Developing a Spa and Wellness Business

Gaudia Chevannes-Aquart

Definition of the Word Spa

The

word "spa" comes from the Latin expression for health by water.

Wellness
Wellness is the state of optimal well-being. It's not simply the absence of illness, but an improved quality of life resulting from enhanced physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental health.

The Complete You

Why Wellness
This industry is a newcomer to todays conglomerates, since fifteen years ago it didnt even exist. However, today the Wellness Industry enjoys annual revenue exceeding $200 billion and is expected to reach the trillion dollar mark by 2010. It does not take a scientist to realize this is outstanding growth! Just go down to your local strip mall or commercial district and see what you run into. You will find Vitamin stores, fitness centres, natural food markets, and so many more wellness related businesses seem to be emerging at incredible rates! A massive wave is forming.

Why such a surge of growth?

It all comes down to a giant contemporary demand for advancements in pro-active health. There are many reasons why the wellness industry is, and will continue to expand. For instance, did you know that today:

Some Statistics

14 million Americans have low bone density, and 77% of the estimated 8 million who have Osteoporosis are undiagnosed (National Osteoporosis Foundation); 65% of the population is overweight, and 25% of those people are clinically obese (U.S. Centres for Disease Control); 300,000 deaths per year are associated with being overweight and obese (U.S. Surgeon General); 58 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, the majority of which are undiagnosed (American Heart Association).

The Challenge
The wellness industry will start going head to head against one of the worlds largest industries known as the Health Care Industry. Understanding the potential in this challenge is important, since the Health Care Industry boasts to help the sick get better, while the Wellness Industry and Spa Therapies promote proactive health and focus on helping people to not get sick in the first place! Which would you prefer?

Client Focus
The spa industry is booming and consumers are becoming more discerning and with the escalation in demand at present across the spa industry, client expectation becomes increasingly sophisticated, leading to a well-informed and discriminating assessment of services on offer.

How to Start a Spa/Wellness Business

Create a business plan for your spa Conduct initial market research for your spa business

Wellness Spa

Combines Spa services with Wellness Programs within appropriate Day Spa facilities. Will need to provide evidence of: Day Spa facilities. Spa Therapy and Body Therapy Wellbeing and lifestyle programs. Offers Spa Cuisine

An Overview of Options for Your Spa Business

Buying an established spa business Opening a new spa Spa franchising Mobile spas

Licensing requirements for spas

In your territory: Are there licensing requirements for the establishment What about the individual operator license Are there certification standards Hygiene requirements for spas

Other Things to Consider

Write your Mission & Vision Statement Choosing a name for your spa business Start-up costs Where to get start-up financing for your spa business What to consider when choosing a location for your spa business including how much square footage you will need Interior design of your spa business What equipment you need to start a spa business

Managing Your Day Spa Business

Develop effective systems for running your spa business on a daily basis Set your spa's hours of operation Working with spa employees

Determine the staffing needs of your spa business Find employees who are qualified to work at your spa Set sales goals and keep spa employees motivated

Managing Your Day Spa Business

Establish a maintenance schedule for equipment Set prices for your spa's service and develop packages to encourage clients to buy more Spa products Identify suppliers for the products you will use and retail Set retail markup margins Keep track of inventory Create in-store displays to market products

Managing Your Day Spa Business

Create your image on and off paper Develop promotional materials to market your spa business (including LOGO, a menu of services, website, brochures, etc.) Advertising and publicity Stimulate repeat business from your spa clients

The Destination Spa

With people prepared to travel to get the treatment and experience they desire, the future of the industry is in delivering a top quality product, consistently. With this in mind, you must set about building the very framework of your business, establishing strengthening and streamlining the operation.

Your Unique Selling Point

Seaside Charm or Mountain Bliss Natural Mud or Healing Spring Water Indigenous Plants and Herbs Specially Developed Techniques Unique Technology One of a Kind Import Cosmetic surgery and recovery

Who are You Catering to?

Golfers Mountain Climbers Business Travellers

(Conferences etc)

Baby Boomers Health & Fitness Buffs Honeymooners College Students Families

Why Choose Spa/Wellness

The great news is, as the first of approximately 78 million members of the baby boomer generation in North America start turning the age of 65 over the next few years, they will create the need for continuing improving and expanding of this industry, thus generating an increasing demand for us to supply.