"Gratitude is the Heart's Memory"
October ushered in a sigh of relief for me knowing that we were able to execute a meaningful in-person FSA event that upheld all state, local and site mandates without compromising the value and enjoyment that we experienced at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. This could not have been accomplished without the hard work of our FSA team. Like a symphony in sync, our team rallied and all plans fell right into place. I could not be more grateful for this and the message below from our FSA President, Charlotte Prescott, expresses the joy and gratitude we hold in our heart.
Another load off my chest, literally, was that I made it through another year with normal test results from my mammography. October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I for one, am grateful to have gotten that annual "all-clear and normal" result. Having lost my mother and grandmother to Breast Cancer, I am vigilant about the responsibility of being proactive when it comes to prevention and awareness. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer suffered by women. For the last 25 years, October has been a month designated to Breast Cancer Awareness for the purpose of sharing information and promoting attentiveness for women. It is vital to empower women to take control of their health by educating them about prevention. Regular screenings, self-exams and early detection can catch the disease when it is most treatable. Whether its word of mouth, donations to Breast Cancer charities or getting personally involved to get this message out, we can help save lives and abet women to live their life in wellness. Awareness is power!
As the saying goes "Boobs: They Need Your Support"!
Wishing Wellness,
Ilana
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From our FSA President Charlotte Prescott |
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Dear Florida Spa Community,
I am still beaming from ear to ear, feeling so energized and heart filled to have spent the day with many spa friends at our recent Ocean Reef, TaskForce Live Event. By nature, we are a positive group of professionals and friends, but I think even for us optimists and wellness breathers this tumultuous year has taken a toll. After nearly six months of a new norm of social distancing, I don’t think I quite appreciated how special our day together was going to be. Seeing everyone in the flesh and connecting on what’s happened, where are we now and encouraging our leaps into a successful fourth quarter truly was what the Spa Doc ordered!
First and foremost, I want to personally thank Ilana for believing that we would create this safe and fruitful event and her tireless work and commitment to all the many details that were required! We were also so fortunate to have Jill Baron, Spa Director at ORC as our perfect host with her calm and attentive leadership. I am also so grateful to the vendors who participated in one of the first in person events in our industry since the COVID invasion. As spa operators we are truly fortunate to have partners innovating and supporting so that our businesses steer forward. Our keynote speakers David Ehlrich and Catherine Warren were insightful, relevant, fun and honest. I know most of us spa leaders felt that their wisdom and expertise shared is exactly what makes these events invaluable.
Whilst one day is simply not enough to form a guaranteed success strategy for our spa businesses in this new environment, all of those air hugs, radiant mask-hidden smiles and open collaboration filled the day with positive energy and inspiration!
We don’t have all the answers yet, and whilst that can make us feel vulnerable, in my closing words of gratitude for our time together last month, I leave you with a pertinent quote for our industry from one of my faves (Brene Brown).
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
I know we are called to this challenge.
Stay well, motivated and even a little vulnerable😉
Charlotte
Charlotte Prescott, Director of Spa & Fitness, Fisher Island Club and FSA President
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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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Katrina Kalkowski, Director of Spa & Fitness, Turnberry Ocean Club Residences, Sunny Isles
Katrina has recently accepted the position as Director of Spa & Fitness at the pristine new Turnberry Ocean Club Residences. Katrina, a skilled and driven Spa Director, found her passion in spa as she worked her way up from Spa Concierge to Spa Director within a short period of time, excelling in every position she held. Previously Katrina was the Spa Director at Turnberry Ocean Colony and The Setai in Miami. Katrina also serves as Chairperson for Social Media and Creative Content for the FSA as well as Co-Chair for FSA events. We are very proud of Katrina. Cheers!!
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Elizabeth (Liz) Correa, Spa Manager, Marriott Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale
Kudos to Liz , who recently accepted her new role at the impressive Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale. Liz, a skilled, hardworking and passionate spa manager in the Spa & Wellness industry has a proven record of contributing to the operations of world-class luxury resorts that she has been affiliated with. Prior to this position, Liz was Spa Manager at Ritz Carlton South Beach. Liz also previously served on the FSA Committee and we were proud to have her on our association. We are extremely excited for Liz, and wish her luck in her new position. Well done Liz!!
