Spa owner Marilyn Ihloff owner of The Ihloff Salon and Day Spa corporation with three locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma was named 2008 Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year.
The award acknowledged the staying power, employee growth, sales increase and community service involvement.
Marilyn Ihloff is also a dedicated Professional Beauty Association member, and serves as an elected member of the PBA/Salon Spa Leadership Council.
Build client Loyalty
NBC26 Reporter Mitch Weber took your questions straight to the owner of Escape Medical Spa and Salon. The owners wouldn’t talk to us on camera, but Jeff Huguet told us they tried to keep the doors open, but declining business and financial issues didn’t leave them with any choice. The status of the gifts cards is still in limbo as they try to figure out… How they reimburse customers.
The Huguets also tell us they are trying to help their employees find other jobs and are trying to contact customers with upcoming appointments.
Statement from Escape Medical Spa:
Escape Medical Spa, 2401 Holmgren Way in Ashwaubenon, has closed due to current economic conditions and financial issues. “We did everything we could to keep the doors open, but declining business and the resulting financial issues did not leave us a choice,” said Jeff Huguet, who owns Escape, along with his wife, Nancy.
The Spa closed on Saturday, October 25, 2008. “We helped our employees find other jobs in the area and they have helped us contact as many people as possible who had upcoming appointments,” explained Jeff Huguet. The status of outstanding gift cards is still pending as the firm works out the details.
“We want to thank our employees and our customers for their business over the years; their support was greatly appreciated,” said Nancy Huguet. “This is incredibly difficult for us, not just financially but emotionally, as we love this community and we regret that we let people down.”
This is why it is so critical that you NEVER purchase a spa gift certificate from a single location. You should always purchase a spa gift card that is backed by Visa or American Express and may be redeemed at Thousands of locations.
Why Give a Spavelous Spa Gift Cards?
Spavelous Spa Gift Cards are the most widely accepted spa gift card and may be redeemed at any day spa, resort spa, destination spa or salon that accepts Visa® cards.
With Spavelous Spa Gift Cards there are no limitations on what spa services, spa products or spa packages that you may redeem it for. You may use them on discounted spa services and spa packages.
Spa Gift Cards may be personalized with recipients name and a special message.
Send a free e-card to your spa gift card recipient.
You may check your balance on line or using a toll free number.
Spavelous Spa Gift Cards give your gift recipient the choice of where and how they spend it.
You never have to worry about a spa closing or changing ownership because Spavelous Spa Gift Cards may be redeemed at any day spa, resort spa, destination spa or salon that accepts Visa® cards.
Ginger M. McLean has been appointed spa director of The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Ginger McLean has extensive experience in the hospitality and resort industries. Recently Ms McLean served as director of spas and tarpon membership at Marco Ocean Beach Resort Fiddlers Creek in Marco Island, Florida.
Spa Industry Conferences
September 9-11
HBA Global Expo & Educational Conference, Javits Center, New York City. Contact 212.600.3117, www.hbaexpo.com
September 14
Nailpro Anaheim, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. Contact Nailpro, 800.442.5667, www.nailpro.com.
September 20-22
International Congress of Esthetics & Spa, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA. Contact Les Nouvelles Esthetique,
800.471.0229, www.lneonline.com.
September 20-22
Spa & Resort Expo and Conference,
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City. Contact Reed Exhibitions, 888.267.3793, , www.spaandresortexpoNY.com.
September 20-22
Spa & Resort Expo & Conference/Medical Aesthetics Conference & Expo, Javits Center, New York City. Contact Reed Exhibitions, 800.363.3631, www.spaandresortexpo.com, www.MedAestheticsConference.com.
October 19-20
International Congress of Esthetics & Spa, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia. Contact Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, 800.471.0229, www.lneonline.com.
October 21-22
Intercoiffure Atelier, Waldorf Astoria, New York City. Contact Mindy Rosiejka, 800.442.3007, www.intercoiffure.us.
October 23-25
Asia Spa & Wellness Festival, Royal Paragon Hall, Bangkok, Thailand. Contact AIC Exhibitions, www.asiaspafestival.com.
