Spa Inc. Winter 22/23

TOP

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There’s satisfaction in being on top. After all, what company doesn’t strive to be the best? However, achieving accolades means more than simply recognition for a business at the top of its game. Recognition can come with benefits: more clients, and, inevitably, more revenue.

This is no different in the ever-growing spa industry. (According to Statista, in 2021, there were more than 21,000 spas in the U.S.) While we don’t see those large numbers reflected in the Canadian spa industry, we can say we had the largest number of submissions for 2022’s Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards (p. 10).

These awards acknowledge the best and the brightest in wellness. In this issue, we celebrate the winners—from Top Day Spa to Top Destination Spa, and everything in between. When you read about them, you’ll agree that they are truly the country’s models of excellence and brilliance.

Top-notch spas have not only excellent services, but also excellent staff. After all, you want to retain employees who take pride in their work and go above and beyond for your clients. But there’s an art to keeping these professionals. Grace Burzese, founder of Beauty Incubator Recruitment, looks at several ways—including offering comprehensive employees benefits and building an employee-focused culture—to attract and retain the best talent (p. 24).

As usual, our Fresh & New (p. 28) section provides an array of products to discover, including a hand sanitizer with CBD that will leave your skin not only germ-free but soft and smooth, and gorgeous nail shades from Dazzle Dry.

Enjoy the issue, and congratulations to the award winners!

Jana Manolakos MANAGING EDITOR

WINTER 2023 Award Winner

ISSN 1710 -1727

Volume 18, Number 5

Publisher Susan A. Browne sbrowne@dvtail.com

Managing Editor Jana Manolakos (on leave)

Copy Editor Brooke Smith

Contributors Grace Burzese Chris Ryall

Senior Account Amanda Lewis Executive 905.886.6640 ext 331 alewis@SpaInc.ca

Director Stephanie Wilson of Marketing swilson@dvtail.com

Production Crystal Himes Manager chimes@dvtail.com

Art Director Charlene Everest ceverest@dvtail.com

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President: Susan A. Browne Tel: 905.886.6640 Fax: 905.886.6615 Email: general@dvtail.com

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SPA EASTMAN VOTED CANADA’S BEST WELLNESS RETREAT

For a second consecutive year, Spa Eastman has been voted Canada’s Best Wellness Retreat by the World Spa Awards.

To meet every individual’s unique wellness needs, Spa Eastman offers private consultations, themed retreats, and seminars that explore a range of disciplines and practices, through such means as Ayurveda, diet, and deco therapy. Spa founder and president Jocelyna Dubuc explained, “Whether you know exactly what your goals are, or you don’t know where to start, our programming and services will steer you in the right direction.”

The spa aims to foster positive relationships through such initiatives as a communal dining table where guests gather and share a meal, and its themed retreats where groups of people with similar challenges attend seminars together. “During our retreats, the comments we hear most often are how a great chemistry always develops between the members of a group, leading to instant friendships! Participants also comment on the kindness of the facilitators,” explained Marie-Ève Gosselin, the spa’s individual and group manager.

Three other Canadian spas were recognized by the World Spa Awards. These included Guerlain Spa at Hotel X (named Canada’s best hotel spa); Spa Rosseau at the Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa (Canada’s best resort spa); and Hammam Spa by Céla (Canada’s best day spa).

Study shows that wellness spending leads to a longer, happier life

Consumer spending on wellness has exploded into a multitrillion-dollar market, but is any of it making a difference on people’s well-being and physical and mental health? A new report released by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), "Defining Wellness Policy," says “yes.” The report includes the first-ever quantitative analysis that determines the relationship between wellness spending, health outcomes, and happiness across countries. It demonstrated that spending on wellness is strongly and positively correlated with increased longevity and happiness, not only for the “wealthy well” but across the board.

“As we dived into this research, it quickly became obvious that health and wellness should be embedded in the priorities for all policymaking,” said Katherine Johnston, GWI senior research fellow. “As compared to sustainability — which has been in policy conversations for so long — it is astonishing that no one has talked about wellness as a comprehensive, cross-cutting policy category in government circles. The health of people should be paramount, just like the health of the planet, and really, the two go hand in hand. We hope that this study and GWI’s upcoming wellness policy toolkits will kick-start a global conversation and more research in this area.”

Across countries, for every $844 increase in wellness spending per person, the average happiness level increases by nearly 7%. An increase of $769 in wellness spending per capita is associated with 1.26 years of extra life. While correlation does not necessarily mean causation, these important results clearly signal that there are health and well-being benefits from wellness spending.

