Variations in the spa business make it an interesting possible venture for a person looking to go into business for themselves. A spa can be a day spa, a resort type spa, a hot tub distributor and a spa attached to a hotel. The spa can include hair care, massage, nail care and body care. Your interest and the money you have available will be factors in choosing which business you should pursue. The Internet is an excellent source for finding what kind of businesses are for sale and where they are located. A potential buyer can also check out this same question with solid business brokers. By doing this, the buyer can quickly get a feel for what is available and the capital needed to complete the sale.

The other way to get into the business is to start a brand new business. This will cost somewhere near what you would pay for a similar type of spa business, except for the value of their existing clientele. The advantage to the existing business purchase versus the brand new start-up is the existing customer base and the immediate cash flow. There are many types of spa businesses and the cost of the one you would like to own will depend on the type you choose. A resort type spa for example will probably cost far more than a day spa or a distributor of spas. The services that you offer will also show up in the cost of the spa. Service usually means the need for employees to provide the service. Employees have an on going monthly cost that does not go away whether you are busy or not. Other services may be equipment dependent and therefore you have the equipment cost and the maintenance expense.

A distributorship will have its own unique costs and expenses. A show room is almost mandatory to run the business correctly. You cannot sell spas without demonstrating them. This will entail a building set up to do just this and a different set of employees to pull off this type of business. Salesmen and people persons are going to be important factors in all of these businesses. Solid sales people are a necessity in selling spas to the public. This is a luxury item, not a necessity of life.

One way or another you will need to come up with the total price. If the current owner is involved, be prepared to pay a premium for the business. Most owners have a cash price and a higher terms price. The problem with this is can you afford the business and still have enough capital to run the business. If the answer is yes, then all is okay. If this is not the case, maybe the potential buyer may need to pass for the time being. Knowing when to pass by an opportunity may be just as important as making the decision to buy.

Maybe in this business, you can select a less costly avenue to get into the spa business. You have several ways to go and if one road is closed then there may be another way to go. The point of this is do not strap yourself financially to buy a business and make success more difficult or impossible to obtain. A buyer must make realistic judgments. Viewing these decisions through rose-colored glasses can be a serious error.
Conclusions
The multi-faceted spa world offers several types of businesses to consider owning and running. Some take a large capital commitment and some are far more reasonable in their money requirement. The choice is yours based on your interest and the money you can bring to the table.
An area not previously mentioned is the franchise spa company. This area should be looked at as a possibility. There are some advantages to being connected to a spa company with a nationwide reputation and advertising campaign.
Financing in this business category is not much different than what is needed in other business purchases or start-up cost. Some versions are capital intensive and some do not take anywhere the same money commitment. Finding the right business for you in the correct segment of the industry will take study and comparing the chances of a successful ownership.

The suggestion is to talk with business brokers to see what they have for sale and the money needed to make the purchase. They are a great source of good information and current trends or developments. The experience they have and the sources they can call upon will be of help in getting answers to your questions. Knowing answers will help you make far better decisions and thoughtful changes in your plans.

 

Do you “spa”? Spas are big business, serving everyone from the preteen prom-goers to the lunch-hour businessman. So the answer is most likely “yes;” the relaxing, rejuvenating, and refreshing powers of a spa are no longer just for the pampered rich and famous. According to the International SPA Association, $9.7 billion is generated each year in the spa industry.

Estheticians, nail technicians, cosmetologists and other beauty specialists are always in demand in various spas around the country. Whether it is for the launching of a new spa or staffing a spa, that has been in business for sometime but is enlarging, spa professionals are highly sought after, even in locations teeming with people such as enticing warm islands or ski resorts.

The U.S. Department of Labor has projected more job opportunities in this rapidly growing field for aspiring or current beauty professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that career opportunities for those who work in the field of personal appearance should increase by 14 percent by the year 2016. Full-service day spas will drive much of this growth.

