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Be in the NOW!
I often ask myself, do we all live in the moment or do our minds wander, reflecting about the past or worrying about the future. As a result, when this happens, we may miss out on what is happening right in front of us. This kind of juggling between the past and the future can make it difficult for us to fully appreciate and enjoy the present. Personally.....been there, done that!
Looking ahead, as I plan for the success and growth for the FSA in 2024, I sometimes find myself guilty of being too focused on preparing for the future and skimping on being in “the now”. It's a common trap that many professionals fall into - sacrificing their personal time and well-being for the sake of their work. However, maintaining balance is essential in achieving long-term success in business and in our personal life.
As we strive for success professionally, it can be easy to get caught up in the everyday responsibilities and tasks of work, but it’s important that we take time for ourselves and our loved ones. This is especially true during the holidays when there are additional pressures and demands on our time. We must remember to enjoy the season and celebrate with family and friends, as well as with our colleagues.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for our overall wellness to succeed in both our personal and professional endeavors. It allows us to recharge, refocus, and be more productive when we return to work. Neglecting our personal lives can lead to burnout and negatively impact our work, relationships, and well-being.
So, as we plan for a prosperous year in 2024, let us not forget the importance of finding that balance and make living in “the now” a priority. Let's take time for ourselves, our loved ones, and all the joys that come not only during this holiday season, but every day. Embracing a balanced approach will not only benefit us individually but also contribute to a thriving and harmonious community. Working towards our goals, while also taking care of ourselves and each other is life-enhancing.
There’s a famous saying by Isak Dinesen “You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.”….....so let's all be in the "NOW”.
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday and prosperous New Year, filled with happiness, health, and balance in all aspects of our lives!
Cheers!
In Wellness,
Ilana
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Events Planned for Florida Spa Association (FSA) and Source4Leaders (S4L) in 2024
As we move forward into 2024, the FSA is excited to announce new events, benefits and initiatives for all our members and the Florida spa community.
One of the key developments is the recent launch for the FSA Source4Leaders (S4L) this past year. This initiative is an elevated program specifically designed to support thought leaders in the industry. This arm of the FSA will provide resources and opportunities for networking, professional development, and industry recognition. We believe that by elevating the proficiency of our spa leaders and giving voice to our Resource Partners in the Florida spa community, we can make instrumental strides towards advancing and shaping the industry.
Save the date for these enriching FSA & S4L events!
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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.
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Damien Craft, Vice President of Wellness & Spa, Nemacolin
Damien has been a leader in the spa and wellness industry for over 25 years. He has extensive experience in managing multiple four and five-star Forbes rated properties, ranging from urban hotels to destination resorts. Previously Damien was Executive Director of Spa & Wellness at the Amrit Resort & Residences, General Manager at Canyon Ranch, Senior Spa Director, North America, for Four Seasons, plus other luxury properties, establishing himself as an expert in the field. Damien had direct oversight on all property operations, ensuring the highest level of quality and service for guests. His dedication to delivering exceptional experiences has earned him a reputation as a top executive in the industry. Damien is a former ISPA Board Member as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Spa association (FSA).
Congratulations Damien, we're proud and excited for you!
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Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, Vice President of Well-being,
Auberge Resort Collection
Vivianne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role as Global V.P. of Well-being at Auberge Resorts Collection. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, she has been at the forefront of creating innovative and holistic health solutions for hotels and resorts. Vivianne started her journey at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group From there, she honed her skills and passion for wellness while working with ESPA, ultimately leading to working with some of the world's most luxurious properties including The Peninsula, One&Only, Four Seasons, and Ritz Carlton Reserve. With her extensive background in the industry and dedication to providing unparalleled wellness experiences, Vivianne is a true asset to the Auberge team.
Cheers & best of luck, Vivianne!
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Katie Hart, Spa Director, Exhale Spa, Miami
Katie Hart is an experienced spa leader who has recently returned to Exhale Spa as the new Spa Director. With her background in the spa industry and her previous role as General Manager and Mind, Body Spa Director at Exhale, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Prior to re-joining Exhale, Katie held various leadership positions at prestigious spas and wellness facilities such as Drybar, Augberge Spa Collection, Conrad Fort Lauderdale, and the Spa at Shula’s. Throughout her career, Katie has gained extensive experience in all aspects of spa operations, from managing daily operations to developing and implementing new programs and services. She has a keen eye for detail and a customer-centric approach, making her a valuable asset to any spa team.