Ophelia Yeung, GWI senior research fellow, explains, “We believe that wellness policy is crucial for bringing the benefits of wellness to everyone, especially to those who cannot pay for it or who face barriers to living a healthy lifestyle.”

leading lights LUMINARIES

MEET THE WINNERS OF THE 2022 CANADIAN SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS

From coast to coast, the industry’s best and brightest were applauded in this year’s Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards, earning recognition as shining beacons of excellence and inspiration.

This year saw the largest number of submissions in the history

of the awards, a clear indicator that Canada’s spa industry is flourishing. It made the selection of winners, from a field of over 1,500 outstanding submissions, that much harder for the judges.

The awards also expanded to include two new categories: The Top Innovative Spa Product and Top Innovative Spa Treatment categories pay homage to the pioneering spirit of our industry, and an undaunting commitment to excellence that no doubt will push the industry up the billboard on the world stage.

TOP DESTINATION SPA BALNEA SPA + RÉSERVE THERMALE

BROMONT, QUÉBEC balnea.ca/en

Sophisticated and professional treatments, impeccable service, and healthy cuisine at its Lumami restaurant are framed by a breathtaking mountainside location and sparkling lake. BALNEA offers a range of wellness services, complemented by a rich menu of personalized treatments. BALNEA pays homage to the art of living and this year expanded its repertoire of wellness classes with the addition of stand-up paddle board yoga, Shinrin Yoku, and a 60-minute guided trail run.

STE. ANNE’S SPA

GRAFTON, ONTARIO steannes.com

A popular wellness destination, Ste. Anne’s Spa is currently booking six months in advance. The spa offers a full-service experience with treatments that revitalize the senses and the soul. Tailored to meet individual needs, the spa has an array of seasonal, heat and hydro, body, and aesthetic treatments, augmented by yoga classes, guided meditation, stretching, and garden tours. The spa’s restaurant takes its inspiration from the picturesque countryside, with fresh, local produce on a menu that elevates health and well-being.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP NEW SPA VETTÄ NORDIC SPA

ORO-MEDONTE, ONTARIO

vettaspa.com

Since opening this past January, Vettä Nordic Spa has brought the authentic Finnish spa experience to countless guests in Canada and is home to the world’s largest saunas. With a Finnish architect and designer, a Finnish founder, and even wood siding imported from Finnish Siparila trees, woodburning sauna heaters from Finland, and Finnish-designed glass enclosures offer’s guests an indulgent experience where they can properly disconnect and rejuvenate body, mind, and soul.

TOP DAY SPA SCANDINAVE SPA BLUE MOUNTAIN

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ONTARIO

scandinave.com/en/bluemountain

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, a four-season day spa in Ontario, is embraced by tree-lined shores along Georgian Bay. Overlooking a UNESCO world biosphere reserve, the property evokes serenity through nature, underscored through its forest-bathing experience on one of only two certified trails in Canada. A unique outdoor Scandinavian hydrotherapy circuit is complemented by massage services for sublime relaxation. An on-site bistro serves healthy snacks and light meals.

TOP MEDI-SPA

VICTORIA PARK MEDISPA

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC vicpark.com

A beacon of quality services, from skin rejuvenation and body contouring, to skin pigmentation and acne remedies, treatments are carefully supervised by a team of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and aesthetic dermatologists. Known for its leading-edge skincare, muscle-toning, and fat-burning treatments, the spa champions client education and has its own YouTube channels to inform consumers of treatments and ways to combat aging, weight issues, and other body and skincare challenges.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP HYDRO SPA THERMËA BY NORDIK

SPA-NATURE

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA thermea.ca

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature in Winnipeg is mainly focused on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques, but it also offers a gourmet experience in its restaurant, complete with a home-delivery service. Based on a 2,000-year-old Nordic tradition, the spa’s thermal cycle is a heat therapy treatment that takes clients from a sauna to an icy waterfall or cold bath, and rest period, eliciting deep feelings of calm and relaxation.

Recruitment partner of choice for Canada's leading spas, aesthetic clinics and wellness centres

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP HOTEL SPA SPA MYBLEND AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, TORONTO TORONTO, ONTARIO

spamyblendtoronto.com

Nothing is overlooked at Spa myBlend at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto. A bright, airy space anchors 16 beautifully appointed treatment rooms, therapeutic green tea-infused vitality pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, dry saunas, and a saltwater lap pool and Jacuzzi. A state-of-the-art fitness centre and partnership with Innovative Fitness Personal Training provide the perfect experience for guests looking to work up a sweat tailored just for them.

