Spa Inc. Fall 2022

Caring for people and the planet

Hats off to Canadian spas that are stepping beyond traditional business practices to take action on protecting people and the planet.

Environmental damage adversely affects human health – from deforestation to plastics and greenhouse gas emissions. So, why as an industry that cares for the body, mind and soul wouldn’t we also care for the Earth? For one thing, eco-friendly practices sit well with consumer demand which stands at an all time high for goods and services that are sustainable and responsibly sourced.

And it couldn’t come soon enough. This past November, the environment made headlines as the COP27 global conference on climate change sounded the alarm bells in the face of a growing energy crisis, record greenhouse gas concentrations, and increasing extreme weather events.

In this issue we look at how The Spa Eastman has assumed the mantle of a leading champion of eco-friendly design. The spa’s founder and president, Jocelyna Dubuc, takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the property and exciting new plans for new tourist accommodations that take healthy, eco-friendly and self-sustaining design to new heights. We also offer ideas for greening your spa: from simple habits like turning the lights off, to more sustainable measures, like the use of natural, bio-degradable cleaning supplies. And, we tip our hat to some of the products that are not only good for the skin, but good for the planet.

We also give you a closer look at one Toronto spa’s business journey to renew, refresh and refocus. This past June, the Stillwater Spa reopened to much fanfare. And from what we can tell, its entirely justified.

It is clear that caring lies at the core of the industry’s DNA. Whether your spa is raising donations or offering special services to those in need, altruism runs deep. In a heartwarming story, Shereen Magnus, the owner of SKN Med Spa in Saskatoon, noticed that young adults were struggling with mental health and self-harm during COVID, so she began offering microneedling sessions to deal with the self-harm scars. When Cutera heard about the initiative, they offered her free radiofrequency microneedling cartridges to treat these clients.

On a personal note, this September I was driving through Richmond Hill, Ontario when traffic came to a standstill as thousands of people marched in protest against the Iranian government’s treatment of women. In the spa industry, we’re all about nourishing the body, mind and soul, so what is happening to women in the Iranian theocracy, hits home. In Spa Star, we get insights from prominent Canadian Iranian author, Marina Nemat, on her survival as a victim of persecution by that government.

In closing, I’m so excited about our upcoming winter issue, which traditionally showcases the winners of the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards. We’ve got new awards and winning spas that take our industry to new heights. Be sure to read it and be inspired!

Check

FALL 2022

Award Winner

ISSN 1710 -1727

Volume 18, Number 5

Publisher Susan A. Browne sbrowne@dvtail.com

Managing Editor Jana Manolakos

Copy Editor Brooke Smith

Contributors Sandra Eagle Marjolaine Grenier

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 Sharon MacIntosh smacintosh@dvtail.com

Graphic Designer Charlene Everest ceverest@dvtail.com

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SPRING OPENING PLANNED FOR NEW SPA IN QUÉBEC

Manoir Hovey, on the shores of Lake Massawippi in Québec, is becoming the next wellness destination in Canada. The spa at the inn is currently under construction and is planned to open in summer 2023. This 9,000-square-foot space is located directly on the water and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake. A thermal circuit will include an all-season outdoor infinity pool, six treatment rooms, three relaxation rooms, a dry sauna, a hammam, a cold plunge basin, a Jacuzzi, a Himalayan salt shower, fireplaces, and a pedicure and manicure centre. The complete thermal circuit will be open year-round beginning in late spring 2023. The construction of a pavilion containing nine lake-view suites is scheduled for next winter.

SANTA’S GETTING READY— MAYBE YOU SHOULD TOO

December may still seem far off, but it’s never too early to plan for a holiday marketing boost—and it’s not just about gift certificates.

