Ready to Reunite!
We are just days away until the FSA “Seaside Elegance” Event at the Seagate Event in Delray Beach. As we finalize preparations for our 1st live, in-person, event for 2021, the anticipation and enthusiasm is building each day as we get closer to May 18th, when we hold our event. We have arranged an extraordinary day for our spa leaders along with the support of our valued vendor partners that will provide a distinctive and innovative exhibit showcasing their brands. Our vendors and resource partners have continue to offer so much innovation and products just when we needed it to bolster and shore up our industry. They have contributed to navigating the way through the pandemic with their quick response to the needs of our community which helped to reopen our spas safely and chart a new successful path. For this I am so grateful.
An exhilarating special featured guest speaker at our event is Michael Tompkins, partner at Hutchinson Consulting. We are honored to have Michael, an icon in the industry, as our key presenter. Outside of having amazing talent as an industry leader, he has the ability to draw in people around him by sharing his expertise. Michael will focus on the many challenges that our spas are faced with as business continues to re-open and rebuild by tapping into a strategy for recruitment, the necessity of being resilient to boost skillful leadership and to reinforce well-being.
As I look forward to our event I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be involved with such dynamic industry leaders. Having found a way to support and unite our spas while building a platform to connect with resource partners and form a regional association in Florida, I discovered the magic of our community. It’s what connects us to one another through powerful common goals, in a way that nothing else can. I cherish the friends and mentors that have helped me discover these needs to achieve solutions that help steer our industry in a direction that benefits our community. The members of our board and committees have remained dedicated to our goals in making Florida an influential region in our spa space. Through integrity, authenticity and transparency, we’ve remained true to our purpose. I share my passion with leaders that have been involved since 2009 when we first conceptualized FSA and those that have joined in to lead the way in support of our Florida spa family and thankful for them.
Gratitude and appreciation is an astonishing thing. It makes us see what is special and exceptional in others and making it belong to us as well. It’s a gift we can all celebrate.
In Wellness,
Ilana
|
|
Congratulations to our Movers & Shakers
Our extraordinary Spa Industry is continuously evolving through innovation and transformation.
Highly appreciated professionals in the Spa community take on new challenges and positions
as they start a new venture in their career.
|
|
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
Terry Prager, Global Operations Manager,
Seed to Skin, Florance, Italy
With a heavy heart we will say “Arrivederci” to Terry, a beloved friend and previous Advisory Council to the FSA as she moves to Italy to follow her dream. We will miss dearly her but very excited for her as she embarks on her new venture as Global Operations Manager for Seed to Skin, a luxury skincare brand. Having just relinquished her position from Natura Bisse as Executive Director of Spas, Terry is a veteran in the Spa & Wellness Industry having an outstanding background which includes Director of Spa & Wellness at The Villaggio in Napa Valley, V.P. of Operations, the Americas at ESPA International, Director of Spa & Fitness at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and the list goes on. We wish Terry much happiness on her new journey. We will miss you Terry…. Ciao!
|
|
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
Colleen Stiritz, Director of Spa and Salon, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Spa, Hollywood, FL
Let’s welcome Colleen to Florida having taken on the position of Director of Spa and Salon at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Spa recently. Hailing from Las Vegas, we greet Colleen who has a solid background in the spa space having worked at Caesars Entertainment Corporation and the Hilton Grand Vacations as a Director of Spa for nearly 10 years. Colleen was also Corporate Spa Director at WTS International where she developed spa concepts, budgets, training seminars, and marketing programs for spas around the world. Experienced and accomplished, we know she will be an outstanding front-runner leading her team at the Hard Rock. Wishing her much luck and success.…Congratulations Colleen!
|
|
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
|
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
Nicola Wellner, General Manager at Exhale Spa at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach
Cheers to Nicola on her new position at Exhale Spa at the Loews Miami Beach. Having grown her career within the Exhale Brand, Nicola has been on board with Exhale for over 6 years. Her previous position was Director of Spa at Exhale at the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour. Returning back to Exhale at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, she previously held the title of Manager of Guest Experiences at Exhale Miami Beach for almost 2 years and Guest Experience Lead for nearly 3 years prior to that. Nicola also held the title of Guest Experience Lead at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour before she moved onto Exhale at Miami Beach Hotel. Nicola is a dedicated staff member at Exhale and now coming full circle serves as a General Manager having moved up in status due to her hard work, proficiency and loyalty to her company. We wish Nicola a lot of luck in her new endeavor. Way to go, Nicola!!
|
|
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
Ada Kessler , Spa Manager, Marriott Resort Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra, FL
Ada was named Spa Manager earlier this year at the Marriott Resort Sawgrass after proving herself as a devoted hard worker, skilled in spa operations and a team player. Her previous roll, prior to covid closures and furloughs, Ada was the Front Desk Manager and Recreation Manager at the Sawgrass Marriott for over 4 ½ years. Ada’s ability as a results oriented manager and a solid team leader has earned her this new and exciting role with the Marriott Spa family. Prior to her job in hospitality, Ada was Squad Logistic Lead with World Racer, a mission trip to serve others around the world. She traveled to a new country every month, visiting three continents, and partnered with humanitarian organizations. This experience enhanced Ada’s growth to communicate effectively between vendors abroad and support staff in the States.
