Spa-Business

Simonson’s Salon Makes Exclusive List of Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses
Company makes 2008 Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal listing for fourth time

Simonson’s Salon & Day Spa has made the exclusive 2008 “Top 25 List of Women-Owned Businesses” for the fourth time. The list, which Simonson’s Salon also made in 2004, 2005 and 2006, is published by The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. Simonson’s Salon & Day Spa is the only Twin Cities salon to be included on the list.

“Making the top 25 list of women-owned businesses is [Read more →]

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Business expands to open day spa

The Styling Station Salon, a full-service hair salon servicing clientele on the Eastern Shore announced the opening of a full-service day spa. The day spa expansion, called “The Spa Station,” more than doubled the size of the existing salon.

The Spa Station offers clientele a range of day spa services including licensed massage therapy, facial and body treatments, manicure, pedicure and a line of skin care products. The expansion incorporated the addition of a reception area, relaxation lounge and three treatment rooms. The Spa Station will provide a day spa experience with an atmosphere that is serene, peaceful and calm — a true retreat from the outside world, a spokesperson said.

The Styling Station Salon, founded in 2002, is located in the Prodisee Center on Highway 98 in Spanish Fort.

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Venus Salon And Spa At Your Desire

Salon customers want to feel relaxed.
They also expect everything to be clean - as in, bacteria free. That is especially the case when nails are involved.

All of that is covered at Venus Salon and Spa.
Five smiling women - all of whom look as if they get their own regular spa treatments - are the first thing a customer sees when he or she enters the shop.

The Dominican Republic-born stylists have combined for more than 50 years in the business. They specialize in ethnic hair, acrylics and gels and body waxing.
“We have worked together before,” said Ylaris “Lilly” Guzman, 40, who is one of the hairdressers, “(but) this is a new venture for all of us.”
The salon is owned by Anna Dominguez, 43, the eldest of the four sisters.

She and Guzman worked together at another salon in Spring Hill, but wanted to open and manage one of their own. Their dream was realized June 9.
Already they have established a loyal clientele, which keeps growing by the week. They said they have seen no difficulties growing their business in spite of the lean economy.
“Since we’ve started, it’s been very good,” said Anna Dominguez. “We get more business every week.”

Mayelin Dominguez, 28, is a nail technician, along with Guzman’s daughter, Penelope, 18.
Diana Dominguez, 38, works part-time.
The shop has four hair stations, three sinks, three nail stations and four steam machines for “deep treatments.”

“It’s like a facial for your hair,” said Guzman.

They use a multitude of products, including Redken, and even have shampoos designed to stop hair loss, said the owner.
The inside of the salon includes a green color scheme with a partition between the hair and nail stations. In the rear is a room for body waxing.
Ninety percent of their clientele is female, but they do cut and style hair for male customers, Guzman said.

“We do it because we love it,” she continued. “It’s not something where we go and have to do it to make a living. When you do your own thing, you can add your own touch.”

Biz at a glance:
Name of biz - Venus Salon and Spa
Owner - Anna Dominguez
What it is - Salon specializing in hair, nails and skin
Where it is - 3463 Deltona Blvd. in Spring Hill, Florida
Hours of operation - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Get in touch - 352-684-5488

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Gene Juarez Salons & Spas Opened  July 21 in Seattle’s University Village
Company’s ninth salon and spa underscores its growth and industry leadership

Gene Juarez Salons & Spas announced  that its  full service salon and spa located in Seattle’s University Village shopping center will opened July 21. Construction commenced in February on the 8,500-square-foot space that will be the company’s ninth salon and spa, situated in the north building next to Crate & Barrel and within close proximity to fashion retailer H&M.

The salon and spa at University Village is considered the company’s third flagship location, joining the ranks alongside the salons and spas in Downtown Seattle (14,500 square feet) and Bellevue (24,000 square feet).  Hours of operation will be Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Designed by Judith Testani of Testani Design Troupe and structurally executed by Riccardo Cattapan of CMD Architects, the new location features a contemporary, sophisticated design that conveys warmth and a subtle nod to the company’s Pacific Northwest heritage. Deep red accent walls contrasted with finishes of light wood, a lobby fireplace, and a large backlit custom-designed, hand-cut onyx feature wall at the entry area creates a modern yet comfortable space to indulge, relax and rejuvenate.

