www.experienceispa.com

We received a Direct Message on Twitter from those fabulous folks at ISPA several weeks ago stating that they wanted to interview some bloggers for an upcoming article in Pulse - a monthly magazine for ISPA members. Well, to say the least… we were very excited to have an opportunity to share with fellow ISPA members how important social media has become in our industry and how the blog has played a crucial part in staying connected.

Their article – “Let’s Give them Something to Blog About” highlights three blogs that are all spa… all the time. Shelby Jones, ISPA’s PR Manager and author of the article reminds “would-be-bloggers” that blogs take time to maintain and keep updated, but that it can also provide a fresh daily look at the ins and outs of your business and/or product. It can become an “online journal” and lets your customers have a birds eye view into what goes into running a spa; blogs can also provide valuable information and inspiration to readers. What Shelby advises NOT to do is turn your blog into a sales mouthpiece for your business. Blogs are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to figuring out this whole world of social media – and at the heart of how to get noticed is creating organic conversations and being a genuine and authentic voice.

We were very honored and pleased to have our blog featured in the article. Stay tuned to Beauty at Any Age is Beauty – we have some amazing things in store for you this fall. Follow our feature columns like Dear Beauty at Any Age is Beauty and The Directors Couch – for an intimate look behind the scenes of spa.

Beauty personified is all we can say about Laura Thareau, creator and founder of Looloo’s Organics – a brand new company, (ahem) USDA Certified Organic Spa Grade Products for the body and soul.  With personal mantras like “Do what you love, love what you do” and “Together we make a difference”, Laura’s passion for health, wellness and overall balance in in her life has been the driving force behind the creation of Looloo’s Organics. Her carefree and whimsical attitude combined with a strong sense of integrity and compassion towards the human soul and the future of mother earth – and the 110% support from her husband and life partner, Damien are the perfect combination of “organic” ingredients to bring much light and success to her new company – which, by the way, the website for Looloo’s launches TODAY! (follow them on Facebook and Twitter for tons of specials!)  From Brazilian Grapefruit Body Butter to Hawaiian Lemongrass Sugar Scrub, Laura and Damien took their love for travel and the beauty of nature right into the creation of their products.  Looloo’s products also proudly display the coveted USDA Organic label – which Laura will tell you was “no easy task, but totally worth the wait and learning experience to have.”

Laura and Damien. Watch out world... Here we come!

Laura (or Looloo as she has also been known) also believes in giving back to the local and global communities we live in.  Customers of Looloo’s will be able to link to sites such as PETA, Surfrider and the ASPCA - and will be able to give directly to these agencies through the purchase of Looloo’s Organics products.

The spa industry’s future is looking bright if these shining stars keep on rising.  Laura and Damien, congratulations on the success of your new company and thank you for continuing to “raise the bar” of what is possible!

What does Beauty mean to you?

In my eyes beauty is the whole picture, the total health of of a persons’ mind body and spirit. Beauty is a feeling expressed to the outer world reflecting the light within each of us. I find beauty in everyday, from the different people I meet to the wonders of nature that surrounds me.

What makes you feel beautiful?

The little moments we have in our lives makes me feel beautiful. Like the laughter I share with a friend, the kind that makes my nose crinkle. The kisses I share with my husband; they are my most cherished treasures. The warm sun mixed with a cool mountain breeze that tickles my skin and makes me feel part of the flow of nature.When I eat all the good things and make the time to exercise and care for my body. And, living in the now and loving me and all I am, was and will be.

What do you do when you do not feel beautiful?

I take the time to breath and cry if I need to, and I remember the beauty I have inside of me. It is always healing to share the experience with a loved one to view different perspectives, and a hug is always a warm way of letting go. Most importantly I smile, I smile so deeply that even my stomach smiles with my face.

Do you have a secret beauty tip you would like to share?