EDUCATION AWARD DERMASPARK PRODUCTS INC.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA dermaspark.com

DermaSpark is a Canadian distribution company that represents several leading brands in the Canadian medical-aesthetic market. DermaSpark believes that proper training and education are key to its clients’ success, and it invests considerable resources in continual, up-to-date, and robust education programs for all of its technologies and products. Educational offerings range from comprehensive technical, clinical, and practical training to seminars — and even an online portal with updated resources, training videos, and seminar recordings.

As a judge for this year of the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards, I had the privilege to value the stellar performance and effort aesthetics professionals put into their work. I am thankful for being able to contribute to such excellent awards and recognize the highly professional industry leaders and those who just started their professional journeys.

— Irina Yushvaeva, Seneca College professor

Canadian Spa

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP SPA PARTNER SEAFLORA SKINCARE

SOOKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA seafloraskincare.com

All Seaflora products are formulated and hand-crafted in Sooke, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. All seaweeds, sea muds ,and sea salts infused into every Seaflora Skincare formulation are hand-harvested in the nearby Salish Sea. Beyond providing their spa guests with an exhilarating and informative beach walk, where they learn about seaweed, the Seaflora team provides outstanding spa support for training, staff events, new product ideas, new treatment protocols, and more.

NEW! TOP INNOVATIVE SPA PRODUCT

GLACIAL CLAY & CHAGA MUSHROOM RESURFACING BODY SERUM

Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets Inc.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA beautythroughbalance.ca/spa-products/glacialclay-chaga-mushroom

In June, Beauty Through Balance launched its newest product, Glacial Clay & Chaga Mushroom Resurfacing Body Serum. The company is one of the first local manufacturers in British Columbia to incorporate Canadian wild-harvested, dual-extracted chaga mushroom. The product is created with local, sustainably indigenous ingredients that are handharvested, following strict guidelines to protect the environment. This unique product is easy to use and packaged in an eco-friendly frosted glass jar.

Canadian Spa

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD

SKINPROVEMENT MEDI SPA & LASER CLINIC

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO skinprovement.ca

PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

SKINPROVEMENT MEDI SPA & LASER CLINIC VAUGHAN, ONTARIO skinprovement.ca

Giving back lies at the core of Skinprovement, which consistently has helped those in need and supported several community initiatives and foundations. This includes donating to organizations such as Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, Hospice Vaughan, and Waves of Change for Autism, and a $170,000 pledge for a new ICU room in a local hospital. Skinprovement continues offering free microbladed eyebrows for those suffering from cancer and other illnesses.

NEW! TOP INNOVATIVE SPA TREATMENT ANCESTRAL WISDOM FACELIFT MASSAGE

Spa Phiane Inc. L'œuvre de beauté BOUCHERVILLE, QUÉBEC spaphianeinc.com

Combining ancient wisdom with traditional Eastern medicine, the Ancestral Wisdom Facelift Massage by Spa Phiane Inc. L'œuvre de beauté has won international acclaim. The unique technique developed by Phiane, the spa’s award-winning facialist, combines rhythmic Southeast Asian dance with gentle stimulation of the body’s meridians leading to the head and face. The treatment activates the reflex points on the face to allow energy to flow, effectively lifting, rejuvenating, and tightening facial skin.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

RIVERSTONE SPA

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA riverstonespa.ca

THE SPA AT THE ST. REGIS TORONTO TORONTO, ONTARIO stregistorontospa.com

Winning can be a staff morale booster and create a sense of pride — who doesn’t want to work for an awardwinning spa or supplier? The award and using the award logo on your website, and marketing materials will give reassurance and credibility to both current and potential spa clients. It can help drive more revenue. These awards are a valuable marketing and promotional tool for businesses at no cost.

— Chris Ryall, President, Travel Marketing Experts

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Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP 25 SPAS IN CANADA

ACHIEVE WELLNESS SPA FORT MCMURRARY, ALBERTA achievewellnessspa.com

ANCIENT CEDARS SPA

TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA wickinn.com/ancient-cedars-spa/

BALNEA SPA + RÉSERVE

THERMALE BROMONT, QUÉBEC balnea.ca/en

BOTA BOTA, SPA-SUR-L’EAU

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC botabota.ca/en/

BURNING SPRINGS SPA & THERMAL POOLS

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO burningspringsspa.com/

CHI, THE SPA AT SHANGRI-LA

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA shangri-la.com/vancouver/shangrila/ health-leisure/chi-the-spa/

