting, coaching and educating spa entrepreneurs, executives and leaders globally. Major brands such as Pevonia Botanica, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, Massage Envy, Lifetime Fitness & Spa, and more have benefited from her expertise.

Dori’s passion is developing innovative, effective educational programs and business strategies leading to exponential growth and profits! She delivers clear, concise blueprints with easy to implement methods addressing challenges and insuring success. 

Prior to her current venture, Dori held key leadership positions in the hospitality industry for 18 years, her last role as VP of Sales for Wyndham Resorts.

She is the recipient of the American Spa Preferred Educator award and is a sought after speaker within the spa and wellness industry. Dori is a published author, her articles and insights are featured in national and international trade publications.

www.inSPArationManagement.com

Stacy Conlon has been in the sales and marketing field for over a decade in the hospitality industry.  Currently, she is a social media marketing strategist for the spa and wellness industries as well as a Certified Wellness Coach. Stacy is passionate about helping people connect the dots in their work and personal lives, and facilitates the creation and follow-through of a SMART action plan in order to achieve their goals.  Combining her unique skill set as a marketer, educator and coach, Stacy also creates customized wellness programs for spas and other wellness-minded corporations. She is a professional blogger, writer and VP of Marketing for a start-up called SpaSmart, an online training solution for spas and resource partners.

Website: www.thezengirl.com
Blog: www.zenfriend.org
Twitter: @TheZenGirl
Email: stacy@thezengirl.com

 

Peggy Wynne Borgman is the President of Preston Wynne, Inc. founded in 1984, which operates award-winning Preston Wynne Spa in the San Francisco Bay Area, Wynne Business, its fifteen year old spa consulting division. Clients have included Hyatt Hotels, Coldwater Creek Spas, Langham Hotels International, MGM Mirage, eleven spa, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spas, and Gold’s Gym.

Through its acclaimed Spa Directors Management Intensive Seminar, Wynne Business has trained management employees for the top tier of the international hospitality industry, including Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons,Stillwaterby Hyatt, Peninsula Hotels and Shangri-La.

Ms. Borgman is a columnist for American Spa magazine whose commentary on the industry has been featured in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Small Business and Time Magazine. She is a licensedCalifornia esthetician and author of a consumer beauty book inspired by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

A member of the board of directors for Next Door Solutions, a domestic violence agency inSan Jose,California, Ms. Borgman was recognized as a 2009 Distinguished Volunteer Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and in 2010, was honored as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Contact Peggy Wynne Borgman via pwb@wynnebusiness.com and www.wynnebusiness.com .

Rianna Riego, Principal of Global SpaVantage, has consulted for and opened several spas ranging from day spas and club/membership spas, to urban hotel spas, resort boutique and mega spas. In the course of her work with the Marriott International and KSL resort groups, she established corporate spa & retail standards, individual spa identity and branding, and assisted in pre-opening/operations, set-up and training of various spa directors in operational and financial management.

Known in the industry for her resourcefulness and attention to detail, ability to streamline operations and increase profit margins, passion to create and maintain high service standards, and an ability to influence and develop future leaders of the industry, Rianna brings a dedication for recommendations based on current best practices and years of personal and professional experience.

Rianna is also dedicated to sustainability and currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Green Spa Network. You may contact Rianna via her website:  http://www.globalspavantage.com/ 

Patti Biro is the owner and founder of Patti Biro and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in planning and providing innovative continuing education in the spa and wellness industry. She is a frequent presenter on the regional, national and international circuit. She can be reached at info@pattibiro.com and www.pattibiro.com .

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Jennifer Dickens, founder and creative visionary of Whole Life Marketing, started her healing journey back in 2003. Her overcoming all odds in a self-healing journey created her focus and direction to help create a healthier world by empowering natural health practitioners, spa’s and wellness organizations with the skills and tools to promote, market and sell natural health modalities, products and services.

Whole Life Marketing works with health and wellness spa, Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat; non-profit cancer education organization, Gerson Institute; herbal supplement companies; Dr. Schulze’s American Botanical Pharmacy and Bernard Jensen International; acupuncture and natural health universities, Yo San University andUniversityofNatural Medicine.

Prior to founding Whole Life Marketing, Jennifer had a successful twenty year career in commercial real estate development as Directory of Private Equity and Marketing at RD Olson Development; was the Western Area Marketing Director for a $250 million division of KPMG; and prior to that the Vice President of Sales for Merrill Corporation an International Financial Document Services company securing millions of dollars. Through continually exceeding goals in these sales and marketing roles, Jennifer developed and refined a valuable skill set to assist organizations in increasing sales and to successfully market in highly competitive environments.

Jennifer’s scope of expertise includes Business Plan Development and Success Coaching; Integrated Marketing Plan, Budget Development, and Implementation. The complete oversight of all aspects of the Marketing Operation including: Web Development, Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Networking, Brand Identity and Marketing Collateral Development, and more.