Despite the tough times, many people are still finding a few dollars to spend on managing the stress the economy is creating for them.

A new spa technician certificate program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College is banking on a need for workers trained in the art of alleviating stress. With a handful of new spas opening or planned for the Grand Strand, and spa industry organizations reporting business is still strong, the program could be a safe bet for the college.

“We conducted a needs assessment and the department chair contacted local salons and spas and asked them their need for hiring individuals with knowledge of spa techniques. She talked with about 45 employers and they said they had a need for spa therapists who had training,” said Marilyn Fore, senior vice president for academic affairs at HGTC. “The other benefit for us is we can offer the training in a quick turnaround period and get people out into the work force.”
Spa Certification Program

The program, which started in January, was on a fast track. Fore said the process moved quickly because of demand from local spa owners, particularly from a new spa scheduled to open this month.

Cinzia Spa at North Beach will open in North Myrtle Beach in the next two weeks depending on permit approvals. Tammy Pahel, president of Spa Management Solutions, the company helping to open the spa, said she’s hired about a dozen workers, but more will be needed as summer rolls around. The company also hopes to open a smaller companion spa in Surfside Beach. Cinzia will have a spa, fitness center and wellness services from a dermatologist and a physician of Oriental medicine.

“So we definitely have a need for well-trained employees who are being taught to the five-star standard, and that’s why we wanted to work with the college to make this available,” she said.

Pahel contacted Donna Nathlar-Shirley, department chairwoman for health sciences at HGTC, and arranged to have the professors for classes focusing on spa techniques in massage, facials and aromatherapy trained by the companies that make the products the Cinzia spa will be using. The companies also agree to provide supplies for the classes to get the program started.

“I have nine students in it, and I have people calling and inquiring and waiting for us to offer it next fall. Spa owners are calling to see when I’ll have graduates. Grande Dunes is looking for our graduates. We have a lot of spas that are waiting for our graduates so they can hire them,” Nathlar-Shirley said. “The program is really an advanced training. Students are going to walk away with high customer service, high protocol routines, and consistency in techniques.”

In a year when most companies offering luxury services or goods are seeing cutbacks in customers, day spas have been seeing an increase in visitors, according to the International Spa Association.

“Spa visits are up; however, the amount people are spending is down. And that may be because we’re seeing many spas offering 30-minute treatments instead of your typical 60- or 90-minute massages and facials allowing people to de-stress and nurture themselves while still watching their budgets,” the association’s President Lynne McNees said.

The association’s statistics for 2007 and 2008 showed a 31 percent increase in all spa employees – more than 70,000 workers – and a 22 percent increase in full-time employees, about 26,000 workers.

Nathlar-Shirley said she has heard similar trends from local spa owners.

“I’ve been hearing that even if people aren’t taking those $1,000 trips to Vegas, they’re planning staycations and treating themselves to a $300 spa day instead. They’re scaling down with the economy,” she said. “I’ve heard from a couple of spa owners who are saying certain kinds of business are up, and that’s encouraging.”

Students enrolling in the program are required to be in one of the other degree programs such as cosmetology, esthetics or massage therapy, or already be licensed in one of those areas. The program then trains those students in five-star techniques, product usage and consistency of service. The program will be offered again this fall, and for as long as there is a demand, Fore said. 

By the numbers

Spas are still showing increases in use as folks seek a stress reliever amid today’s tough times.

Revenue

2006 | $9.4 billion

2007 | $10.9 billion

16 percent increase

Spa visits

2006 | 111 million

2007 | 138 million

25 percent increase

Locations

2007 | 14,615

2008 | 18,089

24 percent increase

Total employees

2007 | 232,673

2008 | 303,719

31 percent increase

Full-time

2007 | 117,067

2008 | 143,267

22 percent increase

Part-time

2007 | 73,076

2008 | 111,973

53 percent increase

Source: International Spa Association

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Massage, Massage School, Massage Technique, Massage Therapists

SANTA ANA For the first time in nearly two years, the city has agreed to allow more massage parlors to open.

But here’s the rub: new rules, new regulations and a city-run test for prospective masseuses.

The city blacklisted massage parlors in mid-2007 over concerns that they might operate as fronts for prostitution. At the time, the city was seeing a spike in massage-parlor applications and decided public health, safety and welfare demanded a freeze on such permits.

The City Council voted this week to relax the ban on new massage parlors. But council members also adopted new restrictions designed to give the city a greater say over the location and operation of massage parlors.