Last year, Urban Spa in Peterborough, Ont., launched 12 days of giveaways. According to its website, the spa invited the public to nominate a deserving person every day in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Nominations were received through Facebook and Instagram, and each day a winner was picked for a special prize like a free service, a gift basket, or a product discount. You can find hundreds of other ideas online. Some spas are sending e-cards with warm holiday messages that also let clients know about seasonal promotions. How about a fundraising event to send a message of giving? Gift ideas and complementary gift wrap with product purchases make holiday shopping a little bit easier. And don’t forget to add a festive touch to your space—and your website. This year, ecofriendly, natural décor will be popular with natural pine and jute accents.

Spa industry revenues rebound, but staffing remains a challenge in Canada

The U.S. spa industry has returned to revenue levels not seen since before the pandemic, according to an industry study commissioned by the International Spa Association (ISPA). And that may be good news for Canadian spas, too.

“Canada tends to reflect what is happening in the U.S.,” explains Kathryn Gallagher, Leading Spas of Canada chair.

The ISPA study included total revenue, total spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit, and total number of spa industry employees. A concurrent consumer snapshot report captured the spending and spa-going habits of consumers, which show a strong demand for spa services and an increased focus on personal wellbeing and at-home care.

In the U.S., revenues grew from $12.1 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion in 2021, an increase of more than 49% and just below the industry’s all-time high of $19.1 billion in 2019. The number of spa visits grew from 124 million in 2020 to 173 million in 2021, while the total number of U.S. spas fell only slightly, from 21,560 to 21,510. A notable increase in revenue per spa visit—up from $97.5 in 2020 to $104.5 last year—played a crucial role in elevating industry revenues.

While the number of industry employees also rose in the U.S., Gallagher explains that, in Canada, staffing is still having a hard time keeping up with a heightened demand for services.

A SNEAK PEEK AT NEXT YEAR’S PREMIER INDUSTRY EVENT

Leading Spas of Canada’s annual industry conference is slated to be held in Toronto in the spring of 2023. Topping the two-day event is the association’s annual gala featuring the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards, including two new awards categories: Top Innovative Spa Product and Top Innovative Spa Treatment. For the new innovative product category, judges will be looking for a high standard of luxury in both the packaging and contents; demonstrated effectiveness; and unique qualities. The innovative spa treatment will be judged on the ability to consistently deliver a high standard of service, quality, and effectiveness, as well as to provide a one-of-a-kind experience using new ingredients or technologies. The judging panel of industry leaders includes Wanda Love, Vivienne O’Keeffe, Amanda O’Shea, Chris Ryall, and Irina Yushvaeva. For more information check out the website at www.canadianspaawards.ca

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The SPA EASTMAN

Amid Quebec’s natural beauty, a champion of eco-friendly design

BY MARJOLAINE GRENIER

Amid a stunning, natural setting where well-being is front and centre, Quebec-based Spa Eastman has been welcoming guests since 1977. Today, it has evolved into a leading eco-friendly property that boasts environmentally-friendly accommodations—a testament to spa founder and president, Jocelyna Dubuc’s long-held commitment to sustainable development. And, the timing couldn’t be more perfect as the spa celebrates its 45th anniversary.

The company partnered with Aderre, a sustainability consultant, to continuously improve its footprint. The current strategic plan is built on two priorities: residual materials management and ethical sourcing of materials and supplies.

The wellness pioneer partnered with Solution Era and entrepreneur Benoît Lavigueur specialists in the field of ‘green’ buildings to create healthy, self-sustaining and energy-efficient pavilions, a first for Canada’s tourism industry. Designed and constructed by a multidisciplinary team, these ‘oases’ represent a major step towards leaving a legacy for future generations, by creating a health-giving venue for rejuvenation that does not harm the environment.

Back in 1977, Spa Eastman’s support of eco-friendly practices was considered to be ahead of its time. It was already saving energy and water, researching ‘natural’ foods, growing organic gardens without the use of herbicides and pesticides and creating compost, among other initiatives. “Respect for the land and for nature has always been key. Down the years, the Spa Eastman team has continued to implement sustainable development and eco-friendly practices—a strategy that has won the company many prestigious awards and recognitions,” explains Dubuc.