My bathroom is my own mini day spa! I keep all my favorite face products in the fridge for a cool fresh facial (this also extends their shelf life!) My favorite pleasure is to soak in an aromatherapy bath and do a full body scrub ( I scrub in upward circular motions to stimulate circulation and keep cellulite away!) WATER! and lots of it to keep your skin beautiful and young, I always tell my clients your skin is like a peach, when it is hydrated it will be soft and smooth.

For my body I always remember to put good in to get good out, so eat like the goddess you are. For my mind laughter is the best medicine, and try to live only through love and patience.

“Do what you love, love what you do.” Laura Thareau, founder and creator, Looloo’s Organics

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Ken Simpson and Skin 2 Skin Care does not indorse this product. To request you’re your product to appear in this location contact jesica@skin2skincare, a $500.00 fee will apply’. Advertising is also available for $250.00 a month per side square contact info@skin2skincare.com.

What is a Moment
via The Daily What

Moments from Everynone on Vimeo.

“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.”

Ashley Montagu

From lead in lipstick to propane in shaving cream – the average woman comes into contact with 167 chemicals per day in her daily beauty routine.   Your medicine cabinet may need to be detoxified.  Going green and organic IS a personal choice, yes – but when statistics show that after testing umbilical cord blood to an unborn fetus – over 300 harmful chemicals were found – well, that baby does not have a choice and what will it take to get consumers to smarten up – read labels and make conscious choice about the products we use and the businesses we support.

Study after study tells us that many of these harmful chemicals such as Phthalates, Parabens and BHA (which is banned in Europe but not in the United States) cause neurological disorders, tumors in the kidneys and liver, not to mention these chemicals are not environmentally friendly. Of the 80,000 chemicals used in this country – only 200 of the are FDA approved.  Again, read your labels!

Recently, the Organics Consumer Association launched a “Panic, It’s not Organic” guerrilla sticker campaign – aimed at faux-organic personal care products.  Which faux-organic products should you target? OCA wants you to go after Avalon Organics, Nature’s Gate Organics, and Giovanni’s Organic this month. While you may argue that these companies are actually much greener and safer than the real, corporate baddies that use parabens and weird fragrances, OCA will point out that the Herbal Essences and Revlons of the world aren’t tricking people into thinking their products are organic certified. Keeping the organic label pure and trustworthy is OCA’s aim — and that means keeping the organic label off greener-but-not-organic products.  (posted by Mother Nature Network) You can even download your own “Panic, It’s not Organic” sticker and start sticking away (although we cannot be held responsible – I am sure most stores would not appreciate it you exposing the truth about what is really on their shelves.)

I will repeat what I stated above – What will it take to get us to really take a look at what we are doing to our bodies and to the earth around us?  There is one mantra that needs to be repeated again and again – We have a choice.

Engaging. Confident.  Captivating.  Energetic. Funny.

These are just a few words to describe Susan Young of Get in Front Communications.  I first stumbled upon Susan when dissecting ISPA’s weekly Touch Points – an offering of spa news, business tips and inspiration. Susan’s website was linked to the newsletter revealing her expertise in Social Media.  After further investigation, I realized that Susan is an expert in many areas and she spends her time and energy sharing this knowledge with the world via her website, blog, vlogs and a successful consulting career.

Her blog is entertaining, light and full of nuggets of wisdom us over here in spa land could learn from.  She pokes fun at the seriousness of all this social media business but also encourages those of us brave enough to step out into the totally radical Twitterific cybersphere – to stick with it, be consistent and go from Bland to Brand! I especially loved her post, 7 Signs Your Blog is on Life Support.  While I felt a little anxiety sneak up on me before I clicked on the link – I said a prayer, “Dear Susan…..I mean God – please don’t let my blog die.”  Thankfully, Beauty at Any Age is Beauty is still on the up and up .

With a background in reporting, writing and ten years as an on-air anchor, Susan has always had to put her best face forward.  She truly radiates beauty from the inside out.  We hit her up with our fab four beauty questions – and she answered from the heart.