New parlors can only open in commercial areas, cannot be within 1,000 feet of other massage parlors or adult businesses and cannot stay open later than 10 p.m. Massage technicians will need either a city or a state license; and to get a city license, they’ll have to pass a city-sponsored test.

The new rules represent the first changes to the section of city code that deals with massage parlors since 1976. Other cities – including Anaheim and Orange – have also taken steps to update their massage regulations in recent years, according to a staff report given to Santa Ana council members.

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Building a spa, CA Day Spa, CA Spas, Massage, Massage Technique, Massage Therapists California Massage Regulations, Massage Parlors, Santa Ana CA Massage

A longtime restriction on cross-gender massages in Clark County was rubbed out Tuesday.

County commissioners voted to rescind the rule that licensed massage therapists say lumped them with prostitutes and severely hampered their businesses.

The rule affected mainly lone therapists who do outcalls at homes and in hotel rooms. Casinos, spas and massage establishments were exempt.

Lifting the rule aligns the county with the cities. Last year, Las Vegas repealed its restriction on massages to the opposite sex. Henderson and North Las Vegas also allow cross-gender massages.

Those in the industry praised the action, saying that it creates a uniform code across the valley and that legitimate therapists are no longer treated as prostitutes.

Heather Mehudar, a massage therapist, said the rule made it difficult for her to survive in the tough economy.

“Ninety percent of the calls I get for my business are males,” she said, “so I’m turning away 90 percent of my calls.”

Commissioners also approved shifting responsibility for overseeing therapeutic massage to the state board. The county will issue business licenses to therapists and let the state handle code enforcement.

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani proposed the policy changes after state officials told her the county overstepped its authority in limiting what therapists could do. She recalls trying to get the cross-gender rule repealed in 1991 but to no avail.

Having the state in charge of massage laws will make them consistent in every jurisdiction, Mehudar said.

One of her clients, Laura Stendel, who helps oversee a large massage staff, said the cross-gender law was stifling because most therapists are women and most men prefer to be massaged by women.

She never dared to break the rule, Stendel said, because undercover officers sometimes posed as customers. She blamed Nevada’s patchwork of legalized prostitution.

“It’s really only this complicated in Las Vegas,” she said.

Removing the cross-gender rule will simplify the profession and boost sales, said Becki Ortiz, a local therapist.

“In my neighborhood, I could massage the wife but not the husband,” Ortiz said. “Now I can do both.”

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Las Vegas Spas, Massage, Massage School, Massage Technique, Massage Therapists, Spa Legal Issues, State Regulations Las Vegas Spas, Massage Law changes, Massage Regulations

Elements Massage Franchise Announces Therapist’s Regulations

Most states regulate the massage therapy profession. Licensing is the strictest form of professional regulation, making it illegal for anyone to work as a massage therapist unless he or she has a license. Certification is the other option. The founder of elements therapeutic massage offers advise on how to enter the profession.

elements therapeutic massage has 56 therapeutic massage franchise locations, each employing approximately ten professional massage therapists. Providing a career for hundreds of qualified massage therapists worldwide, elements therapeutic massage reported therapists regulations in order to dispel confusion in the marketplace.

Founded in 2000 by professional massage therapist and occupational therapist Michele Merhib, elements therapeutic massage has build a solid brand in the franchising world by being the best at providing massage services.

“Most states regulate the massage therapy profession and depending on the state this is usually in the form of a license or certification,” Merhib said. “Cities, counties or other local governments may also regulate massage.” State Massage Licensing Requirements

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is one of two associations that serve the massage industry. The AMTA suggest that licensing is the strictest form of professional regulation, making it illegal for anyone to work as a massage therapist unless he or she has a license. To obtain a license, a massage therapist will usually have to complete a minimum number of hours training, at an accredited or accepted school or training center and have paid the fee to legally practice massage in the appropriate city, county and/or state.

“At elements therapeutic massage all massage therapists are required to follow the state or municipality rules to operate as a massage therapist within any elements therapeutic massage location,” Merhib said.

If the state or municipality does not require your massage therapist to obtain a license, most reputable massage therapy locations will require a therapist to take a nationally recognized test to become certified. Certification means that the therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and has been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. Proof of therapist certification is typically provided upon customer request.

About elements therapeutic massage:
elements therapeutic massage is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is part of Fitness Together Franchise Corporation. In 1996, Fitness Together Franchise Corporation began franchising to bring professional and affordable personal training services to every major city. Today there are over 425 Fitness Together personal training franchise locations throughout the world and 600 scheduled to open. elements therapeutic massage is following the same model, and was created in 2000 by founder, Michele Merhib. The company started franchising in 2006 under the Fitness Together Franchise Corporation.