The first two oases are expected to open in 2023 (in February and June) and the third and fourth will follow in 2024. These new pavilions will be designed, constructed, and maintained in such a way as to rank them among the most innovative and ecofriendly buildings in Canada. The bioclimatic designs and solarpanelled roofs will provide self-sustaining thermal energy and electric power. Locally sourced natural materials used in the construction of the units will add to their clean, timeless design.

“The high quality of this new, green construction project builds on the lifestyle that Spa Eastman has been promoting for 45 years, namely, one that promotes healthy, life-giving practises for both people and the environment,” explains Dubuc.

Taking a cue from permaculture which integrates land, resources, people and the environment, the exterior adopts a no

waste, closed loop system. It will be landscaped with edible and medicinal plants and fruit trees and there will be a swimming pond—all nestled in the heart of a wooded area.

“We want these Oasis units to become the prototype for healthy, eco-friendly and self-sustaining tourist accommodations. To that end, we’re aiming for the highest LEED ratings in Canada—Platinum and Carbon Neutral, as well as for a Net Zero rating, which certifies that a building produces more energy than it consumes,” explains Daniel Duquette, Spa Eastman’s general manager.

Beyond their eco-friendly accommodations, the new pavilions are intended to spread eco-friendly and innovative practices to the world, through such initiatives as weekly walking tours of the pavilions and workshops. These tours will introduce all Spa Eastman customers to eco-friendly construction. Along with future educational initiatives, Solution Era is planning to host eco-friendly construction retreats in those new pavilions.

As well as creating these new pavilions, the company partnered with Aderre, a sustainability consultant, to continuously improve its footprint. The current strategic plan is built on two priorities: residual materials management and ethical sourcing of materials and supplies.

“Nowadays, it’s clear that visitors are opting more and more for destinations that respond to their own values regarding social responsibility and sustainable development. Here, at Spa Eastman, we are in an ideal position to fulfill those expectations,” adds Duquette.

Among other measures, the company has:

* Sourced their products by following the 3NF rule (naked, not far, natural and fair), which means that they choose products with the least packaging possible, the least processed, the most organic possible and preferably purchased locally or regionally from companies that respect the environment and human beings;

* Transformed the buffet formula to reduce food waste;

* Introduced recycling and compost bins next to waste bins to encourage the sorting of waste;

* Been composting since it first opened in 1977;

* Supplied many foods from its gardens through sustainable agriculture;

* Offered customers the choice not to change their towels or bedding in the rooms to reduce water and energy consumption;

* Developed trails according to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forest standards since 2012. Its forest provides the property with clean water, purifies the air, maintains biodiversity, provides habitat for species and plays a leading role in mitigating the impact of climate change;

* Only used recycled paper: hand paper, toilet paper, handkerchiefs, printer paper;

* Added water flow restrictors (toilets, taps, shower heads);

* Introduced refillable bottles of biodegradable soap in the rooms. They do not provide small individual sample bottles;

* Directed that damaged towels are reused as rags for housekeeping;

“Although Spa Eastman has achieved many of its goals, I continue to pursue new dreams, one of the main ones being that Quebec will become the destination for organic products. Admittedly, it’s an ambitious dream, but why not? I fantasize that the government will finally come around to supporting all of our organic food producers, to the point where the production and consumption of organic products would increase, thereby making them more affordable to the average consumer. The result? Our wonderful world would be so much healthier. And what about the long-term savings? Fewer sick people would mean less pressure on our costly healthcare system,” says Dubuc.

Spa Eastman is also looking for innovative new ways to broaden its offer to a greater number of community projects. It will review its plan in 2023, after the opening of the first Oasis so that sustainable projects are always in motion.

feature

Like Quebec’s Spa Eastman, Canadian spas are leading the fight against climate change, doing their part to eliminate plastics and reduce their carbon foot print while promoting sustainably produced products. Here are just a few of the many that are committed to making a difference.

