Global Spa Ambassador – Mariza Nuttal

Mariza Nuttall is a qualified aesthetician and a CIDESCO diplomat since 1995 and has also undertaken extensive studies in Paris. She obtained her Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology in London.

Highly committed to education, Mariza was a very active member of the CIDESCO Section in South Africa and has been a guest speaker in numerous expos and aesthetic conferences both here and internationally. Mariza’s talents and multi-skilling capabilities have led to her designing several spas and salons, both here in Australia and overseas.

She is currently the International Trainer for MediSpa Solutions, a highly successful product distribution company, which has been established in Australia. As a successful businesswoman, she has strong global ties with companies in Italy, France, Greece, the US and South Africa and is highly committed to high standards of training, which she delivers not only for her own clients, but also for numerous colleges and TAFE institutions.

Mariza Nuttall has been chosen by The World Spa Organization (WSO) as the global ambassador for Australia. An honour which is only bestowed on a privilege few therapists globally each year. WSO is a large community that connects the players of the Spa & Beauty market at an international level. Every year, WSO identifies the most exciting challenges in the Spa & Beauty industry and determines the tactics and strategies that operators in the sector must put in place to overcome the tasks successfully. We spoke to Mariza about her career and the year ahead.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into the industry.

It all started in the city of Johannesburg, 18 years of age with a face full of acne! I got a diploma in aesthetics in pursuit of clearing my skin at Camelot International. Little did I know the underlying passion was pretty strong because I really had no intention of sticking with this industry but at 21, I landed a qualified job shaping the course of my life forever! The training position was for a brand called Decleor Paris. It was distributed by a lady called Ann Lang who has been a great mentor and is the one of the founding members of this industry. Initially she gave me a job through a referral by my Aunt Mayra. Being an owner of multiple beauty salons she saw my potential and told Ann Lang, “If you don’t hire Mariza, I will discontinue selling Decleor in your salons.” That’s how I landed my first proper paying job. I really enjoyed sharing my knowledge with students and spa therapists. As life moved on so did I, being head hunted by Nimue to promote and sell the brand. I worked as a BDM (Business Development manager.) for Nimue ‘The Hagenu institute.’ I was fortunate to receive world renowned training from exclusive Doctors in the Aesthetic space when working for Hagenu institute. From learning so much a passion for education was instilled in me, a new growing passion of mine. Sharing knowledge, creating a higher level of education to growing, hungry Doctors, nurses, and Dermal therapists.

Tell us about your experience as a spa therapist.

My Aunt’s salons became home to me in the holiday from the young age of 12 years old. I would cut cotton wool, package and wipe her nail polishes. Wax on, Wax off type of work. Little did I know this would form a rock-solid foundation of persistence in my career. The first real spa where I worked, was ‘Hoogland Health Hydro.’ Working here got me the hours I needed to write my CIDESCO and British confederation exam - In those days, 365 practical working hours was required to write our international exam. Just like hours practicing driving with your parents on your Learners license is needed to take the test for your provisional driver’s license exam. The CIDESCO exam at the time was absurdly difficult and expensive thus making me, my parents and mentors proud when I acquired the CIDESCO Diploma. After graduation fortune found me in the form of working in one of Sol Kerzner’s first spas at Sun City in South Africa.( the one and only group) My work has lifted me to heights that at the beginning of my journey seemed impossible, like for instance Training therapists in world class spas around the world including Mauritius, Paris, Italy, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand and USA. (For Matis Paris) Through my hard work and dedication, God has given me opportunity to thrive, and thrive I have.

What do you love most about the Spa sector of our industry?

I love how our spa sector allows us to keep our clients focused on their wellbeing. It’s one of the most important parts of the spa world in my eyes. If we don’t have our health, we have nothing, right? When I got sick ten years ago, I learnt that the hard way. I also want to say that trending spas around the world are adding result-oriented technology benefiting their clients exponentially.

With so many paramedical clinics and salons dominating this phenomenal industry what do you see as a standout feature of a Spa environment?

The modern Spa Environment is a draw card for rejuvenating the body and mind using various spaces and modalities to achieve this. Keeping current with trends from around the world and listening to your customers’ requests is most important in achieving this. Incorporating some Aesthetic and Medical technology is also important to some clients who would gladly have a relaxing day with a break in between for some serious skin rejuvenation while visiting a spa.

How did MediSpa Solutions start and how has the business grown & evolved over the past few years?

Many years ago, MediSpa Solutions sprung about from the Microdermabrasion and Oxygen machine which was tied alongside our own skincare line created and manufactured in Queensland. The Evolution of this thriving company has turned into distributing the most advanced Anti-aging, slimming, tightening technology and Skincare in the market. We don’t just sell a device, we package up a solution for our clients including but not limited to; Training, promotions, Marketing material and other resource to enable the solution to deliver results and a profit. Medispa Solutions also hosts Medtech symposium every year so that all clients can stay current with new protocols on devices.

You’ve just been named as official Ambassador for Australia by the World Spa Organisation. Congrats! Can you tell us more about it?

The board that runs the world spa organisation elected me. One of the board members, Sandy Fur, put my name forward. Sandy Fur is notorious for education in the Beauty and Spa space globally- she also served as President for CIDESCO last year. The honour I felt to be chosen by her was a milestone in my journey. I asked her why she put my name forward she said “Mariza your reputation extends globally you have great work ethic and spa experience in all aspects of the industry. Your commitment to the spa industry is contagious that’s why I nominated you “ I feel very excited to be the elected ambassador for world spa association as our industry needs a non-profit organisation that connects and mobilises us globally. Many clinic owners feel isolated due to lack of resource and true authentic connection. WSO organisation was created to connect, educate and mobilise us as a body globally. Organisations predominantly are just in it for the money, requiring payment to be an Ambassador to be involved. How beautiful it is to be a part of this partnership that gives back to the industry without been asked for money. It’s an ethical organisation and every year a new ambassador will be elected for every country to keep things fresh. I’m part of the selection process of electing educators and professionals to represent Australia for world spa organisation which is very exciting!!!!!

Where do you see the future of Spas and Spa Therapy developing?

Spas are changing the way people can live and experience life. Due to the industry taking a major shift in development recently. The pandemic has left spas needing change in the industry. More direction toward well being, mind, body and soul. Many people would have long term side effects from the pandemic. The market has a large demand, meaning that it’s time for healing and reconnection after lock downs and isolation. Things that are changing for the good thanks to Covid’s harsh attack on the workforce has left a good mark on spas having to stick to stronger guidelines of hygiene. The industry has a huge market for individuals that have neglected their own Health and wellbeing. I believe spas will be bigger than it’s ever been in 2022.