“Introducing Spa-gust: An FSA Initiative”

As founder of the FSA, I’m always focused on finding meaningful and productive ways to support our vibrant spa community across Florida. Historically, the summer season—particularly August—tends to be a slower time for the spa industry in our region. 

In response, we’re excited to announce a new FSA initiative in partnership with ResortPass to help drive business during this off-peak season. This coming August, we are launching “Spa-gust”—a dedicated spa month designed to excite and inspire engagement, increase visibility, and build business opportunities for spas throughout Florida.

“Spa-gust” will spotlight participating spas with curated experiences and exclusive offerings designed to attract both local guests and wellness-focused travelers. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to support our spa community, boost guest traffic, and strengthen long-term relationships with consumers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care.

Sign up by July 11th to participate and make “Spa-gust” a win for your spa!

Don't miss out on SPA-GUST! Turn the slow season into a successful one........

"Boost Business This Summer!" 

Wishing wellness,

Ilana



COMMUNITY NEWS

Get Ready for Florida Spa Month:

FSA "SPA-GUST" coming this AUGUST in partnership with ResortPass!

About the ResortPass "Spa-gust" Promotion

ResortPass has driven over 5 million people to top hotels and spas across the US, and Florida has the most engaged users out of all 50 states.

Join this promotion to take advantage of this complimentary marketing campaign during a low utilization month!

This promotion includes:

• Features in ResortPass email campaigns
• Prioritization on the search page
• A dedicated landing page for participating properties

Properties that participated in similar ResortPass campaigns saw an average of a 282% increase in year-over-year bookings during the promotion period!

Sign Up here by June 11th



UPCOMING EVENTS

FSA is heading to the Stunning New Opal Sol Resort 🌴

Join top spa leaders and innovative spa & wellness brands for a full-day expo designed to inspire, connect, and elevate your business.

✨ What to Expect:

• Connect with leading spa professionals and cutting-edge brands

• Gain insights during our exclusive “Lunch & Learn” featured presentation

• Wrap up the day at a lively Cocktail Reception with industry peers

This is your opportunity to explore fresh ideas, strengthen your network, and celebrate the power of our vibrant spa community.

Details coming soon — mark your calendar now!

PAST EVENTS

The FSA "Wellness Getaway" event to Remember!

"A Conversation at the Podium" with Patrick Huey, Featured Speaker

What an unforgettable time we had at FSA’s “Wellness Getaway” at the stunning re-imagined

Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa!

From a thought-provoking presentation to hands-on experiences and heartwarming moments with our spa community, the day was filled with inspiration, connection,

and the true essence of wellness.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped bring this special event to life.

We’re thankful for the memories—and can’t wait for the next chapter together!



MOVERS & SHAKERS

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. 

Shelby Kostyukovsky - Spa & Wellness Operations Manager at Fisher Island Club, Miami

Congratulations to Shelby on her new role! We’re excited to announce that Shelby has accepted the position of Spa & Wellness Manager at Fisher Island Club. With previous roles as Spa Manager at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, and Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Shelby brings extensive experience in luxury wellness operations. She’s known for her strong leadership, excellent time management, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences. 

Please join us in celebrating Shelby as she begins this exciting new chapter!

Richard Castro – Business Development Consultant, Florida G.M. Collin

We’re thrilled to welcome Richard as the new Business Development Consultant for Florida at G.M. Collin. Based in Miami, Richard brings over 12 years of experience in the skincare and spa industry, including a successful tenure with Biologique Recherche. With a strong background in client relationship management, sales growth, and market analysis, Richard has cultivated valuable partnerships with top luxury spas and hotels across the country.

We’re excited to see Richard's expertise and passion elevate G.M. Collin to new heights throughout Florida!

Leslie Ventresca– National Retail Sales & Education Director,

Blue Lagoon Skincare

We're excited to welcome Leslie as National Retail Sales and Education Director at Blue Lagoon Skincare. With a strong background in luxury beauty and wellness, Leslie brings proven success from brands like G.M. Collin, Glo Skin Beauty and Natura Bisse’, and a deep expertise in skincare and retail strategy. Known for launching innovative products in high-end spas and retail, Leslie also leads with a passion for education and building lasting industry relationships. She looks forward to enhancing Blue Lagoon’s presence in the spa community. Let's congratulate Leslie on her new venture!





FROM THE "FSA"

"VOICE -IT" Spa Talk with Mitchell

“How deep is your well?”   

Wellness, well-being, well, I ask you...how deep is the source of your well? Let's use the metaphor of the fountain of youth, or more specifically the fountain of YOUR youthfulness. Do you know the origin, or the source of your fountain's water? Plainly said, "is your reservoir of wellness a reliable and pure source?" Do you read research papers from the source of the original study or a 20-second reel on Instagram? Do you take that information and forward it to others who "need to see this", then swipe up? Or, do you type the product (or whatever) name into Google and check to see if it is reviewed or if it's a scam?