Bravo Ada!
|
|
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
|
It’s the big ta-da!
Have you seen our new website? We designed it for you!
Florida Spa & Wellness has a new look!
|
|
We are excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website.
After months of hard work and dedication, we are delighted to officially reveal our new look. We made the new website faster, easier to navigate, and more user-friendly.
Reap all the benefits -
Latest information on spa trends and services, industry resources, wellness, education
and up-to-date state laws.
Connect with industry professionals and stay ahead of the curve!
|
|
"Voice-It" Spa Talk with Mitchell
"Listen More, Stress Less"
|
|
I am not sure where I heard it but I believe it is a Japanese saying that goes something like, "we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, because we should listen twice as much as we speak."
As I begin to ramp up my spa and look for qualified candidates I am finding it much more helpful to listen to why they are applying as opposed to me going on and on about why they should work for me.
What I am discovering by doing this is who is really sitting in front of me and not just the person I think is sitting in front of me.
It is a lot harder to do than you think. It actually brings down the tension in a discussion when you allow someone to finish their thought and end their sentence when they want to finish it, and not when you want to say something else.
Listening really sends a powerful message to "keep going, I'm listening." What I am discovering is the real power found in the message to myself..."keep going, I'm learning."
|
|
Mitchell Berkman
Spa & Wellness Director
Porto Vita Club at Villa Grande
FSA Committee Chair - Events
|
|
FSMTA
Staying Current with Florida State News & Updates
|
|
On April 27th the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 245. This bill updates and modernizes the language in the massage therapy practice act (Chapter480). The only other change is the addition of the term assessment. It is defined in the bill as: "Massage therapy assessment" means the determination of the course of massage therapy treatment. Assessment will be further defined by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy through their rules making process during their quarterly board meetings.
Recently the Governor cancelled all of the local Covid-19 restrictions and this has created a lot of questions within the industry. It is up to each individual business to decide what the proper course of action is regarding the health and safety for their staff and clients. The FSMTA suggests considering the CDC Covid-19 guidelines as well as the industry standards put forth by the FSMTB (Federation of Massage Therapy Boards).
Ian McIntosh – FSMTA, Board of Directors / FSA Regulatory Committee
|
|
Keeping up with Florida State Laws & Guidelines
|
|
We are Ready, Set, Go
for our FSA “Seaside Elegance” Event
at the Seagate Hotel & Spa on May 18th.
We are just days away, the countdown has started! Cheers to our Vendors!
|
|
We are grateful to our Vendor Partners that contribute so much to our Spa Community and will present their exciting and innovative products at the
FSA "Seaside Elegance" Event @ The Seagate Hotel & Spa
|
|
Featured Speaker
Michael Tompkins
|
|
“BUILD, GUIDE and INSPIRE
YOUR DREAM TEAM”
We are excited to welcome the talented
Michael Tompkins,
partner at Hutchinson Consulting,
as he shares his expertise on recruitment strategies and resilient leadership with key takeaways on building a dynamic spa team while learning to use available resources to avoid stress, anxiety and burnout by developing practices that maintain well-being
at the front of mind.
We can hardly wait!
|
|
You don’t have to aim for success if you want it;
just do what you love and believe......it will come naturally.
We are ready to gather and unite with our spa community, our family!
These outstanding leaders work hard to make a difference in our extraordinary industry.
|
|
Tammy Pahel
VP Spa Operations
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Tammy is an icon known to many in the Spa Space. She is a veteran in the industry that has transformative and strategic Spa, Wellness, Fitness and Retail experience. As an executive with 30 years of leadership experience, Tammy has demonstrated her history of shaping high-performing cultures for several luxury and global wellness brands. She successfully deployed creative social media and marketing strategy resulting in sustainable increases in revenue throughout her career. Tammy has been responsible for designing, developing and implementing an executable strategy to support the overall business vision while motivating both teams and individuals and financially exceeding corporate objectives through innovative, purposeful data-driven work.
Tammy is also a loyal and forever friend to those that know her. She is a loving wife, daughter, mother and grandma. The love of her life is her husband Scott Vogel. They enjoy their life together to the fullest. They love traveling and have visited many countries including, Italy, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, England, Wales, and Spain. Tammy is diligent and enthusiastic about fitness. She exercises on her Peloton 5 days a week…it’s her habit. Her 81 year old Mom lives with her. Ava, her granddaughter, who is 7 years old going on 50, makes her heart sing and puts a smile on her face every day when she calls on Face Time! To friends and business colleagues….Tammy is a genuine diamond in the rough!
|
|
Wakaya Perfection was co-founded by David Gilmour and David Roth. Gilmour is a globally renowned serial entrepreneur who also founded Barrick Gold and FIJI Water. Roth has extensive executive experience in the public, commercial, non-profit and NGO sectors, and is a regular commentator on issues of global public policy, education and entrepreneurship.
