Pulse August / September 2022 | Page 63

DO YOU EVER WONDER how your peers would handle a situation ? Maybe you ’ re curious what other leaders in the spa industry have to say on a certain subject . In Sound Off , we ask ISPA members from differing backgrounds , countries and companies the same question and see how their answers compare .

SOUND OFF

BY JOSH CORMAN

DO YOU EVER WONDER how your peers would handle a situation ? Maybe you ’ re curious what other leaders in the spa industry have to say on a certain subject . In Sound Off , we ask ISPA members from differing backgrounds , countries and companies the same question and see how their answers compare .

“ What current trend , movement or development has you most excited for the spa industry ’ s next five years ?”
MARISA DIMITRIADIS The Spa Consultants Managing Director
SABRINA ANTOINE JW Marriott Charlotte Director of Spa Operations
SUSAN BORESOW Massage Heights Franchising , LLC CEO & President
JENNIFER WAYLAND-SMITH
Hospitality & Spa Consultant Wayland-Smith Consulting
I am most excited and super passionate about personalization in our industry . We have typically been a copy and paste type of industry with treatment menus that keep adapting and changing every couple of years . What I am hoping to see is a total elimination of treatment menus but rather offering completely tailormade experiences for spa clients based on their needs on that specific day or time in their lives . The process would be different in that a consultation and “ checkup ” is done first and then a treatment plan based on hours is issued and the service is completely personalized . I see our industry shifting very quickly towards being about experiences and memories rather than treatments .
The thing I am most excited to see grow within our industry , is bringing the true spa experience to light for our guests . Time and time again we keep seeing certain trends that are almost on a wash , spin and repeat cycle . I want to elevate the spa experience to be catered to each guest that goes beyond relaxation needs . Let us meet them with mental health needs , digging deep into the roots of wellness that makes them more aware of taking care of themselves first . Our spa is creating a beautiful at-home care program to keep the guest experience and journey alive that will incorporate into their home life , such as five meditations with aromatherapy inhalation , mid-day stretch break for home or work , mindful moment breathe work and so much more .
What excites me most about the spa industry in the next five years centers around the continued growth in consumers taking better care of themselves and investing in therapeutic services . There is no “ core segment ” anymore ; self-care has become mainstream and the demand for spa services will continue to rise . For me , it has always been about the end result , which is helping people live happier , healthier lives .
I see the spa industry becoming stronger every day because of the support of our fellow colleagues in the quest to improve their overall leadership skills . We are an industry of sharers , and I love seeing the growth and development of my co-workers , friends and colleagues . As spa professionals , we should all be on the quest for neverending learning ... and it does not have to happen in a silo . Reach out to other spa professionals . You will be surprised at how eager your fellow “ speeps ” will be to lend an ear and share their experiences ! n
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 n PULSE 61