For a deep, pure, healthy "fountain of youthfulness," you kind of need to consider all of the above. Wellness & well-being require a curious mind and perpetual, fact-checking dedication. We owe it to ourselves to be vigilant about our well-intentions. We are the go-to source of information for many of our family, friends, co-workers and clients. Our informed opinions have weight and can affect ours as well as the future of others. Take this Summer to really look deep into your well. Is your source clear and strong enough to sustain you as you stay "young for a very long time?" Grab your golden shovel and dig deep enough, your true source of youthfulness will embrace a combination of science, wisdom, spirit and soul



Mitchell Berkman

Spa & Wellness Director

Porto Vita Club at Villa Grande

FSA Board Member





STAYING COMPLIANT

Do you have a DEM Policy?                                                                                                      

Even though the Designated Establishment Manager (DEM) requirement was implemented in 2019, it has become more of an issue with the changes made to Florida massage establishment law in 2024. The majority of spas are compliant, however, a few directors have found themselves navigating uncharted waters regarding this requirement. Here are a few suggestions to make sure that everyone in your facility understands and knows what is expected of the DEM.

Consider the following:

• Management should have a clear understanding of the DEM requirement and feel comfortable with the person they appoint to this position. 
• Onboarding/training documents should include DEM information and all spa staff should understand the importance of this position.
• An agreement/contract with the appointed DEM will confirm what has been reported to the Department of Health.
• Management should understand that the DEM must be notified of certain situations in a timely manner so they can be reported within the time frame required by law.

If you have not implemented a policy regarding the DEM, it would be a good idea to discuss this topic with Human Resources. This is an important legal requirement and one that leadership should understand before facing the consequences of violating this requirement.  



Crystal A. Howard

Executive President

Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA)

SPA SPOTLIGHT

Mailyn Barrios, Director of Spa.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Mailyn’s journey in the world of hospitality and wellness began in 2006 with Morgans Hotel Group. It was there that she first discovered a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences through spa and wellness services. This passion led her to Soho Beach House, where she quickly advanced to the role of Spa Manager. Over the course of nine fulfilling years, she had the privilege of helping to shape a spa culture rooted in authenticity, care, and service excellence.

She was later offered an exciting opportunity to reopen the iconic Mondrian South Beach as Spa Director, where she led the transformation of the spa under the newly envisioned Baia Beach Club & Spa. This role allowed her to oversee not just operations, but the full rebranding and reinvention of the spa experience—a challenge that deepened her leadership skills and creative vision.

From there, she joined the members-only club at The Standard Hotel, Miami Beach, known for its vibrant and holistic approach to wellness. Mailyn’s time there reinforced her belief in the importance of community and personalization in spa service. She then transitioned to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, where she was honored to work alongside industry veteran Brian Brytus. This chapter of Mailyn’s career was instrumental in refining her approach to luxury hospitality, team leadership, and elevated guest experiences.

Today, Mailyn is proud to serve as Spa Director at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale—bringing her experience full circle and allowing her to lead a talented team. She is committed to fostering a spa environment that prioritizes wellness, innovation, and genuine care for all her guests and team members alike.



When Mailyn is not at the spa, she enjoys spending time with her family in Key Largo or traveling abroad in search of new experiences, cultures, and inspirations. If she had to choose one cuisine to enjoy for the rest of her life, it would be sushi—fresh, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.

FSA RESOURCE PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

Cultivating Clarity: Where Plant-Based Innovation Meets Professional Skincare

In a crowded skincare market, ClarityRx has carved a distinct path—one rooted in clinical precision and nurtured by the power of nature. This professional skincare brand is trusted by estheticians for good reason: every formula is intentionally crafted to bridge clean, medical-grade ingredients with visible, transformative results.

At the heart of ClarityRx’s approach is a belief that skincare should feel as good as it works. That’s why its sensorial, plant-powered formulas don’t just deliver on results; they enhance the guest experience and elevate everyday routines into moments of care and confidence.

A Results-Driven Brand with Purpose

ClarityRx offers customizable protocols, a robust professional and retail collection that serve a wide range of skin concerns without compromising on ingredient integrity. Products are proudly manufactured in the U.S. under FDA guidelines and are free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, colors, sulfates, and animal testing.

The brand supports its spa partners with comprehensive education, virtual and in-person training, business planning tools, and marketing assets designed to drive both team engagement and retail success.