Visits to spas are not normally determined by the shape of the economy. One spa expert states “People may not splurge on fancy vacations or a new car, but they faithfully knead, scrub, and exfoliate their stress away at beauty salons and day spas.” More and more Americans are realizing the necessity and affordability of a luxurious spa.

Facials, massage, waxing, body treatments and skin exfoliation are some of the luxurious services offered at spas. These services increase the demand for estheticians in spas, in locations from malls and department stores to cruise ships. Health clubs, hotels, sports organizations and medical clinics are also in need of estheticians. The demand for health-related treatments is also driving up the business for more traditional beauty services such as expert cosmetic application before a special event. The following jobs are all in high demand: hair stylists, colorists, massage therapists, make-up artists, nail technicians, and other cosmetologists due to the expanding spa world.

A spa industry labor shortage does not mean potential employees can be unskilled. Skilled spa specialists with hands-on experience are always needed in the top hotels and resorts. Whether working in a boutique or five-star resort, spa professionals are highly skilled specialists with expertise in their field and specialized training from an accredited beauty school. Spa professionals are also expected to be able to build and maintain a top-notch clientele and must have the people skills spa employers have come to expect of spa and beauty professionals.

Contemporary spas have advanced tremendously since the primitive spas that were known as healing sanctuaries and social centers. With more and more consumers embracing the spa experience, it has become the fourth largest leisure industry in the United States. Going to a spa is now a way of life for many, a mini-vacation, a stress releasing experience, and a health-and-wellness journey. Are you a spa enthusiast? If you enjoy going to a spa, why not become a spa professional?

Courtesy of: Effective Student Marketing, Inc.

In modern times beauty spa concepts are not limited just to a specific day spa location or a specific resort. Beauty spa concepts are becoming a practical part of home parties, corporate business meets and social gatherings. Beauty spa concepts are getting more mobile, whereby spa professional are willing to come to your specified location and offer their services.

Home Spa Parties: Beauty spa concepts are becoming very popular among home parties, be it a bridal shower, a baby shower or just a tea party. Each guest is pampered with a massage or reflexology session while drinks and snacks are floated around.

Corporate Meetings: Businesses are beginning to offer spa treatments to their professionals at special business meets during their stay at a hotel or resort. Beauty spa concepts are extended by corporate organizations to the area of performance incentives and perks.

Spa on The Move: Most places where people are in transit, such as airports and train stations are being equipped with latest spas for travelers in transit to relax and refresh, before they carry on with their journeys. Beauty spa concepts are also getting onboard trains, planes and cruise liners. It is not surprising to find luxury trains with fully equipped spas that provide various body treatments and massages for a relaxing and memorable journey.

Gifting: Spa gift vouchers or certificates are becoming very popular. Spa gift certificates can be easily and quickly purchased online. They may have no time limit and can be transferred to anyone. Beauty spa concepts in the form of spa gift certificates can range from a particular treatment such as a pedicure, a whole day at the spa or an overnight stay, depending on the amount you can spend.

Eco-friendly Spas: Beauty spa concepts also include spas with an environmentally friendly approach, right from the very materials that their building structures are constructed, to the interior furnishings. There is also a special emphasis on conserving resources like electricity by installing auto shut-off equipment.

Contributing author: www.hbconnection.com

Some ideas take a little getting used to. Even so, countless spa goers need no persuasion when it comes to being nibbled by small fish at designer spas and spa resorts in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Turkey. This growing trend is spreading swiftly throughout the world and has left some people feeling both perplexed and others feeling both beautiful and relaxed.

So how do fish treatments work and how do they aid in enhancing both wellness and beauty? Spas store small tropical fish called Garra Rufa, also known as doctor fish, nibble fish, Chinchin Yu, Kangal Fish and Turkey Fish, in warm pools of water or hot springs. These fish thrive in hot water from 15 degrees to 43 degree water and are used for various reasons such as for foot, facial and body treatments as well as for the natural treatment of skin disease.