DOL-ÁS SPA

FOX HARBOUR, NOVA SCOTIA foxharbr.com/spa/

ECLIPSE NORDIC HOT SPRINGS

WHITEHORSE, YUKON eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/

ELMWOOD SPA

TORONTO, ONTARIO elmwoodspa.com

FAIRMONT SPA BANFF SPRINGS

BANFF, ALBERTA fairmont.com/banff-springs/spa/thefairmont-banff-springs-spa/

GUERLAIN SPA AT HOTEL X TORONTO TORONTO, ONTARIO guerlainspatoronto.com

HAMMAM SPA BY CÉLA TORONTO, ONTARIO hammamspa.ca/

IWA SPA

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ONTARIO iwaspa.ca

KANANASKIS NORDIC SPA

TURNER VALLEY, ALBERTA knordicspa.com/

PACIFIC MIST SPA AT THE KINGFISHER OCEANSIDE RESORT & SPA COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA kingfisherspa.com/spa-hydropath/

SCANDINAVE SPA BLUE MOUNTAIN

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ONTARIO scandinave.com/en/bluemountain

SPA AT FOUR SEASONS TORONTO TORONTO, ONTARIO fourseasons.com/toronto/spa/

SPA EASTMAN EASTMAN, QUÉBEC spa-eastman.com/en/

SPA MYBLEND AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, TORONTO TORONTO, ONTARIO spamyblendtoronto.com/

STE. ANNE’S SPA GRAFTON, ONTARIO steannes.com

TEN SPA WINNIPEG, MANITOBA tenspa.ca

THE ELORA MILL SPA ELORA, ONTARIO eloramill.ca

THE SPA AT LANGDON HALL CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO langdonhall.ca/

THE SPA AT NITA LAKE LODGE WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA nitalakelodge.com/spa

WILLOW STREAM SPA AT THE FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA fairmontpacificrim.com/willow-stream-spa/

IN THE PURSUIT OF QUALITY

RAISING THE BAR WHILE INSPIRING STAFF

BY CHRIS RYALL

Quality matters. It is especially important in the spa industry where a lack of quality in services and operations can compromise safety, hygiene, and staff/ client retention.

I visit many spas throughout the year both in Canada and around the world, and it’s always refreshing to experience spas that profess and demonstrate quality. It makes me proud to be involved in and write about an industry committed to service excellence.

Quality Control Is a “Ritzy” Business

I recently visited the Spa myBlend (formerly, Spa My Blend by Clarins) at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. It was launching its newly reformulated myBlend product line and a curated collection of personalized services designed for clients’ individual needs.

The spa introduced six new face and body treatments using the new myBlend CellSynergy device, which focuses on a person’s areas of concern including tone, fine lines, wrinkles, hydration, and firmness. The device promotes skin regeneration by combining cryotherapy, ultrasound, and microcurrent energies.

A team from France spent weeks training the Toronto spa staff in the techniques and the technology, as well as evaluating client needs.

Maggee Byrd, director of spa, explains, “Providing memorable experiences is our focus, and you can really only achieve that with a true focus on quality.”

Byrd defines quality as, “Providing the finest personal service and facilities for our guests. We achieve these results with our incredible Ritz-Carlton ladies and gentlemen, and our continuous focus on our five-star standards and protocols.” All guests are asked to complete a survey used to evaluate what went right and where the spa might improve the quality level. “We maintain very high standards, monitor and audit those standards, and always train and retrain. Consistency is critically important, and we strive for the highest level of service every day.”

Motivating Staff to Ensure Quality

Maintaining quality is no easy task for spa owners and is essential for a successful spa operation. Staff need to buy into it and iwa Spa, an innovative spa in Blue Mountain Village, Ontario, has developed different programs for staff to keep them motivated and guests satisfied.

“Our Why to Inspire Wellness always extends not just to our guests but to our team and community,” says Jenevieve Dennis, iwa spa director. “Each team member understands, ‘KARMA,’ which stands for Kindness, Attitude, Respect, Manners, and Accountability. These are the foundations that make the day-today flow effortlessly.”

Iwa Spa uses the KARMA culture for a peer-to-peer recognition system called “Gotcha,” where team members recognize one anotherfor KARMA-aligned behaviours. Team members can earn prizes, but, more importantly, it strengthens communication and

team building. KARMA culture is also used in twice-yearly performance reviews where there is a genuine two-way dialogue in which members can talk about their career goals.

Setting National Quality Standards

Caroline Bédard, project manager for L'association Québécoise s representing more than 60 spa establishments in Québec, created a SPA Certification of Excellence in 2018 aimed at recognizing the compliance of its members with the requirements of its quality program.