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Brian Douglas, Spa Manager,
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Cheers to Brian for his appointment in March, as Spa Manager at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Bringing 13 years of experience with him, Brian spearheads all spa operations to provide his guests with a supreme spa experience. Brian is also dual licensed as an esthetician and massage therapist. Prior to this position, Brian owned his own spa, David Douglas Spas, for 4 years, where he received awards for his accomplishments in Spa and Wellness. Congratulations Brian!
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Congratulations to Sharilyn on accepting this exciting new position as COO for Prime Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in San Diego, CA. A model trail-blazer and veteran in the Spa Industry, Sharilyn has a flawless reputation as an industry leader and innovator. Formerly, she was the Senior Vice President, Operations at Mynd Salon & Spa. We are delighted for Sharilyn. Best wishes!
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FSA expands the Advisory Board and Committee
We are excited to welcome new leaders onto the Florida Spa & Wellness Association
Advisory Board and Committee
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Danny Silva, Director of Wellness, Amrit Resort and Residences,
Singer Island
A savvy professional Spa Trailblazer and the Director of Wellness for the majestic new Amrit Resort and Residences, we are thrilled to welcome Danny onto the Advisory Board at the Florida Spa & Wellness Association. With his extensive and proficient background and knowledge of the Spa Industry, he will be a exceptional addition to the FSA team.
We are very excited!
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Ian McIntosh, Vice President &Legislative Chair of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA)
We are overjoyed that Ian has joined us on the Regulatory Committee. Ian’s role serves as a vital asset for the FSA and is our liaison with the FSMTA. This helps us to have a direct line to State Legislators, keep us on the forefront of new state regulations and guidelines as well as having a voice for our Spa Community.
About Ian…………..
Ian McIntosh has been a Florida Licensed Massage Therapist since 2001. Ian’s time as an LMT has been occupied by helping to build several successful massage practices. Now he is maintaining his own practice as well as creating unique continuing education classes. In 2014 Ian decided to give back to the profession by becoming the 1st Vice President and Legislative Chair of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) Heart of Florida Chapter. In 2015 he became the President of the Heart of Florida and in 2017 was asked to serve as the Director of Legislative Affairs. Once he became the Director of Legislative Affairs Ian has worked closely with the FSMTA’s Lobbyists to help steer legislation that could impact the massage therapy profession
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It’s no secret that I love my full-bodied reds. So, I was happily obliged to take a deep dive into the true benefits of red wine consumption and enjoying the research most necessary to deliver an accurate and definitive cause and effect. Now I must provide a disclaimer here: that this information is in no way recommending anyone indulge in alcohol consumption, especially if you are not a drinker or have a history of addition. But if you enjoy drinking wine moderately, like myself, let’s discover if the benefits of red wine consumption are more than just wishful thinking. Additionally, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we seek to understand if there are specific risks or benefits for women's health. Here are a few of the most notable benefits of red wine: |
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FSA SPA TASKFORCE TOOK IT LIVE |
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Safe and Successful, that's how we did it! The FSA Spa Taskforce “LIVE” Event at Ocean Reef Club on September 21st was just that….safe, successful and memorable! The “LIVE” in-person gathering, is how the Florida Spa and Wellness Association hosted its first event since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.
Attendance was limited, temperature checks were taken, sanitizer stations could be found throughout the venue and on every expo table. Everyone wore masks and seating at tables were socially distanced. There was an exceptional lineup of professional spa experts providing education for Spa Leaders and a highly innovative vendor showcase.
The FSA is extremely grateful and proud of our team being one of the first to step forward in resuming events and supporting the hospitality industry that we all love and work for! Thank you to our many sponsors who participated and demonstrated there is a way to host meetings safely. And thank you to our non-attending sponsors that contributed incredible products for our spa guests. We are energized, excited and ready to welcome back conferences and business spa guests to our Florida properties and look forward to a bright future!