The hair salon will be of typical scale found in other Gene Juarez Salons & Spas, offering 22 design stations at which guests will receive couture haircuts from some of the industry’s most highly trained Artists, and 20 color stations where guests are treated to expertly-delivered color services, including all over color, highlighting, corrective color, and the advanced French highlighting technique of Balayage, which Gene Juarez was first in the region to employ. Every hair appointment starts with a visit to the luxurious Kerastase Shampoo Spa — a unique area of the salon where 700 hand-crafted glass spheres descend from the ceiling to spectacular effect. At the Kerastase Shampoo Spa, hair is bathed in the finest blend of the highest quality ingredients, prescribed specifically for hair type and current condition. Gene Juarez has an exclusive partnership in western Washington with the luxury haircare brand.
The spa will distinctly showcase high quality spa rooms with luxuriously appointed guest waiting and changing spaces for women and men. A spa lounge with a fireplace sets the tone for relaxation, and serves as a gateway to the spa’s five treatment rooms where guests can experience the all-natural ARCONA skin care line during a Gene Juarez Signature Revitalizing Facial. Guests looking for the ultimate indulgence will delight in the spa’s balance of both traditional and specialty massages and body treatments such as the Gene Juarez Ayurvedic services, based on an ancient Indian art of well being. The nail spa will offer the Gene Juarez signature pedicure suite experience with two private pedicure suites, and an open-view gallery of manicure-pedicure stations, including three dedicated pedicure stations and four manicure stations.

Unlike other new Gene Juarez Salons and Spas to date, this spa will offer microdermabrasion skin services beginning on opening day. A retail boutique stocked with beauty essentials will showcase a new line of Gene Juarez brand body care products.

Underscoring its presence in the community as a generous supporter of charitable events and organizations, Gene Juarez Salons & Spas is proud to partner with the Rewards & Recognition department at Children’s Hospital. Through its partnership with Children’s, the University Village salon and spa will offer “Be Beautiful” beauty packages to deserving hospital staff members who demonstrate admirable qualities in their approach to caring for patients and respecting their roles in supporting the hospital’s mission.

“Establishing our third flagship location at University Village demonstrates Gene Juarez Salons & Spas‘ continued growth in this region,” said Janet Denyer, Gene Juarez Salons & Spas chief executive officer. “Because of the hard work of our team and business partners, our guests can experience the newest iteration of Gene Juarez Salons & Spas through our fabulous new location at one of our region’s most exciting upscale retail destinations — and even earlier than originally estimated.”

University Village Gene Juarez Salon & Spa General Manager Angelina Provenzano is excited by the opportunity to establish the ninth Gene Juarez salon and spa in its new home: “I’m thrilled to help establish our University Village location. After supporting the successful renovation and re-opening of our Northgate salon and spa last fall, I am prepared to inspire my talented team to offer the highest levels of expertise and service that are hallmarks of Gene Juarez Salon & Spa.

The team at University Village expressed similar enthusiasm at the salon and spa’s early arrival.

“Gene Juarez Salon & Spa is a complementary addition to University Village’s mix of quality retailers,” said Susie Plummer, general manager of University Village. “The company’s outstanding reputation and leadership in its field make it a natural fit for our center and our customers. We are pleased that Gene Juarez will open in July, in time for the summer shopping months.”

Through a phased hiring schedule, the salon and spa will ultimately employ 130 people through a combination of Artists, Therapists, management and administrative staff. Two entrances - one accessible via the University Village parking garage (level A/B) — enables quick entrance and exit for guests on the go. And, another entrance brings guests shopping at University Village to the salon and spa via a short escalator ride adjacent to Crate and Barrel.

About Gene Juarez Salons & Spas

Since 1971 Gene Juarez Salons & Spas has been the definitive authority on hair, beauty and wellness in the Pacific Northwest. The company’s extensive training program and attentive guest service have earned the salon numerous honors including “Best Hair Salon in Seattle” by Allure readers, “Seattle’s Best Hair Salon” by Seattle magazine readers, “Best Bridal Hair and Makeup” from Seattle Bride magazine, Modern Salon magazine’s “Salon of the Year,” King 5 TV’s “Best Hair Salon & Spa Escape,” and InStyle magazine’s “Top Spas in the United States.” To learn more about Gene Juarez Salons & Spas, visit one of the company’s nine locations, including downtown Seattle, University Village, Bellevue, Alderwood, Tacoma, Southcenter, Redmond, Northgate, South Hill. Gene Juarez also operates the Gene Juarez Academy at two locations and the Advanced Training Salon

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Tags: Ayurveda, Day Spa, Day Spa Expansion, Spa, Spa Business, Spa Opening, Washington Spas by Spavelous
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Spa takes advantage of location inside Polaris-area hotel

* Papillon Day Spa is slated to open next week, offering typical spa treatments as well as some unusual ones.

A longtime spa owner is hoping a spectrum of relaxation treatments both typical and atypical will draw customers to her new venture in the Polaris area.