“This certification is only granted to establishments that meet the highest standards in terms of professionalism, quality of care, water quality, and hygiene,” says Bédard. In addition, to be subjected to mystery inspections, each certified spa is governed

“Providing memorable experiences is our focus, and you can really only achieve that with a true focus on quality.”

— Maggee Byrd, director of Spa myBlend

by rigorous quality standards, defined according to the highest industry standards.”

On a national level, Kathryn Gallagher, chair of the board of Leading Spas of Canada, says the organization is very proud of developing the first and only Quality Assurance (QA) program in Canada which was launched in 2009. Knowing how important it was to the industry and the spa-going public it was created by health inspectors and experienced spa industry owners and directors to verify the quality and integrity of the services and practices spas provide.

“This is achieved by an evaluation process that includes interviews, documentation on standards and processes and more,” says Gallagher. “We not only feel that creating this program was critical in an industry that is unregulated, but it gives confidence to clients, employees, government agencies

and the general public that these spas are meeting national standards and consumers are getting a safe and quality experience.”

Employees Impact Quality

Spas must look at ways to retain staff with increased training and employee incentives which will have a positive effect on the quality of the spa operation, the service levels employees provide guests and profitability. Keeping employees is critical for the spa industry to be successful in the future. In the most recent 2021 U.S. Spa Industry Study compiled by ISPA with PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), it indicated that of spa professionals responding to the study don’t have enough staff to 68% service guest requests, which means lost revenue for spas. Even though this is a U.S. study, Canadian spas have seen similar patterns.

“This certification is only granted to establishments that meet the highest standards in terms of professionalism, quality of care, water quality, and hygiene.”

— Caroline Bédard, project manager of L'association Québécoise des Spas

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INTRODUCING

THE WINNERS

Congratulations, and thank you for exemplifying the best of Canada’s spa and wellness industry.

TOP 25 SPAS IN CANADA

Achieve Wellness Spa

Ancient Cedars Spa

BALNEA spa + réserve thermale

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau

Burning Springs Spa & Thermal Pools

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La

Dol-ás Spa

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Elmwood Spa

Fairmont Spa Banff Springs

Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto

Hammam Spa by Céla

iwa Spa

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Pacific Mist Spa at the Kingfisher

Oceanside Resort & Spa

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

Spa at Four Seasons Toronto

Spa Eastman

Spa myBlend at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Ste. Anne’s Spa

Ten Spa

The Elora Mill Spa

The Spa at Langdon Hall

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge

Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim

TOP DESTINATION SPA

BALNEA spa + réserve thermale

Ste. Anne’s Spa

TOP NEW SPA

Vettä Nordic Spa

TOP DAY SPA

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

TOP MEDI-SPA

Victoria Park Medispa

TOP HYDRO SPA

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature

TOP HOTEL SPA

Spa myBlend at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

EDUCATION AWARD

DermaSpark Products Inc.

TOP SPA PARTNER

Seaflora Skincare

CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD

Skinprovement Medi Spa & Laser Clinic

PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Skinprovement Medi Spa & Laser Clinic

TOP INNOVATIVE SPA PRODUCT

Glacial Clay & Chaga Mushroom Resurfacing Body Serum

Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets Inc.

TOP INNOVATIVE SPA TREATMENT

Ancestral Wisdom Facelift Massage

Spa Phiane Inc. L’œuvre de beauté

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Riverstone Spa

The Spa at The St. Regis Toronto

THANK YOU TO OUR ESTEEMED JUDGING PANEL

Amanda O’Shea

Chris Ryall

Irina Yushvaeva

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Jana Manolakos

Vivienne O’Keeffe

Wanda Love

Attracting and Keeping theBest Talent

BY GRACE BURZESE

In today’s talent pool, attracting the best candidate is not easy. You offer a competitive salary and benefits package, but so do your competitors. Today, candidates are looking beyond benefits and compensation — instead, work/life balance, and company culture are top of mind, these days, so what can you do to attract the best talent?

Be intentional with your hiring process

Most of us can appreciate the sense of urgency to fill a vacant position; however, it’s important to first take the time to identify the skills and values important to you so you can create a clear job design. This allows you to identify and target suitable candidates and give candidates the ability to evaluate if the position aligns with their core values and if it's a good fit for them before the interview process begins.

Implement a strategic recruitment and onboarding process

A candidate's first impression of what it could be like working for you is formed during the recruitment process. Recruitment is a two-way street. You are interviewing them, but they are also interviewing you...you both need to put your best foot forward.