The fish, as many spa goers say “kiss the skin”, ridding it of all affected and dead skin areas, leaving the healthy skin untouched to continue to grow and repair. The process is both painless and strangely wonderful, leaving behind a unique pleasant tingling sensation. Skin is left smooth, glowing and looking healthier. Although, also used for individuals suffering from Psoriasis, fish treatments are not a cure for the disease but a temporary treatment cure which can aid in preventing symptoms if repeated on a monthly basis. Nonetheless, there have been some individuals who claim to have been completely cured of Psoriasis after undergoing fish treatments. The fish treatments are also recognized as treatments utilized to release fatigue, increase blood circulation and aid in relaxation.

So why not immerse yourself into a hot spring or fish pool, or enjoy a foot, facial or body fish treatment before a massage, and experience a treatment like no other. This strangely unique and wonderful feeling cannot be described in words and will make you return every few months to take advantage of the fish treatments principal purpose and function, to protect and beautify your skin.

Courtesy of Spas at Health Spa Guru

The Beauty in a Cup of Tea

image by kanko*

I love drinking tea and have been drinking more of it than ever over the last few months, ever since I learned that it can do wonderful things for my skin. I’ve learned that most teas are a great source of antioxidants and are a tasty way to stay hydrated and flush out toxins from the body. I also discovered two lines of tea, Teavana and Sipping Beauty, that are so much more delicious than teas I had been drinking, because they make more interesting blends and the quality is better. They might even have more beauty benefits (although I can’t say for sure).

In light of what I’ve learned, I’ve got a beauty guide to tea for you with info about the beauty benefits, ways to use it directly on the skin, tips for making an excellent cup of tea, why loose leaf tea is so much better than tea in bags, and recommended teas. Even though the weather is getting warmer, take time for tea. Whether you drink it hot or ice cold, your skin will thank you.

Beauty Benefits

What we put into our body is reflected in how we look and feel.

Antioxidants

Teas generally contain lots of antioxidants, which are very good for the skin, says Dr. Christine Gonzalez, who is a health coach and integrative pharmacist. Antioxidants help prevent the aged appearance of skin that’s caused by environmental stress from things like the sun’s rays, cigarette smoke, and pollution. Studies have also shown that antioxidants may protect us from cancer, infections, toxins, and cardiovascular damage. (Teavana Kuki Matcha Green Tea shown at left.)

Green, white, black, and rooibos teas, and herbal infusions are all rich in antioxidants. Christine says that green and black teas have about eight to ten times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. Green tea has more antioxidants than black. Rooibos has more than green. White tea has the most, because it’s the least processed, youngest tea. Personally, I don’t like caffeine so I prefer green and white teas, which both have much less caffeine than black tea, and rooibos (also known as red or red bush tea), which is naturally caffeine-free and still has lots of flavor.

Hydration

Drink up! Staying hydrated can ward off under eye circles, reduce puffiness and bloating, make eyes look brighter, and help keep skin smooth, elastic, and less prone to blemishes. Teas with no caffeine, like herbal infusions and rooibos, are hydrating and count toward those recommended eight eight-ounce glasses of water to drink each day. Like water, they flush out toxins, and improve circulation and blood flow.

However, teas with lots of caffeine, like black teas, are diuretic. That means they actually dehydrate the body so you need to drink even more water or caffeine-free tea to compensate. Black tea can have as much or more caffeine than coffee or a cola. There’s some debate about whether green and white teas are hydrating, because they contain caffeine but much less caffeine than black teas. White tea has about one percent of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Green has about five to ten percent. (Teavana Frutto Bianco Pearls White Tea shown at left.)

Tea on the Skin

Teas can also beautify when applied directly on the skin.