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Introducing “Knowledge Nuggets” for our spa community by Nancy Griffin
Nancy has more than 25 years of experience in wellness and hospitality.
As the Principal of Contento Marketing, she specializes in business
development and public relations—leveraging brands for optimal exposure.
She has represented more than 100 brands in spa, skincare, retail and wellness.
Now let's get those "nuggets"!
Knowledge Nuggets from Nancy
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A big thank you to Ilana for giving me the opportunity to share some “nuggets” of wisdom from my 25 years as a marketer in the spa industry.
Yet today, drawing on years of experience is challenging. This “next normal” is anything but business as usual. The entire hospitality industry has been hit harder than 9/11 and the 2008 financial crash combined. We are all suffering from downsizing, layoffs and shrinking budgets. There is no playbook for this.
What history does tell is that a downturn is no time to stop marketing. This applies today, with some caveats. People are raw and trigger easily—so tread lightly. Our bullshit detectors are highly attuned. Here are some tips to navigate.
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"Voice-It" Spa Talk with Mitchell
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"Mitch's Healthy Massage Room Hack" |
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Face Cradle "Face Down" Hair Cap use for COVID aerosol protection
At Porto Vita in Aventura we are trying to be safe-smart while at work, but we know that the Coronavirus is always getting smarter.
We brainstormed an additional layer (literally) of in-room protection from COVID aerosols.
This simple, inexpensive healthy hack works when a resident who is either adverse to, or unable to wear a face mask while face down on a massage table, can still benefit from a physical layer of protection that helps everyone in the room. The Intrinsic Facial Caps (from FSA Member Universal Co) are a similar material to the disposable face cradle covers, but round and not “U” shaped.
The technique that works best is hooking the disposable hair cap’s thin elastic edge below the plastic little Velcro tabs (on our Living Earth Craft face cradle), but above the hard plastic flat base that the little plastic Velcro tabs are attached to (See image below). Feed the cap’s edge along the hard plastic base all around the cradle until it hangs underneath the open center space of the face cradle.
For additional protection, you can double them up. For super additional protection, you can place an opened facial tissue between the two layers to act like a filter.
Face masks are required on all residents when face up. We offer a new disposable face mask to each client for face up position before each massage begins so they will be ready and aware of this when the time comes to flip them over.
This can give the client the extra breathing space that is not possible when attaching the face cap to the underside of the face cradle cushion and afterward placing the whole cushion on top of the Velcro tabs.
Send the FSA your Healthy Hack and it may be included in a future FSA Scoop!
#portovitastrong
Let's all keep working together.
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Mitchell Berkman
Spa & Wellness Director
Porto Vita Club at Villa Grande
FSA Committee Chair - Events
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Autumn Ayurveda Tea Recipe
Warming and Grounding In Ayurveda, Autumn is Vata season. Vata is one of the 3 main energies in this ancient holistic practice. During Fall, the weather becomes cool, crisp and dry. On a physical, mental, emotional and energetic level, it is time to introduce more warming, nourishing and grounding foods and practices in order to support a more balanced lifestyle.
Check out this Autumn Ayurveda recipe! Use the ingredients below to make and enjoy and warm cup of tea!
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Monique Blake
WellBEing Ambassador,Educator and Coach
Florida Spa & Wellness Association,
Wellness Education Advocate
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Danny Silva,
Director of Wellness,
Amrit Resorts and Residences, Singer Island, FL
Danny has 17 years of experience in the luxury hotel/resort spa, wellness and fitness industry. His career began at Equinox Fitness as Senior Spa Manager where he was part of the company’s rapid expansion. He then served as Executive Director of the popular Glen Ivy Hot Springs in California, which welcomes over 160,000 guests a year. During his tenure, the Glen Ivy became the first in the hospitality industry to acquire ISO-9001 Quality Certification. After serving as pre-opening Director for Diamante Resort & Residences in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, he was named Regional Director of Wellness for Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, where he supported ten different Sense Spas around the world. His specialties include increasing revenues and KPI, creating Forbes 5-star luxury guest experiences as well as Total Quality Management Systems for wellness facilities, spas, resorts/hotels and fitness clubs.