Following a successful recruit, it’s important to help new employees feel connected to their roles and your brand. It can be overwhelming for a new employee when they first join a team, and a lack of training can be off-putting. Instead, set your team up for success and provide adequate training. Keep in mind we all learn differently. Some of us are visual learners, some auditory, others are kinesthetic. Tailoring the training as much as possible to the

employee’s learning style not only ensures a successful and efficient onboarding process, but also shows you are invested in the success of the team. And don’t forget to check in with new employees regularly to make sure everything is going well.

Build an employee-focused culture

Employees wanted to feel connected to their work. Creating a workplace environment where communication, creativity, and ideas are encouraged and welcomed not only increases employee performance but also reinforces a shared sense of purpose and a common goal they are all working toward together as a team.

Provide career development opportunities

Career development can attract quality candidates and help you retain valued employees. Offering programs that allow employees to enhance their skill set, and career advancement keeps team members motivated, engaged, and invested, and shows potential new employees that you value them as professionals and that there is opportunity for career growth by being part of your team.

Offer a comprehensive employee benefits package

Employees want to feel appreciated for their time and efforts and this can be incorporated in a standard compensation package, however employees are increasingly placing higher importance on benefits that reflect mental health and well-being.

So, what does this mean for business owners? It means of course, offering a competitive salary, but you should also ask ‘what’s important to your employees.’ Here are a few suggestions of

From a business perspective, having a continual revolving door of staff hits your bottom line. We sometimes don’t realize the cost involved in the hiring and onboarding process.

Following a successful recruit, it’s important to help new employees feel connected to their roles and your brand.

benefits that might be suitable for your business:

• Birthdays off

• Flexible work schedule

• Remote/hybrid working

• Complimentary staff services

• Complimentary staff parking

• Subsidized fitness membership

• Allocate a dollar amount for skincare products quarterly

• Health benefits

• Continual professional development sessions for staff

If you are rethinking your compensation package, have individual conversations with staff members to better understand what’s important to them and build from there. Sometimes it’s the trivial things that make the biggest impact on your team.

Provide management with the necessary tools to engage the team

We can be so focused on recruitment and retention of staff that we unintentionally neglect talking about the management team. Like any department of your organization managers also need professional development to provide good leadership. Your management team directly impacts your employees; dysfunctional management can quickly destroy team morale.

Empowering your leaders with tools and techniques to communicate effectively, to support and encourage professional development, to nurture team mentality, to recognize an employee in need of assistance and being able to give the required level support can all influence team moral and drive success.

Return on your investment

Quality staff and retention are essential for the success of any business. If you have good and valued staff members, treat them well — they’re your greatest asset.

From a business perspective, having a continual revolving door

of staff hits your bottom line. We sometimes don’t realize the cost involved in the hiring and onboarding process, so consider the following: How long does it take to fill a vacant position? How long does it take for a new hire to get up to speed and generate revenue? Is training a new hire taking someone else away from their work or slowing them down? And how long do they stay before you start the process again? You may not see it, but all of the above have costs attached.

Also remember that:

• If you provide your staff with continual professional development, they will be better equipped to consult with clients about additional beneficial products and treatment plans thereby increasing sales.

• The energy from a happy and motivated team filters down into the vibe of your business, clients can feel it and if you’re known as a positive workplace this will help you attract the best talent.

• Treating your staff well and not having a revolving door mentality means that your clients are able to build relationships with their treatment providers. People buy from people they trust, if a client’s service provider is constantly changing there is no opportunity for a relationship to be built.

Creating a positive work environment doesn’t happen overnight, but it is the key in recruiting and retaining the best talent. By simply looking after your employees and treating them well your team will not only thrive, but your business will see a reduction in disruption and costs associated with recruitment and an increase in revenue and profits.

Grace Burzese is the Founder of Beauty Incubator Recruitment, the recruitment partner of choice for leading spas, aesthetics clinics, and wellness centres across Canada and the U.S.

If you provide your staff with continual professional development, they will be better equipped to consult with clients about additional beneficial products and treatment plans thereby increasing sales.

Attributes of an Engaging Leader

An engaging spa leader is vital for a successful workplace; they have a positive effect on job satisfaction and employee performance. So, what makes an engaging spa leader?

TRUST AND INTEGRITY

A good leader recognizes the importance of getting to know their team and developing trust among their colleagues. They engage with their team and encourage employees to participate in projects and activities to work together in setting and achieving goals. They will also act with integrity and take responsibility if they fall short on objectives or make mistakes.