Papillon Day Spa, located in the new Polaris Hilton.

Like most spas, Papillon offers the basics: facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. But owner Dee Crabb takes pride in even those basic services, she said.

“We have some excellent massage therapists, so we’re really excited about that,” she said. “We have six of them on staff.”

Alongside the massage rooms is the room for one of Papillon’s more off-the-beaten-path offerings: the salt glow treatment. The technique involves the use of salt mixtures to rub and exfoliate the skin, followed by a shower, leaving the recipient refreshed and “glowing” — hence the name, Crabb said.

“They’re very popular right now,” she said. “It’s just a very relaxing treatment.”

Body wraps also are part of the Papillon menu, Crabb said.

In addition to individual treatments, Papillon will offer group treatments for bridal parties or simple get-togethers.

“We can accommodate quite a few people in a party like that,” said Crabb.

Facials and massages start at $55 each and top out around the $90 range, while salt glow treatments are $90 to $95. Group packages are available.

A variety of makeup, skin care and other products will be offered in the spa lobby, as will such items as jewelry and purses.

“It’s like a little boutique,” said Crabb.

Crabb, a Westerville resident, previously operated Skin Resources, a northwest Columbus spa, for 13 years, and has more than two decades of experience in the spa industry.

Though located inside the Hilton, Papillon is not officially affiliated with the hotel; it leases its 2,800 square feet of space. But the location does present the spa with a significant opportunity to attract clientele, said Crabb.

Papillon can be entered through the hotel lobby or through its own separate entrance on the north side of the hotel.

The spa opens at 10 a.m. daily and closes at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; at 8 p.m. Wednesdays; at 9 p.m. Thursdays; and at 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
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Columbus Ohio Spas

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Scottsdale Spa Owner Wins 2008 Femtor Award

Heidi Lamar was selected to receive the 2008 “Femtor Award” in the “Made it to a Million” category at a ceremony in Dallas on July 10, 2008 that gave away over $126,00 in grants and raised nearly $200,000 with a live auction.

At the gala ceremony, attended by over 3,300 members of the e-Women network from around the world, Heidi Lamar, one of 4 finalists, was chosen for her “Femtoring” within her company and community. Presenters and speakers included Michael Gerber, author of “The e-myth”, Janine Turner, actress and author, Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and Partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

What is a Femtor?
The word Femtor is a registered trademark of eWomenNetwork. The term Femtor means “a wise and trusted woman providing knowledge, inspiration and practical information to other women.”  Femtor acknowledges the mentoring work done from a female experience and knowledge base. These experienced women seek out ways to teach, share their wisdom and help other women find their wings.

Made it to a Million Award
Current research shows that only 2% of women owned businesses generate revenues of $1 million annually.   This award recognizes an outstanding eWomenNetwork member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and business skills in the course of starting and growing her company.  She must be the owner/CEO of a 51% woman-owned business that has a minimum of 5 full time employees with an annual company revenue of at least $1 million for the preceding fiscal year.

What does it mean to be an International Femtor® Award winner?
This prestigious international honor is awarded to women who have proven to be exemplary role models in the world of business. These awards acknowledge their outstanding achievements, skills, positive “can do” attitude and commitment to giving back to their communities. These women inspire others, are respected by their peers and volunteer their time and energy to serve others less fortunate.

The e-Women Network is recognized as the #1 resource for connecting and promoting women and their businesses worldwide. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, eWomenNetwork, Inc. is the fastest growing membership-based professional women’s networking organization in North America, committed to helping women and their businesses achieve, succeed and thrive in the new economy.

Self-described as “the accidental spa owner,” Heidi Lamar purchased a commercial building 3 blocks North of the Scottsdale Fashion Square, that came with 2 tenants and a failing day spa. Enlisting her staff’s help in learning the spa business, she eventually was rewarded by being named #7 on the “Phoenix Best Places to Work” list, and recently as the “Best Day Spa, Best Massage & Best Facial” by Phoenix City Search. Allure magazine called Lamar’s Shiatsu Massage “one of the most indulgent massages from Boston to the Bay Area”.