Wakaya Perfection is a mission-driven wellness enterprise that began on David Gilmour's private island in Fiji; Wakaya Island -- a 2,200-acre paradise in the Fiji archipelago.
The team discovered that on Wakaya Island, essential root products grew better in volcanic nutrient-rich soil. The rich soil of Wakaya nourishes our proprietary root stock, which are exclusively hand planted and hand harvested using all organic methods, and irrigated with only pure rainwater, the same pure rainwater that ends up in FIJI Water bottles!
|
|
What's Your Wellness?
Global Wellness Day Celebration
on Saturday, June 12th, 2021
Let us know "What's Your Wellness" Celebration at your Spa!
|
|
Global Wellness Day
Every year we celebrate and ask our Florida spas to support and participate in Global Wellness Day, held this year on Saturday, June 12th. Due to the pandemic last year we were all caught off guard and GWD had to make quick changes. They presented a 24 Hour Virtual Livestream. This year lined up is a GWD 2021: 12-Hour Livestream.
With pandemic restrictions having eased our spas continue to open up, going back to providing services and activities. We now have an opportunity to promote and welcome wellness to our spa guests by offering a celebration on the official GWD day, Saturday, June 12th.
Wellness encompasses physical and mental wellbeing which is fused into our Spa Space and will continue to thrive in our spa community and remain at the heart and soul of who we are!
|
|
“I am a strong advocate of the understanding that, living well is the simple necessity for every human being on the planet and that wellness is not a luxury but the inherent right of every individual. I believe the pandemic has proven this to us all. Wellness is associated with an active process of being aware and making choices that lead toward an outcome of optimal holistic health and well-being. It is important to know that wellness is multidimensional; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental and that the spa & wellness industry can help support many individuals and societies to maintain a better lifestyle amidst these unprecedented times.” -
Belgin Aksoy - Founder of Global Wellness Day
|
|
How to Improve Your Memory
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your mind, boost your mental performance, or preserve your memory as you age, these tips can help.
|
|
How to boost brain power at any age
A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you’re a student studying for final exams, a working professional interested in doing all you can to stay mentally sharp, or a senior looking to preserve and enhance your grey matter as you age, there’s lots you can do to improve your memory and mental performance
They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isn’t true. The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and change—even into old age. This ability is known as neuroplasticity. With the right stimulation, your brain can form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways.
The brain’s incredible ability to reshape itself holds true when it comes to learning and memory. You can harness the natural power of neuroplasticity to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance your ability to learn new information, and improve your memory at any age. These nine tips can show you how.
|
|
Food Dyes Linked to Attention and Activity Problems
in Children
|
|
Food dyes in products such as breakfast cereals, juice and soft drinks, frozen dairy desserts, candies, and icings were linked to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness.
|
|
Synthetic dyes used as colorants in many common foods and drinks can negatively affect attention and activity in children, according to a comprehensive review of existing evidence published this month by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
Funded by the California legislature in 2018, the new report involved a literature review, scientific symposium for experts, peer review process, and public comment period. Its conclusions about the behavioral effects of food dyes are grounded in the results of 27 clinical trials in children performed on four continents over the last 45 years, as well as animal studies and research into the mechanisms through which dyes exert their behavioral effects.
Food dyes in products such as breakfast cereals, juice and soft drinks, frozen dairy desserts, candies, and icings were linked to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness. Animal studies also revealed effects on activity, memory, and learning.
|
|
Water Wells at Risk of Going Dry in the U.S. & Worldwide
|
|
As the drought outlook for the Western U.S. becomes increasingly bleak, attention is turning once again to groundwater – literally, water stored in the ground. It is Earth's most widespread and reliable source of fresh water, but it's not limitless.
|
|
SPA GUIDELINES COVID-19
FLORIDA SPA SUGGESTIONS
We thank our FSA Vendor Partners and Collaborating Spa Organizations for their contribution to our Spa Guidelines, COVID-19 FSA Manual & Suggestions. We also express gratitude for our exceptional FSA Team for their hard work in putting together this manual to help our Florida Spa Community reopen their spa doors with safety and ambiance in mind. Check out these spa guidelines using the link below and you can download the manual using the link.
|
|
Cucumber-Dill Tzatziki
This yogurt dip is incredibly versatile—serve it with toasted pita wedges as an appetizer, or pair it with grilled lamb, chicken, fish or vegetables.
|
|
Let "THE SOURCE" be with you!
Enter "THE SOURCE", on the FSA website.
Education & Resources is our priority!
"The Source" was created to be your platform for resources and up to date information
to stay ahead of the curve of everything happening in the spa industry!
BEST SPA ASSOCIATION SERVING FLORIDA SINCE 2009!
|
|
CONTACT US
The Florida Spa Association
Phone: (561) 413-5843
|
|
ABOUT US
Florida Spa Association network of spa professionals is unified by the desire to promote Florida as the finest destination for wellness and beauty experiences in the country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|