 

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Massage, Massage Technique, Massage Therapists

 

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…

Chair Massage, Massage Technique, Spa Finder

AMTA Convention Around the Corner

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) will hold its national convention, themed “A Touch of Inspiration,” in Phoenix, Arizona, Sept. 17-20.   About 1,100 of the association’s 58,000 members are expected to meet for educational training workshops, information about current massage research, AMTA business meetings and a trade show of more than 100 exhibitors.

The AMTA is the nation’s second-largest professional massage association. Associated Massage & Bodywork Professionals has more than 63,000 members. AMTA is the largest nonprofit association.

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Massage, Massage Technique, Massage Therapists

Moms and Dads Receive Early Delivery of Relaxation

In an effort to combat the stress – and stretch marks – often associated with pregnancy, Lincoln Park Massage Spa is offering the newest massage services in Chicago specifically geared toward easing the burdens of expectant mothers and fathers. As one of the few Chicago massage spas to offer prenatal massage and pampering, Lincoln Park Massage Spa is heightening consumer awareness on the importance of body care during and after pregnancy.

Expectant mother treatments are available in 60- and 90-minute sessions, and work to relieve many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy including backaches, stiff necks, leg cramps, swollen ankles and feet, and edema. In addition, these treatments include a stretch therapy-warming masque to help prevent and correct the visible appearance of stretch marks. The 90-minute treatment delivers additional time for a foot soak and foot massage.

Sample Image

Good News For Expectant Fathers

While mothers-to-be are being treated, fathers can also indulge at this highly regarded Chicago massage spa with a 60-minute Swedish or deep tissue massage accompanied by aromatherapy oil, warm towels, a heated neck wrap, and herbal tea. The male counterpart to the expectant treatments is one of the few massage services in Chicago targeted to the wellbeing of soon-to-be fathers.

“While women may be the ones to end up with cosmetic differences, both parents experience the stress of pregnancy,” says Christine Ramsey, co-owner of Lincoln Park Massage Spa. “We have developed our services to alleviate the aches and pains that keep parents from the personal wellness they want, and deserve, to achieve.”

Ramsey adds, “With these treatments, we have incorporated the use of all-natural products from Susan Brown’s Baby, a premium line of safe, gentle, high-end skin care for mothers and babies. So not only do we help our customers feel good physically; we provide the peace of mind they deserve. This is a time when it is especially important to know what you are putting on and into your body.”

Customers interested in these new massage services in Chicago will receive $25 off throughout the month of March.

Celebrating the Quirks of Pregnancy

In addition, Lincoln Park Massage Spa will host its first ever Pickles and Ice Cream Party on Wednesday, March 26th, providing reserved guests with a 30-minute massage, 15-minute foot reflexology treatment, pickles, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a take-home bag of spa samples and must-haves from the Susan Brown’s Baby collection. Kim Hollar, co-founder of Susan Brown’s Baby, will discuss products and give helpful advice to expecting and new mothers.

Related Articles

•  Spa Treatments During Pregnancy
•  Pregnancy and Spa Treatments – What’s Safe?
•  Spa Do’s & Don’ts
•  Aromatherapy and Pregnancy…what to avoid
•  Spa Services that Deliver
• Avoid Stretch Marks 

 

Body Treatments, Massage Technique, Pregnancy Massage, Spa Finder, Spa Treatment, Spa Trends

Spavelous is pleased to announce the new SpavelousPro Spa Employment area.

Here you will find a current listing of all jobs in a spa. Search by state and spa job position.

• Spa Director Jobs
• Assistant Spa Director
• Day Spa Manager
• Massage Jobs
• Aesthetician Jobs
• Nail Technician Jobs
• Resort Jobs
• Spa Coordinator Jobs
• Spa Receptionist

Spa Owners may post spa employment openings here as well. Let Spavelous help you to fill your employment needs.

Massage Technique, Massage Therapists, Spa Employment

 

 

 

Planet Beach / Las Vegas NV Spas / Nevada Massage

 

Anyone who thinks tanning salons are passe should think again.

A New Orleans-based company has combined a day spa and a masseuse with its traditional tanning operation and is planning a massive expansion in the Las Vegas Valley.

“Las Vegas is a high-profile town, and people in the type of business we’re in need to have a presence there,” said Stephen Smith, chief executive of Planet Beach.