• Rooibos can be used as an all-over toner, and especially around the eyes, to reduce puffiness and redness. Green tea can also be used as a refreshing toner. These are best made in small batches and refrigerated.
• Cool bags of teas with caffeine make good eye compresses. The caffeine in them reduce puffiness and under eye circles.
• You can also slather yourself with tea by using some of the many great skin care products that are made with tea. Eco-friendly JUARA incorporates tea into many of their products. Some of my favorites include the Tiare Jasmine Tea Body Milk (a light-yet-rich lotion that’s made with white, black, and green tea extracts, and smells amaaaazing) and Sweet Black Tea Lip Treatment (a lightly moisturizing treatment that doubles as a lip primer).

An Excellent Cup of Tea

The way tea tastes can vary a lot due to the quality of the tea and how it’s made. Here’s how to avoid making a bitter tasting cup of tea…

• The Tea. Start with a high-quality tea. While tea bags are convenient, loose leaf tea has the best taste. The tea in tea bags are essentially the dregs that fall to the bottom when sorting higher quality, loose leaf tea. See below for more about loose leaf tea vs. tea bags.
• The Water. Resident tea expert at Teavana Cassandra Kimbler says it’s important to start with good water. She says freshly drawn, filtered cold water or spring water are best.
• Temperature. Don’t overboil your water. She says that strips water of oxygen and thus produces a flat tasting tea. She recommends removing your kettle from the heat once it comes to a boil or slightly before.
• Brew Time. She says a common mistake in brewing tea is that most people don’t pay enough attention to how long they brew their tea or realize how much it affects the flavor. Green and white teas, which only need to be steeped for a minute or two, can taste “off” when steeped too long. If you want a stronger tea, use more tea instead of brewing it longer. Definitely keep a timer on hand to avoid overbrewing. I really like that Teavana provides brew times with their teas.
• Don’t Stir the Pot. Stirring tea while it steeps tends to produce bitter tasting tea.
• The Right Tools. I highly recommend the Teavana Perfect Tea Maker, which makes it very easy to make a very good cup of tea. Just drop in the tea leaves, steep, set it on top of a mug, and then the tea drains down without a single leaf falling through. Check out this to see how it works. It’s quite cool.

Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bags

As I mentioned above, tea bags are convenient. But the quality of the tea is inferior to loose leaf teas for many reasons. Cassandra informed me that the tea in tea bags are what’s called “dust.” It’s the waste that falls from mesh screens when sorting loose leaf tea. Sometimes the dust is from lower quality tea to begin with. The paper used for the bag can also interfere with the flavor of a tea.

Most bag teas contain leaves that are broken into small pieces, which exposes them to more air and causes them to go stale faster and lose flavor. She says that the small size of a bag doesn’t allow the leaves to diffuse and steep properly. If you really want the convenience of a bag, she recommends popping some of your favorite loose leaf tea into empty teabags, which you can buy from places like TeaVana and health food stores.

Recommended Teas

Some of the best tasting teas I’ve had are those from Teavana and Sipping Beauty.

Teavana

Teavana makes a seemingly endless array of flavorful teas. They blend wonderful ingredients that have many health and beauty benefits. I like that many of the teas contain fruit, like the Imperial Acai Blueberry White Tea, which contains blueberries, acai, and black currant, and Fruta Bomba, which is a blend of green and rooibos teas with rope papaya and pieces of peach. I also adore the spicy blends like Haute Chocolate, which is red Rooibos tea with cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, and cocoa. They’re some of the most unique blends I’ve ever tried. The company also donates one percent of their profits each year to CARE, a group that provides funds to projects that benefit the people of the countries where the teas are grown.

Sipping Beauty

Sipping Beauty only has six teas; but they’re all beauty oriented. Their antioxidant-rich Forever Young is a yummy blend of organic red bush (rooibos) tea, cocoa, vanilla, peppermint leaves and flowers. I also love Multi Beautimin, which is supposed to boost your daily vitamin C with ingredients like strawberries, kiwis, apple pulp, rose hip fruit, and hibiscus flowers. They also have teas designed to detox, help you lose weight, and sleep better (though not all at the same time).

 

Courtesy of : THE COVETED