October 26
Nailpro Sacramento, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA. Contact Nailpro, 800.442.5667, www.nailpro.com.
October 31-November 5
Plastic Surgery 2008, McCormick Place West, Chicago. Contact the American Society of Plastic Surgery, 847.228.9900, www.plasticsurgery.org.
November 10-13
18th Annual ISPA Conference & Expo, Venetian Hotel Resort Casino, Las Vegas. Contact ISPA, 800.651.ISPA, www.experienceispa.com.
December 5-6
Future Spa 2008, Kongresshaus Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden, Germany. Contact MM Business Exhibitions, www.futurespa.net.
SPA BUSINESS EDUCATION
Académie of Aesthetics and Wellness, Fair Lawn, NJ 800.777.SKIN, ext. 270, www.avanceskincare.com
• Business building seminars—see website for details.
Agility Group, Grand Rapids, MI 866.643.4797, www.theagilitygroup.com
• Strictly Business classes—see website for details.
Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics, New York City 800.626.1242 www.aeinstitute.net
• Business-building classes—see website for details.
Cortiva Institute, New York City www.cortiva.com
• Online certificate programs through eCornell—see website for details.
Durocher Enterprises, Coral Gables, FL www.durocherenterprises.com
• The Ultimate Business-Building Program—12-session telecourse—January 9.
Elmcrest College, Toronto www.elmcrestcollege.com
• Spa Manager/Director Diploma Program—full-time—see website for details.
The International Dermal Institute, worldwide (888.29.CLASS, dermalinstitute.com)
• Getting the Career You Deserve—see website for details.
• Implementing Your Retail Roadmap—see website for details.
• Smart Business by Design—see website for details.
InSPAration Management, Orlando, FL www.insparationmanagement.com
• Leadership Excellence: A Spa Director Seminar, Denver—Sept. 22-24; San Diego—Oct. 27-29.
International Spa Association, Lexington, KY www.experienceispa.com
• Certified Spa Supervisor Program—see website for details.
PhoneEd Call-In Education Programs (800.397.4549)
• Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus—November 12.
• Year End Reports Review—December 3.
Poway Academy, Clifton Park, NY www.delmarlearning.com
• Business Fundamentals for Salon & Spa Professionals, 12-week program—see website for details.
Preston Inc., Santa Fe, NM www.prestoninc.net
• Product Knowledge and Sales Made Easy—and Fun!—November 9.
Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Center for Business Education, Scottsdale, AZ www.probeauty.org
• Business-building classes—see website for details.
Professional Salon Concepts, Joliet, IL www.pscspace.com
• First Impression, Springfield, IL—Oct. 6.
• PSCNET, Indianapolis—Sept. 8-9; Joliet, IL—Oct. 20-21.
Salon Training International Training Academy, Carlsbad, CA www.salontraining.com/training/academy.asp)
• S.O.S. Workshop for Commission Salons—November 11-15.
Spa College International, Salt Lake City, UT www.spacollegeinternational.com
• Spa Business Development Intensive, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica—April 28-May 4.
Strategies Training Center, Centerbrook, CT www.strategies.com
• Salon & Spa Manager Success Training—Aug. 10-12.
• Strategies Incubator—Aug. 24-27 & Oct. 26-29.
• Living Team-Based Pay—Sept. 7-8.
• Get Out From Behind the Chair—Sept. 14-16.
• High-Performance Front-Desk Training—Sept. 21-22.
• The New Rules of Communicating with Staff—Sept. 21-23.
The Sylvie Hennessy Academy of Esthetics and Spa Therapies, Daytona Beach, FL www.estheticacademy.com
• Business-building classes—see website for details.
UC Irvine (UCI) Extension, Irvine, CA www.extension.uci.edu
• Certificate program in spa and hospitality management, offers online and on-campus classes (949.824.5736, kstam@uci.edu, unex.uci.edu/spa).
• Free online Spa & Hospitality Course , www.ocw.uci.edu/courses
UCLA Anderson School of Management and the B.E.S.T. (Business Education for Salons Today) Foundation, Los Angeles www.execed.anderson.ucla.edu/salon
• Business-building certificate programs—see website for details.