Planet Beach Salon Contempo Spas already has one location on Valle Verde Drive in Henderson and another on Maryland Parkway near UNLV and is looking to add as many as 40 locations throughout the valley in the next five years.

“We would like to have one for every 30,000 people in a market,” Smith said. “So we think that is a very realistic number.”

The company has more than 360 locations, primarily in the United States, and almost all of its stores are franchises.

Planet Beach started out with a focus on tanning, but company officials recognized the need to diversify when that market went flat. Smith said he noticed that many people wanted the day-spa experience on a regular basis, but either didn’t have the time for it or just could not afford it.

That’s when he realized that if people could get many of those same services in just a few hours for a fraction of the cost of regular spa treatments, he might be onto something.

“People want to look good and feel good, but sometimes, they just don’t have the time,” Smith said. “We saw the tanning business was dying, but the spa business was growing by leaps and bounds.”

He decided the best way to serve the market was to keep providing tanning services, but to do it as a complement to a more complete spa regimen.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the Planet Beach concept is that all of the services are performed without the touch of a human hand.

At Planet Beach, machines do all of the work.

The company offers several tanning options, with or without UV, several types of massages and even a facial, and all are fully automated.

The company offers a hydration station, which is a vitamin and mineral steam bath that softens and hydrates the skin and opens the pores, and an aqua massage machine.

Customers can get just about any type of massage they could get at a traditional spa, including the deep tissue or fingertip variety.

The electronic “arm” on the massage machine achieves a similar effect to a human arm, but with a consistent, mechanical precision.

“There are also some people who want a massage but just don’t like to be touched,” Kevin Sarna, a local franchisee, said.

Although the massage and day spa treatments, including the luminous facial, employ cutting-edge technology, the more traditional services, such as the tanning methods, have also been greatly improved, Sarna says.

The company model is based on a membership that can cost anywhere between $100 and $135 per month. The membership cost includes use of all equipment and the only limitations are those based on health concerns.

Although tanning was largely unrestricted when the business was in its infancy, new information and improved equipment have combined to provide a safer, more consistent tanning experience. The days when people could spend hours in substandard equipment cooking their skin are long gone.

Problems such as streaking or equipment that gives a tan that doesn’t look natural have also been largely eliminated, Sarna said.

The company limits the number of times and duration of visits for its tanning customers and uses a skin-type analysis to help determine an exposure schedule.

The questionnaire touches on eye and hair color, the color of a person’s unradiated skin and how a person’s skin reacts to the sun.

Sarna and Lloyd Zellner are the guys who are bringing the Planet Beach concept to Las Vegas. Both are franchisees, and Zellner also serves as the company’s Las Vegas representative.

“As we expand, it should help a lot with training and site selection to have a company representative with experience in the market,” Zellner said.

Unlike many companies, Planet Beach allows multiple franchisees within a market, but Smith said it prefers to sell at least a “five-pack” (five stores to one owner)within a region to a single franchisee.

Franchise owners usually prefer to have an exclusive territory to have control of the brand.

Since customers identify with the company name and not the franchisee, a poorly run store can have a negative effect on an entire region.

Zellner said, however, that because the concept is pretty much turnkey, with a consistent design and equipment model, he is not concerned about sharing the market.

The company also has an extensive training and follow-up program and the equipment does most of the work, so the customer experience is a little easier to control than some other businesses.

The company is actively seeking franchisees and offers the five-pack franchise for $65,000. Individual franchises are also available for $30,000, providing even more incentive for interested buyers to purchase multiple units.

All costs can vary depending on location and construction costs. Locally, Zellner says, it can range between $220,000 on the low end to more than $500,000 depending on where the store is.

There is a 6 percent royalty fee and an additional 1 percent national marketing fee.

Zellner and Sarna said they also do additional local marketing to target specific customer bases.

The Maryland Parkway store, for example, is near UNLV and has developed a strong customer base among students, so there is an emphasis on media that focus on that market.

The company provides more than just spa and tanning services. There is also a complete line of skin-care products, which Zellner said account for about 25 percent of the company’s business.

As the company continues to add products and services, its customer base has expanded. When Planet Beach was primarily a tanning business, its customers were primarily younger women. With the array of services the company now provides, Zellner says, the business has crossed virtually all age, racial and gender lines.

“Men are a big growth market for us,” Zellner said.

The company also offers Internet services and continues to expand that part of the business to include a more complete package of services, such as an online dietician, for its customers.

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Planet Beach / Las Vegas NV Spas / Nevada Massage

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Massage Technique, Spa, Spa Equipment