SELF-AWARENESS

Management is a skill, and effective leaders are aware of the areas in their management styles that could be improved upon. They will take the initiative to learn and develop these skills to become more successful in their roles.

GRATITUDE

Sometimes we assume our team knows that we are thankful, and we can underestimate how impactful hearing the words “thank you” can be on morale. Showing gratitude and appreciation for your team’s efforts is customary practice for an engaging leader.

There are some people who are natural born leaders; they possess the ability to connect with others to effectively manage and lead groups of people. The natural leader in your team will be the person your employees trust, a team member who is approachable and empathic, someone who is respectful toward others and treats everyone equally. As business owners, when selecting our managers, we can put more emphasis on performance and “experience” and forget to consider how a leader’s lack of ability to build engaging relationships with employees can have a negative effect on team morale and performance. The most successful businesses understand that an engaging and trusted leader is vital for a successful workplace. Having the right leadership in place has a positive effect on job satisfaction and employee retention and engagement — all of which increase overall team performance.

OCOSMEDICS O Rejuv Facial Device

The ultimate home-care system designed to lift, firm, tone, and detoxify the skin. This compact, non-invasive, multifunctional device works by combining thermal massage, low-level EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) technology, and LED therapy to stimulate microcirculation and oxygenate the skin for healthier blood flow and nutrient delivery.

CANDASCENT LABS

Waterless Diffuser & MOJO Diffuser Blend Set

Transform your space into a forestbathing meditation experience with this sleek waterless diffuser and MOJO diffuser blend. Blended with certified organic essential oils like fir balsam, black spruce, and cypress, you feel transported into the forest where the aromas are rich in phytoncides, molecules that some studies suggest defend trees and humans. The diffuser is travel-friendly, USB rechargeable, and simple to use.

PEVONIA ProCorrective Clear-Control System

Pevonia Natural Skincare has introduced its latest innovation: the ProCorrective Clear-Control System for acne and breakout-prone skin. Formulated with nature's repairing agents, these treatments encourage rapid recovery, clear and control breakouts, rid the skin of impurities, and diminish bacteria, oiliness, and shine for a clearer, soothed matte complexion.

LUMIBLOOM CBD Hand Sanitizer Spray

Gently spray the day’s grime away with LumiBloom’s hand sanitizer. With ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E, the CBD Hand Sanitizer Spray kills germs without harshly stripping the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. LumiBloom is a BIPOC-owned and CBD-powered beauty and wellness brand.

BABOR Doctor Babor Power Serum Ampoules

Babor recently introduced a set of powerful ampoule serum concentrates that promise greater results. Six pure, precisely co-ordinated high-tech formulas with multi-active ingredients and innovative, science-based solutions target skin concerns in seven days and offer visible results after one application. They’re free from fragrances, synthetic dyes, synthetic polymers, parabens, and silicones.

DAZZLE DRY Winter Wishes Mini Flight

Just in time for colder weather, Dazzle Dry’s Winter Wishes Mini Flight of lacquers will keep your heart warm with such rich hues as Rum Raisin, a gorgeous chocolate plum; the lovely muted honey dew green of Pistachio; a full coverage French Vanilla; the deep, heartwarming burgundy and subtle shimmer of Merlot; and a fresh metallic pine green, called Juniper.

OBAGI Hydro-Drops Facial Serum

An innovative hydrator with cutting-edge Isoplentix technology, this golden serum provides vitamin B3, Abyssinian oil, and hibiscus oil in their purest forms and leaves skin looking smoother, more radiant, and feeling hydrated all day. An instant infusion of hydration helps soften fine lines and wrinkles for a more radiant, healthylooking skin with continued use.

SKINMEDICA Lumivive

This two-step system gives your skin more power to resist the environment’s attack during the day and recover itself overnight. With full atmospheric protection against blue light and pollution, you may see truly radiant skin in as little as 14 days. The Lumivive Day Defense Serum and Lumivive Night Revitalize Complex are appropriate for all skin types and tones.

PCA SKIN Après Peel Hydrating Balm

Ideal for all skin types, PCA Skin’s hydrating balm is a light-textured moisturizer that replenishes dry or aging skin. It improves collagen and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants provide further skin protection for aging skin. Its key ingredients include chasteberry fruit extract, soy isoflavones, olive fruit oil, wheat germ oil, and hydrolyzed milk protein.