Way to go Katie, Bravo!
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"Voice-It" Spa Talk with Mitchell
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Empowering Employees by Leaving Them Alone | |
Nothing like leaving your staff to cope with the beginning of the November busy season while going off on a 3-week tour of India. Yep, I trust my team that much, but it goes a little deeper than that. I had been to India 30 years ago when I was teaching exercise on cruise ships. I was 30 years younger and we spent just 1 day in Cochin & 2 days in Bombay (they are now referred to by their Indian names of Kochi and Mumbai). This recent trip took me to every corner of this vast and unique country, spending time in both luxury hotels and impoverished villages that forced me to confront my pre-conceived beliefs and adapting abilities.
I am 60 now and was way more prepared to see India through the eyes of an adult who found himself better at processing all that he saw, smelled and experienced. Like my semi-abandoned team back in Miami, (I did review Paycor and provide a WhatsApp or two decision-making moment), I was left to sink or swim in a world where familiar support patterns were non-existent and had to use my best judgement to navigate any unfamiliar terrain.
When I returned, I found the Spa still in excellent condition. My supervisor handled payroll without me, and I saw everyone carrying themselves with a renewed sense of pride in their accomplishments. By empowering them, I in turn empowered myself to take risks and was rewarded with conscious-shifting moments to say the least. My lesson was simple: by trusting others to do their best, we can also pull the best out of ourselves.
Always my best,
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Mitchell Berkman
Spa & Wellness Director
Porto Vita Club at Villa Grande
FSA Board Member
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SALT CHAMBER INTRODUCES EXPERIENCE SALT + -- TURNKEY SOLUTIONS COMBINING SALT THERAPY WITH BEST-IN-CLASS WELLNESS MODALITIES
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Revolutionary concept leverages partnerships with top brands, consultants, designers, architects, and developers, to create evidence-based, multisensory experiences for the spa and wellness marketplace.
SALT Chamber, the pioneer and leader in salt/halotherapy therapy, has announced the launch of Experience SALT + -- turnkey solutions combining salt therapy with best-in-class wellness modalities. Leveraging SALT Chamber’s partnerships with top brands, consultants, designers, architects, and developers, the revolutionary concept allows clients to offer evidence-based, multisensory experiences that satisfy the needs of today’s discriminating spa and wellness consumer. Experience SALT+ turnkey concepts can be developed for SALT Chamber’s new Wellness Suite as well as custom salt rooms.
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Mitchell Berkman – Spa & Fitness Director, Porto Vita - Villa Grande Club, Aventura
Mitchell Berkman is a Los Angeles native who has called Miami his home since 2002. He has been a founding performer, writer, sound effects aficionado and co-producer in many of the Miami Radio Player’s productions. He has literally been around the globe to nearly 70 countries putting on shows and putting laughs in people’s bellies since high school. Here are a few of his favorite moments: Co-Starring in an Italian Fitness TV Show, Training Franco Zeffirelli while being the Fitness Director at a spa in Tuscany, performing his One-Man Show on a 94-day World Cruise (well, more accurately, he taught aerobics and yoga classes--but in his mind and for most in attendance--it was a 1-Man Show), and shaving his head for the first time while playing The King (the King & I, Appalachian Regional Theatre). Now he is doing voiceovers, audiobooks and adapting his short audio plays like Footprints and Lola’s Hair Salon for larger audiences.
Before joining Porto Vita, Mitchell had a diverse range of professional experiences in the spa and fitness industry. He has worked with various prominent establishments such as Turnberry Ocean Colony, The Standard Spa Miami, Spa Terra at La Playa Resort & Spa, and Golden Door's Spa at Sea along with the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA), further expanding his knowledge and expertise. Mitchell also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Spa Association (FSA).