Spa Lamar, is Arizona’s largest privately owned resort-style spa. Massages, Facials and Pedicures start at just $50 including all-day use of the sauna, steam room, swimming pool, whirlpool, private changing cabanas with lockers robes and towels and a tropical fruit and tea bar

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Tags: AZ Day Spa, Arizona Spas, Day Spa, Spa, Spa Awards by Spavelous
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Elizabeth Grady Salon opens Elizabeth Grady Salon Portsmouth

Heidi Coscia opened her second salon, Elizabeth Grady, in Portsmouth in February. It is the 37th store of the regional chain of Elizabeth Grady salons. Coscia, who lives in Rye, has been a fan of Elizabeth Grady for a long time. She opened her first salon, in Chestnut Hill, Mass., in 1991.”The first Elizabeth Grady opened on Newbury Street in Boston in 1983,” said Coscia. “I met the owner, John Walsh, when I was finishing my MBA at Northeastern. It was a perfect match.” Coscia admitted she had no background in the spa business, but did have a good, solid business background.

“I just knew, right then and there, I had to make the leap and just do it,” said Coscia. “I’ve never looked back.”

Finding a location for the Portsmouth salon wasn’t easy. Coscia said she did her research and looked around. When this location became available, she jumped at it. It was a perfect fit, she said, and she had the second floor gutted to make it the ideal salon and spa.

“It’s very peaceful up here, which is how I wanted it,” said Coscia. “Our clients come to not only get a facial, pedicure, manicure or massage, but to take time out and relax.”
Her male clientele is growing, Coscia said. “Mothers send their teenage sons to us who have facial problems. Men come to us for massage and pedicures. It is very intimate and private, and this is what men like, as do women.”

Elizabeth Grady sells its own line of products that are developed by its own research and development department.

“We don’t waste money on packaging,” said Coscia. “We don’t use exterior packaging, which is one way to help the environment. Our line of body products and makeup is all mineral based.”

Coscia said most of her customers are discovering her salon by word of mouth and direct mail. One client tells another, and so it goes.

“Summer is a great time for body and facial work,” said Coscia. “We do every kind of waxing there is, plus body buffing and pedicures.”

The Elizabeth Grady product line also features a new sunscreen that mists on the body. It has the scent of citrus and ginger and there is no oil to clog the pores.
Coscia said the sunscreen is perfect for people with sensitive skin. The sunscreen dries fast, with no stickiness.

“Our clients love our Dead Sea salts body rub,” said Coscia. “It gets rid of all the dead skin cells and actually enhances your tan, making it last longer and look more vibrant.”
There are special savings available now on the summertime facial, Tropical Fusion. This uses papaya enzymes, a raspberry serum and a mandarin mask. After the facial, the skin is refreshed and hydrated.

The Elizabeth Grady salon and spa has a full-time staff of seven. In addition to the spa services, the salon sells body lotions, moisturizers and a full line of makeup.
“Our products are so good for the skin,” said Coscia. “We go by the notion that less is more and it works, as the product is so pure and mineral-based.”

In addition to individual services, Elizabeth Grady has a large reception area. The staff offers private parties, trunk shows and private showings.

“We do birthday parties, girls’ night out and lots more,” said Coscia. “This is a really growing area of ways people can have fun together and get something out of it.

“We also have companies who use us to reward their employees,” she said. “It’s really fun and the people learn something, too.”

Coscia is adamant about good skin care and body care. She says it all add to a complete sense of wellness.

“I think men and women need to be reminded to take time out for themselves and relax,” she said. “This is very important and a key component to overall wellness.”
Elizabeth Grady provides product gift bags, full-service catering and a private environment for private parties and events.

“Downtown Portsmouth was where I always wanted to open my second salon,” said Coscia. “I’m here now most of the time.

“There is such a sense of all the business owners working together and this really matters,” she said. “You don’t get this in many locales, but you do in Portsmouth.”

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Tags: Day Spa, MA Day Spas, Spa, Spa Finder, Spa Opening by Spavelous
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8 Salon and Spa Marketing Tips That Will Attract A Surge Of New Clients

Salon and spa marketing strategies for in-house and new client acquisition bring customers in like clockwork when there is a systematized approach in place. Here’s how to get started.

Brian and Angie Maroevich, salon owners and marketing consultants, just completed a new marketing ‘mini course’ for salon and spa owners called, “8 Salon And Spa Marketing Tips Guaranteed To Attract A Stampede Of New Clients.” This free marketing course  helps salon and spa owners discover new ways of looking at their current marketing strategies and improve upon current ones to achieve measurable results in client acquisition.

Studies show that if clients and prospective clients are not contacted at least once per month they will either forget about the business they originally frequented or choose another competitor. For every month you do not contact a current customer or prospect you lost 10% of your influence over them. Over the course of one year without contact you become the equivalent of a complete stranger.

What is the solution?

The answer is to put a spa marketing system in place.
A marketing system is basically where a salon or spa owner plans ahead and puts a procedure in place for various promotions to be implemented on specific dates. This way they know what marketing piece and/or promotion is going out on what date, and they have it planned out at least 6 months in advance. This way the salon and spa owner is not playing catch-up all the time.