COMPHY COMPANY Spa quilted blanket

Ideal for any treatment table, these blankets are lightweight, breathable, and luxuriously soft and designed to wick away moisture. Lighter than the standard cotton bedding, Comphy microfibre material dries faster and lasts two to three times longer. And, it comes in a variety of colours.

JENNIFER BRODEUR

TAKING TIME TO SMELL THE PEONIES

BY JANA MANOLAKOS

Jennifer Brodeur, founder of JB Skin Sävvi, is an inspiring female entrepreneur, teacher, and skin strategist with over 20 years of experience in the aesthetics beauty industry. Known for her expertise in light therapy, she created Max+ in 2003, a popular LED light therapy device used by aestheticians. The success of Max+ positioned her as a global light therapy consultant, which attracted an elite clientele. JB Skin Sävvi was launched in 2016 with an inaugural skincare collection, PEONI. We caught up with the vibrant entrepreneur from her farm in Québec.

How did you get started in aesthetics?

I was fascinated by the complexity of skin. The “why” and the “how.” I decided to forgo law school and sign up to the aesthetics course. For the first seven years of my career, I was teaching biology and chemistry skin analysis, and working in an aesthetics salon while completing my bachelor's.

How are you able to balance an incredibly successful career with your personal well-being?

For me, connecting with nature enables me to stay grounded, nothing in nature is rushed. My life on the farm is translated into everything we do and it starts from within. Therefore, I began with peony root extract. From planting peony roots, to weeding, to the product ideation, to the production, to the packaging. Each product, when created and introduced, is an extension of me. How I view skin, how I view nature and beauty.

You have provided skin consultation and treatments to some of the world’s most influential women; Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. What insights did you gain from these inspiring women?

I am humbled that they sought me out back in early 2013. Ms. Winfrey introduced me to Mrs. Obama in 2014, and after all these years, they still trust me to be part of their skin journeys. I take nothing for granted. During every visit, my main concern is to ensure they are feeling their best in their skin. Over the last 10 years, I have evolved on so many levels and many of the changes have a direct correlation to deep dives with both Ms. Winfrey and Mrs. Obama. A few great classics: Don’t dim your lights, stay in your lane, and never stop learning — always add things to your tool box.

How did it feel to have your product appear on Oprah’s “Favorite

Things” list?

It was a whirlwind; it wasn’t planned, and it took my breath away. It honestly changed my life. Nothing can prepare you for something like that. For me, it was my Oscar — a symbol of credibility and a reminder that staying in my lane and doing the work regardless of the ups and downs was worth it. All the paths led me to that moment, and to where I am today.

Why is female empowerment important to you?

Female empowerment is vital — we are stronger together. I have my “female empowerment” on speed dial. The feedback, love, and support I get from them is what enables me to continue. It goes both ways — I am always there for a FaceTime, Zoom, or coffee. For my birthday, I invite them for high tea — and I honour them and thank them for being part of my journey.

What does it mean to you to be an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur can be lonely and stressful. When you create a solution to a problem, it doesn’t mean everyone thinks you’ll succeed. Most often, many people are on the sidelines just waiting for you to fail. When possible, I love giving back — sometimes it’s by giving a conference or mentoring other entrepreneurs. As we start to achieve various levels of success, it's vital to turn around and extend a helping hand. One of my next projects is to publish my book, for entrepreneurs. My first book, which was published in French, has now been translated into Mandarin.

What words of advice do you have for Canadian beauty products looking to expand into foreign markets?

Be prepared! Make sure your relationship with your lab is solid. Can they ramp up production if needed? Do you own the formula? Is it private labelled? If so, how many companies are also selling the same items under a different brand? Look into shipping; all the logistics can be overwhelming and costly. Some resources I

recommend are Investtissement Québec, EDC, and CanExport. Consider getting a consultant. Make sure all your ducks are in a row, like proper certifications and liability insurance. Entering foreign markets is not easy because each country has its own set of challenges. Even within the U.S., each state has its own set rules.

What is the secret to healthy, glowing skin at any age, especially at this time of year?

Sleep. It’s so difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Especially when the seasons change. If you are not sleeping, your body is not repairing itself and you will be dehydrated. If the air is too dry, get a humidifier in your room. It’s a game-changer. Drink a lot of water. Sleep has become one of my favourite things. I even flew to Sweden to visit the Hästens sleep factory and built my research.

What is your personal self-care routine?

Walking around the farm, weeding, and taking time daily to read while masking. And, of course, taking time to smell the peonies.

“From planting peony roots, to weeding, to the product ideation, to the production, to the packaging. Each product, when created and introduced, is an extension of me. How I view skin, how I view nature and beauty.”