The Four Hero Collections: Skin Solutions Simplified

ClarityRx’s skincare philosophy is anchored in four core hero categories, each designed to target specific skin goals with botanical precision and clinical strength:



• Daily Dose of Water™ (Hydration): Powered by multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid, this collection deeply hydrates, plumps, and locks in moisture—supporting skin that’s supple and radiant all day.
• Better With Age™ (Anti-Aging): Formulated with Bakuchiol, peptides, and growth factor technology, these age-defying products promote smoother texture, improved elasticity, and a youthful glow.
• C-Results™ (Brightening): Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C) and antioxidant-rich botanicals work to reduce pigmentation, firm skin, and restore luminosity.
• Return to Calm™ (Sensitivity Support): Infused with Phyto cannabinoids and omega-rich plant oils, this soothing line calms irritation, supports barrier health, and reduces redness.

Each collection is designed for professional use and at-home care, allowing spa partners to create treatment plans that are as flexible as they are effective.

NEW: Better With Age™ Phyto Growth Factor Serum

This August, ClarityRx will expand its Better With Age™ line with the launch of Phyto Growth

Factor Serum—a cutting-edge formula featuring plant-derived growth factors and marine kelp to help regenerate and restore mature skin.

Designed to mimic the skin’s natural growth factor function (which decreases as we age), this powerful serum supports collagen production, enhances elasticity, and visibly reduces even the most stubborn fine lines.

Key ingredients include:

• Phyto Growth Factors: Promote skin regeneration and protect against collagen breakdown.
• Centella Asiatica & Plant Stem Cells: Aid healing and firming.
• Marine Kelp & Cucumber Extract: Hydrate, soothe, and deliver antioxidant protection.
• Sodium PCA: Maintains optimal moisture levels.



More Than a Product Line—A Spa Partner

ClarityRx believes in partnership over product push. Whether you're refining your facial menu, refreshing your retail mix, or training a new team, ClarityRx offers flexible, effective solutions tailored to your spa's goals. As the wellness landscape continues to evolve, brands like ClarityRx are leading the way—proving that clean, clinical, and customizable skincare can coexist in harmony.

To learn more visit www.clarityrx.com. 

How to Combat the Top 7 Productivity

Killers in the Workplace

Discover how to enhance productivity amid a host of

common distractions



Staying productive at work can be a real challenge with so many distractions and interruptions. From constant email and Microsoft Teams notifications to endless meetings, efficiency can easily suffer. 

Rasmus Holst, chief executive officer of the employee development platform Zensai reveals how to tackle the biggest productivity killers in the workplace, help you focus, and create an effective work atmosphere to get things done. 

1. Switch off non-essential notifications during work hours 

Social media and smartphones are huge distractions in the workplace, often pulling attention away from work tasks with constant notifications and the lure of endless scrolling. 

How to Build a Wellness Strategy that

Addresses Employees' Needs

Wellness initiatives often sound good on paper — but if no one's showing up, it's time to rethink what "wellness" actually means to your workforce.

Let’s face it: offering employees access to a mindfulness app, or curating a fruit basket, aren't at the core of a good a wellness strategy — rather, they are tools that support the approach.

And while free yoga sessions and wellness webinars are well-intentioned, they often miss the mark when no one attends.

Employees today are seeking something deeper. In a world where burnout is baked into the pace of work, wellness isn’t a “perk”— it’s a priority. But the best strategies start by asking a simple question: What do our people actually need to feel well at work?  

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable Spas:

The Green Innovators Competing for the 2025 Spa Awards

The spa industry is undergoing a significant transformation as more and more wellness centers recognize the importance of environmental responsibility. In 2025, sustainability is becoming a driving force in the spa industry, with more spas adopting eco-friendly practices and promoting greener, more sustainable treatments. As the 2025 Spa Awards approach, many of the top contenders for Best Sustainable Spa are taking bold steps to reduce their carbon footprint, integrate natural materials, and promote environmental awareness among their guests. Let’s explore some of the green innovators that are leading the way toward a more sustainable future in the spa industry.

FSA 2025 CALENDAR

Be Connected . Be Involved . Grow your Business

VISIT US

www.floridaspaassociation.com

Discover the power of connection with Florida's #1 rated spa platform, dedicated exclusively to our vivacious local spa community. This is your opportunity to unite with industry leaders, exchange game-changing ideas, and broaden your professional network. Take your business to new heights of profitable growth and watch your business flourish.

Get on board with FSA & S4L Events!

This is your chance to get involved...be connected...grow your business!

Join us and let's elevate the Florida spa scene together.

Perfect Paleo Pizza

Paleo pizza delivers a delicious, clean-eating alternative to the classic favorite. Made with nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s the perfect way to indulge while staying true to your Paleo lifestyle.

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!