In his current role as the Director of Wellness at the luxurious beachfront Amrit Resorts and Residences on Singer Island, Danny oversees the programing for their 140,000 square foot wellness center, spa and fitness clubs.
When Danny is not busy working, he walks the talk. Danny incorporates spa and wellness into his personal time. He likes to work out daily – strength training, cardio and/or balance/functional work outs. He makes a point of receiving spa treatments, with his “go to” 90-minute massage. Danny loves to travel, is always up for trying new restaurants, enjoys hunting for a good groupon deal and just like a true spa guru, loves to experiment with new spa products and technologies. Living a healthy lifestyle is Danny’s path in life.
The Florida Spa & Wellness Association is honored to welcome Danny onto the Advisory Board.
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Time to Pause and Rethink Retail …
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As retail in the spa and hotel industry continues to evolve, La Costa is faced with the challenge of creating one-on-one experiential interactions that touch multiple senses and elevates their offering to something unique and different from other retail establishments and superior to on-line shopping. |
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ABOUT SORAYA
As a graduate from George Washington University in Computer and Information Systems, Soraya started her professional career in telecom computer software sales and marketing. After a dozen years of long hours and travel away from her wonderful husband and two amazing children, Soraya decided to leave the corporate world. During this time she started creating jewelry that she would sell to family, friends and at local craft fairs. Realizing she had a special and discerning skill for designing jewelry, at age 50, she decided to pursue her passion and created La Costa Organic Jewelry.
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A Personal Note from Soraya
“I want to sincerely thank the FSA board and members from the bottom of my heart, for your support over the past seven years. Without your trust and encouragement, La Costa would not have been possible.”
My amazing team and I work tirelessly to capture a “Style for Every Moment” so every woman feels confident and beautiful when wearing La Costa.
Thank you again for all your support. My team and I are so blessed to have you as part of the La Costa Family.”
With love and gratitude,
Soraya
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Five Ways to Help Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
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Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are several things you can do that may lower your likelihood of getting it.
Here are 5 ways to help protect your breast health.
1. Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
Being overweight or obese increases breast cancer risk, especially after menopause. Gaining weight as an adult adds to your risk.
After menopause, most of your estrogen comes from fat tissue. Having more fat tissue increases the amount of estrogen your body makes, raising your risk of breast cancer. Also, women who are overweight tend to have higher levels of insulin. Higher insulin levels have also been linked to breast cancer.
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SPA GUIDELINES COVID-19
FLORIDA SPA SUGGESTIONS
We thank our FSA Vendor Partners and Collaborating Spa Organizations for their contribution to our Spa Guidelines, COVID-19 FSA Manual & Suggestions. We also express gratitude for our exceptional FSA Team for their hard work in putting together this manual to help our Florida Spa Community reopen their spa doors with safety and ambiance in mind. Check out these spa guidelines using the link below and you can download the manual using the link.
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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!
BEST SPA ASSOCIATION SERVING FLORIDA SINCE 2009!
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Cauliflower is king — a very adaptable king: You'll find it standing in for rice, tater tots, mashed potatoes, gnocchi and yes, even pizza crust. This easy recipe comes together in a food processor. It’s as versatile as the usual dough, and fabulous with the usual toppings (Keep reading for some great pizza topping ideas — ham and brie, anyone?). And it rewards early planners — you can freeze par baked crusts for up to a month. Set aside some weekend time and make a big batch, so that any night can be cauliflower-crust pizza night.
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CONTACT US
The Florida Spa Association
Phone: (561) 413-5843
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ABOUT US
Florida Spa Association network of spa professionals is unified by the desire to promote Florida as the finest destination for wellness and beauty experiences in the country.
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