Universal Companies Advance With Education,
Abingdon, VA (800.558.5571, ext. 4127, www.universalcompanies.com)
University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts, Springfield, IL www.uscart.com
• Business and certification courses for spa professionals—see website for details.
Wynne Business, Saratoga, CA www.wynnebusiness.com
• The High-Performance Spa, Saratoga, CA—Oct. 20-21.
MetroBravo Reader favorites for 2008 in Spas, Wellness & Skin care
The ballots are counted and the results are in for the 2008 MetroBravo! Awards and, as usual, there are some surprises, repeat winners and some new faces garnering your favor as the best in the region. We thank you for voting, and we marvel at your creativity in choosing this year’s bumper crop of winners.
SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Standing Ovation
Natural Body Spa and Shoppe, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Synergy Spa, Raleigh
Iatria, Raleigh and Cary
Honorable Mention
Skin Sense: A Day Spa, Raleigh and Cary
WELLNESS CENTER
Standing Ovation
UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont,
Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
Rex Wellness Centers, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Wellness Center at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Raleigh
DAY SPA
Standing Ovation
Natural Body Spa & Shoppe, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Synergy Spa, Raleigh
Iatria, Raleigh and Cary
Honorable Mention
Skin Sense: A Day Spa, Raleigh and Cary
Relieve the Tension of High Prices by visiting a Massage School Clinic and Get Luxury at Low Cost
Massage school student clinics offer luxurious massage and skin care services to the public at affordable prices. The acclaimed student clinic at Atlanta School of Massage provides the ultimate in relaxation and therapeutic pampering for generally half the price of an expensive spa.
The massage school student clinic at Atlanta School of Massage (atlantaschoolofmassage.com) has been featured in a recent Atlanta Woman magazine article highlighting the affordable luxury of massage school clinics.
You are paying half the price for the same luxurious services you would receive in a high-end spa. While you enjoy the spa experience, the students are learning all of the latest techniques, such as body wraps and body polishes. It’s just as fabulous, but much less expensive.
In the article, “Spa Prices Making You Tense?,” Nichole D. Smith, associate editor of Atlanta Woman magazine, interviews Casey Hunter, the Atlanta School of Massage student clinic manager. Hunter, also a licensed massage therapist, explains the unique value of the massage school clinic: “You are paying half the price for the same luxurious services you would receive in a high-end spa. While you enjoy the spa experience, [Read more →]
What is SEO… for Salons, Day Spas & Massage Clinics?
Spa Marketing & Advertising
SEO- stands for Search Engine Optimization.
10 years ago, this term didn’t exist… but now it’s probably the
most vital media for a professional day spa or salon.
I.e: Your Day Spa, Salon, Massage Clinic.
Why? Well, research and trends are showing that EVERY day more and
more people are choosing their professionals that they want to do
business with… and buying every day products ‘on-line.’
Even in our own seminars, I’ll do a poll with the audience and ask
them, “How many of you go online to check the news, get directions, buy
airline tickets, gifts etc… NOW… more than you did 1 year ago?”
Answer: an overwhelming # of hands go up.
Pretty much the entire room.
Which Means:
“YOUR CLIENTS & PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS… are online looking for skin
care treatments, streaks, massage, hair cuts, and in many cases a
general hair salon or day spa to frequent.”
If you do NOT have a strong presence, then you are losing business
that is sitting literally in your back yard.
Here is another way of putting it:
“When you open a salon or day spa… do you rent or buy real estate?”
Answer: Of course
“Do you put a sign up?”
Answer: Of course… (or you should)
Last question, imagine having the ability to go into ‘just’ the
homes in your city, suburb, small town that are ‘interested’ in
what you have to offer… and these people have questions.
Wouldn’t it be great to ONLY talk directly to those people…
answer their questions, give them educational and promotional
materials… and invite them into your place of business?
This is a No-Brainer… the answer is “YES.”
Now, I realized that I didn’t go into the 2 different types of SEO
here… however I will in future emails.
What I wanted you to ‘get’ is that the future of spa marketing,
salon marketing and massage marketing is on the Internet (with few
exceptions… very few). And the sooner you get your website
presence dominating the search engines… the more success you will
have and the more money you will make.
It’s that simple.