It is recommended that a salon and spa owner use a combination of media when communicating with customers and prospects. For example, communication through e-mail blasts, direct mail, newsletters, internet marketing and the telephone are just three ways to get a salon or spa name in front of prospective clients.

However, sticking with one form of communication will dilute ones marketing efforts, especially if e-mail is used. E-mail is not as personal as direct mail and telephone contact, and spam filters will only allow a certain percentage of the messages to get through.
Most salon ans spa owners are too busy working in their salon to begin and maintain a marketing system, but it’s one of the most important parts of growing a business.

Here’s how to solve that problem. Create a marketing calendar that lists all of the marketing strategies that need to be implemented and set a deadline date. In addition, create small goals each day or week to build upon each marketing strategy so that it is ready to launch on the deadline date that is set.

A systematized approach to salon and spa marketing will produce measurable results. The bottom line is if a salon or spa owner does not ‘touch’ a client or prospective client frequently they will spend their money and send their referrals elsewhere.

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Today many clients are locating their spas deals online.  If your spa is not listed with several spa directories, you need to sign up now.  Having a website is not enough, people have to be directed to your website.   

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Body & soul in St. Charles
Beauty isn’t only skin deep at newly expanded day spa

In 2000, aesthetician Beverly Miller opened a tiny day spa with 100 clients and a passion for skin care.
Since then, the spa business has been expanded twice and not only offers outer beauty regimens, but inner ones, too.

Tranquility Skin & Body Care Center
• Address: 113 N. Second Ave., St. Charles
• Phone: (630) 762-9864
• Owner: Beverly Miller
• Business: Day spa and wellness center
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Closed on Sunday.

• Payment: Cash, check and all major credit cards
Tranquility Skin & Body Care Center at 113 N. Second Ave. in the Century Corners shopping complex in downtown St. Charles, treats the skin and the spirit with its combined spa and wellness center offerings.

The spa first was located on Cedar Street, kitty-corner from its current address. Miller, who lives in St. Charles, made the move in 2003 for added space, picking up partner Loreta Lescelius in the process.
Soon after, natural nail services were added, staying away from artificial nails to keep in line with their holistic approach.

“Even our nail area is vegan, with no formaldehyde in any of our products,” Miller said. “That was in line with our true vision … to mold into a wellness center.”
Their vision came to life last fall in the form of a full wellness center — offering clients a variety of health and well-being options through alternative therapies — which opened on the spa’s newly renovated second floor.

“We have just remodeled the second floor with additional treatment rooms, and feature an infrared sauna and steam shower,” Miller said. “In addition to the existing skin-care treatments, body massage and nail care services, new offerings include nutritional counseling, life changes counseling, acupuncture therapy and permanent makeup.”

The spa now has a sprawling 4,000 square feet of treatment space, but a tranquil and cozy feeling still envelopes patrons when they walk in, Miller said.

“Once you hit the door, you immediately begin to relax,” she said.
Despite recent expansions and added services, facials always have been the spa’s featured service. Miller says the focus always is centered on the client.

“Our facials are more customer-oriented. We take a person and individually determine what their needs are,” Miller said. “We are very results-oriented. We want to see a change in your skin.”
Facials run $85 to $105 and last 75 minutes to 90 minutes. According to Miller, appointments are not booked consecutively. That way, a little time is left after one appointment ends so the client isn’t rushed.

Miller says her spa includes extras not readily found at most spas.
“Our signature treatment is the Tranquility Facial. We add a lot more than what other spas do … with a neck, shoulder, hand and foot massage,” Miller said. “Also, we don’t book hour by hour. That way, if (a client) needs something else, they don’t have to make another appointment.”
Gift certificates are available, and there’s a frequent-customer card, where points are accumulated based on dollars spent. Points can be redeemed for services.

In a downward economy, there’s always a concern that luxury spending will decrease. However, Miller said she hasn’t seen that happen yet. That could be due to the strength of fellow Century Corners businesses.
“We are a very strong group of business owners, and we get together regularly and work together to keep everyone busy,” Miller said. “We have a fabulous relationship.”

Miller’s business also remains strong due to the many clients who have become hooked on her spa services.

“I really have grown, and it’s all from referrals,” Miller said. “Our customers spread the word for us. We started with 100 names and have grown into a database with 7,000 people in it.”

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Spas in Missouri

Tags: Day Spa, Day Spa Expansion, MO Day Spas, Nail Treatments, Spa, Spa Business, Spa Expansions, Spa Gift Cards, Spa Gift Certificates by Spavelous
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