BAAAIB – What does beauty mean to you?

SY – Beauty means feeling confident and “comfortable in your own skin”—from the inside out. Many people are beautiful on the outside but feel ugly on the inside. I think we need to heal the emotional scars inside that stop us from feeling beautiful and worthy.

BAAAIB – What makes you feel beautiful?

SY – Things that make me feel beautiful inside: being at the beach or near the ocean-relaxed, peaceful and knowing my place in nature- helps. The ability to acknowledge that I am perfect the way I was created (flaws and all), is also important because it brings me peace and a sense of calm. I’m sure this is not politically correct but I enjoy the sun and getting tan, so a suntan makes me feel good on the outside and inside. I often remind myself to smile, which helps reflect both inside and outside beauty.

BAAAIB – What do you do when you are not feeling so beautiful?

SY – When not feeling beautiful, I write in my journal, read something “deep”, or go for a massage. I don’t watch much TV, but an episode of Seinfeld or another funny sitcom can help improve things! Laughter always beats a “pity party.”

BAAAIB – Any secret beauty tips you would not mind sharing?

SY- Secret beauty tips- I have a combination of dry and oily skin. My 17-year-old daughter introduced me to “oil strips”- I love them!

Thank you Susan! Keep smiling!

This Friday, August 20th, I will be hosting a radio show on Here Women Talk (see post below) – with special guest, Fabienne Lindholm - of Beauty Atliers.  We chatted with Fabienne a few weeks ago on Dear Beauty at Any Age is Beauty. This Friday, Fabienne will team up with Dr. Sara Kelly DC a chiropractic physician, certified acupuncturist and nutritionist.  We will address beauty from inside out,l discussing several skin and wellness issues.   We will uncover myths about the skin and connect inner wellness to outer beauty.  Both Fabienne and Dr.Kelly will be available during the show to field questions and discussions.

Tune in Friday, August 20th from 3:00-4:00pm EST on Here Women Talk on the Where is My Guru Show where we speak with experts in the fields of beauty, art, creative activism, wellness, yoga and travel.  You can become a member of the network and join in the live chat or call into the show at (917) 388-4642.

No, this is not Paris Hilton’s new show.

All of this social media, blogging, twittering can drive a person mad – something new to explore and join every day and our brains are constantly being challenged to hold more and more information – and be accountable for it, too.  Well folks, the truth of the matter is this is where we are headed.  The new consumers of the world are being brought up to customize, create and have it their way.  If we can’t let them chat, watch a video and listen at the same time – well, you are not engaging enough senses to make it worthwhile.

That is exactly what Here Women Talk, a fresh, new, authentic social network is doing.  They offer a live, social radio with a supporting network where you can post blogs, join groups and connect with inspiring stories, advice and dreams from – well, you guessed it – women! Listen to a couple of no-nonsense entrepreneurs drink live on air on The Martini Meeting or unravel the mysteries of the male in your life on Bringing Man Out of the Cave.  Chat with the hosts during the show and get a birds eye view of the studio with a live video-cam.

This is the wave of the future, friends.  This advanced form of social media can also be described as Modern Media as defined by Marcom:Interactive:

Information and content in the hands of the “consumer” who has the means and the desire to create it, distribute it, share it, amplify it, remix it and shape it to their needs.

The defining doctrine of Modern Media is about how the information is being distributed.  At one time, it was in the hands of the people producing the information.  Now, more and more, consumers are taking control of it in order to get what they want, and in the way they want it.

Here Women Talk allows listeners to give real time feedback – connect with the people giving the information and be a part of the conversation.  Listen from anywhere and anytime.

Oh, and I almost forgot – your truly will be hosting a show beginning August 6th called Where is My Guru – The Jessica Durivage Show.  We will feature guests from this blog, our fearless leader – Ken Simpson and other amazing “Guru’s” in their own right – shedding light on all things beautiful in the world.  (Shameless self promotion plug there… but I did it, that’s right… I did.) More to come.