Mitchell has his B.S. degree in Organizational Management from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA. He also speaks Italian, Spanish, French and is learning European Portuguese. If you hang out with him long enough, you’ll hear him imitating foreign accents when he thinks no one is listening. When he is not doing any of the things listed above, he enjoys listening to audiobooks, mostly biographies, and continuing his yoga practice.
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PHYTOMER is the story of three generations of two passionate families motivated by the same dream: to transform the sea into skin care and provide these amazing innovations to the professional spa network. In France, PHYTOMER is still a family-run business that was founded over 50 years ago and remains profoundly attached to the exceptional marine biodiversity that the coastal Brittany region concentrates as inspiration for spa innovation. In the US, PHYTOMER Corporation is also a family-run company with three generations in the spa industry working with Phytomer and has been a major player in the US spa industry since 1986. Together, the goal is to provide everyone, no matter where they live, with the profoundly balancing and restoring nutrients from the sea for beauty that is healthy, sustainable, and respectful of both the skin and the environment.
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Seawater is a genuine natural physiological serum that contains all naturally occurring indexed minerals and trace elements known to man. Seawater and blood plasma have a very similar chemical composition. So close in fact, when white blood cells are added to seawater, they continue to live, whereas they die in any other medium. These elements found in seawater act as catalysts for vital body functions. | |
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How Do Client Consultations Increase Spa Retail Sales?
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Clients trust their stylists, estheticians, and beauty technicians. Most clients look to them for education and advice about looking their best. When they suggest products, they're providing solutions instead of just selling retail products.
Client consultations allow clients to share concerns while spa professionals explain what retail products and supplies can meet clients’ needs. For example, an esthetician may learn that a client’s skin has become drier and their moisturizer is no longer right for the job. This creates a natural opportunity for the esthetician to educate the client about how and why skin changes and to suggest a product tailored to the client’s current skin needs. Using the product during the treatment and showing the client how it works greatly increases the likelihood that the client will buy the product.
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Embracing aging: Six ways to thrive | |
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The golden years are a time to savour the joys of life, indulge in passions, and make new memories. Below are six ways older adults can embrace getting older and thrive.
Make health and wellness a priority
Maintaining good health is paramount to enjoying life to the fullest. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest contribute to overall well-being. Engaging in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help with things like flexibility and balance. Remember, it's never too late to adopt healthy habits that can enhance your quality of life.
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How to Tell if You’re Being Breadcrumbed in a
Relationship, Friendship or at Work
‘Breadcrumbing’ is a subtle manipulation technique used to create a one-sided relationship. Here’s how to spot it.
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There are few things worse than feeling disappointed. The big opportunity you were made to get excited about suddenly evaporates, or the new relationship you thought was really gaining traction vanishes into thin air.
If these scenarios sound familiar to you, it’s likely you’ve been ‘breadcrumbed’.
Hansel and Gretel associations aside, put simply, ‘breadcrumbing’ involves leading someone on, and keeping their hopes up through small and superficial acts of interest. A breadcrumber might be flirtatious, complimentary or seem engaged with you at first, but will ultimately end up disappointing you with empty promises and emotional abandonment.
And breadcrumbing isn’t just limited to relationships. It can happen in the workplace, within families, friendships and on social media.
However, the good news is that there are some key signs that make it easy to spot.
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How spas are prioritizing sustainability | |
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Refillable toiletries, local sourcing and plastic reduction have been revealed as some of the most popular ways spas are working towards sustainability, according to a survey by spa booking agency Spaseekers.
Spaseekers conducted a survey among its Green Spa partners to evaluate their sustainability efforts.
The spas have implemented a number of eco-friendly practices, demonstrating their dedication to preserving the environment, while delivering exceptional spa experiences, contributing to conserving resources and reducing their carbon footprint.
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Be sure to visit the
Florida Spa & Wellness Association website
We made website faster, easier to navigate, and more user friendly!
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & Pomegranate
This gorgeous warm salad with nutty roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds and creamy goat cheese is perfect for any winter meal—from a weeknight dinner to Christmas dinner or any other holiday celebration.
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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!
http://floridaspaassociation.com/welcome-to-the-source/
BEST SPA ASSOCIATION SERVING FLORIDA SINCE 2009!
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