The spa/skincare/wellness industry is one of the best in the world.  I have been so blessed to watch our transformation into this world of social media – and in my eyes, all it does is allow me to connect even more with highly conscious people, striving for Self, health, wholeness and a little night cream on the side.  Here are just a few of my favorite blogs to keep up with :

Susies Spa Blog on Spa Finder – In Susie’s Spa Blog you will find information about spa news and spa trends from the spa industry prospective. Susie Ellis, Blog Author and President of SpaFinder is recognized worldwide as a leading authority on the spa industry, the evolving spa consumer, and spa-related health, wellness, beauty, fitness and lifestyle trends.

Canyon Ranch -  Canyon Ranch® is the most respected and admired destination resort spa in the world. Since 1979, they have received countless awards and accolades for their innovative approach to health, wellness and holistic and integrative care, and for the uniquely relaxing and inspiring experience they provide.

Tiny Buddha -  A little inspiration can go a long way. Tiny Buddha is about stepping back, taking time to reflect on simple wisdom, and learning new ways to apply it to our complex lives–complete with responsibilities, struggles, dreams, and relationships.

Enjoy being inspired, educated and informed! Share and comment because it makes us feel loved.

This week on Dear Beauty at Any Age is Beauty I had the complete honor of connecting with a true Lady of the Health/Wellness/Beauty/Spa Industry.  Meet Fabienne Guichon- Lindholm, founder and owner of Beauty Ateliers. Born and educated in France, Fabienne Guichon-Lindholm has worked in the beauty industry for 25 years. Fabiennes colorful career is full of awards, diplomas and certifications such as liscensed massage therapist and esthetician and Reiki practitioner.  She holds a CIDESCO International diploma from the International Beauty Therapy Association and speaks with the most adorable french accent. Fabiennes (can we call you Fab for short?) wellness philosophy has been shaped by her extensive travel throughout Southeast Asia, Europe and North America, and her exploration and fascination with each culture. Her unique and creative approach to solutions in the competitive spa business has helped many.  As you can imagine, when she agreed to talk with us and share her personal definitions of beauty, we listened.

Fabienne’s well crafted business, Beauty Ateliers is all about taking her vast wealth of knowledge and experience and sharing it with customers in private sessions and workshops.  She strives to offer the consumer the best answer for THEIR needs. Fabiennes private  and group consultations include education about your lifestyle, skin care regimen, fitness routine and nutrition, a skin scan and diagnostic with the state of the art Esthetic Pro II, a complete wellness prescription program to use at home and more. 

Two words to sum up Fabienne and Beauty Ateliers:  Affordable luxury.  Can you dig it?

What does beauty mean to you?

It is being complete and in harmony with what you see and how you feel.

What makes you feel beautiful inside and out?

They are so many things that makes me feel beautiful inside and out and probably not in this order…laughing, high heels, smooth and glowing complexion, fireworks, the color blue and green together, dancing, plump and fresh skin, the smell of green tea in products and many more.

What do you do for yourself when you are not feeling beautiful?

I take a walk in the park, look at how beautiful is nature. I would also go to a cycling class to boost my inner strenght . Then I smell blends of essential oils, wash my hair, do a mask, apply mascara and lip gloss…I am then regenerated and ready to go conquer the world.

Do you have any secret beauty tips that you would like to share?

During my workshop I teach how to do double exfoliation to bring life and radiance to the skin. Follow by a cream mask to keep over night…When you wake up and your skin is plump and fresh. 

Become a fan of Beauty Ateliers on Facebook! Click here!

Join Fabienne and Jessica Durivage on Friday August 20th at 3:30pm EST on Here Women Talk – an internet social radio network where we will clean out yourcosmetic cabinet and share some tips on how to make sure the products are using are the best for you!