Leela Eco Spa

Leela Eco Spa with locations in Calgary and Oakville, celebrates nature’s beauty while respecting it at the same time. The spa partners with environmentally conscious companies—like Good Juju, which supplies the spa with eco-friendly laundry strips for its inhouse laundry. They sell eco-friendly brand products and use a filtration system for water rather than disposable plastic bottles. All-natural cleaners like borax, lemon juice, and essential oils for floors, windows and general cleaning, keep the space sparkling. Paperless intake forms enable it to save more than 1000 pages a month.

Spa Ritual

As a founding member of the Green Spa Network, Calgary-based The Spa Ritual is committed to environmental protection and sustainability. The network is a not-for-profit trade association responsible for bringing sustainable operating practices to the spa industry and promoting the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of the planet. Spa Ritual’s Green Program aims to minimize the spa’s impact on the environment by focusing on energy and water conservation, and keeping environmental considerations as an important aspect of decision-making—to name a few.

Éco Spa Highland

Overlooking the pristine valleys of the Laurentians, Quebec’s Eco Spa Highland, has green in its DNA. Water and floors are heated using solar thermal energy. Through state-of-the-art green technologies, the spa reduces its carbon emissions by 38 tonnes annually—the equivalent to removing nearly 10 cars off the road. Salt is used in the treatment of the water. Building materials were selected based on ecological criteria. For example, its cedar siding from Quebec was treated with an all-natural resin. Organics and recycling are fundamental to the operation in both food and retail.

The L Spa and Wellness Centre

As a stalwart environmental steward, Vancouver’s L Spa and Wellness Centre earned its designation as an Eminence Organics Green Spa in 2011. Spas, like The L Spa, must meet specific criteria in order to be recognized as an “Eminence Green Spa.” Among these initiatives, they have to use power strips in treatment rooms and office areas and turn them off when equipment is not in use; establish an in-spa recycling awareness program; place recycling bins next to trash cans with clearly marked signs indicating what constitutes acceptable waste; use natural, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies; limit the amount of linens offered to guests; adjust air conditioning by two degrees in the summer and turn thermostats down two degrees in the winter; and, use halogen, LED, CLF or low-voltage track lighting.

a simple kindness act of

Two Canadian spas take it to the next level

BY SANDRA EAGLE

Sometimes, you need to know that someone cares about you. Knowing that there’s someone out there who’s willing to reach out and lend a helping hand can make all the difference if you’re struggling.

For Shereen Magnus, a medical aesthetician and owner of SKN Med Spa in Saskatoon, her desire to help others was deeply rooted in her own personal struggles dealing with self-harm. “I had been thinking about this for a while,” she says, “but I needed to wait for the right time to offer this type of treatment. I needed to have the right space to welcome them.”

Magnus laughs when she recalls that she was “one of the crazy ones that opened a spa in November of 2020.” She could see that, during COVID, young adults were struggling with mental health and selfharm, and this was an opportunity to give back. “There’s not a lot of help or resources to deal with this issue. So, we started The SKN Initiative in May of 2022, which we mainly announced through our Instagram account.”

The SKN Initiative offers microneedling sessions for clients who are dealing with self-harm scars.

Magnus originally used a basic needling pen, but when one of her suppliers, Cutera, heard about her plans, they stepped up and offered to supply their radiofrequency microneedling cartridges free of charge for these clients. “Since I usually see these clients two to three times over the course of their treatments, I use the basic pen a couple of times, then the microneedling cartridge to finish.”

Magnus points out that the surface area of the scar determines how many sessions are required. “A larger area of scarring can take up to two hours. Sometimes it takes longer to numb the skin with the numbing cream than it actually takes to do the procedure.” On average, there is four to six weeks between appointments.

SKN Med Spa supplies the numbing cream, but Cutera’s cartridge contribution is a game changer. “The cartridges are expensive—up to $100 for each head. The fact that Cutera is covering that is huge.” It also makes a difference in the treatments. One radiofrequency microneedling session is equal to five sessions with the regular microneedling pen.

Magnus is also clear about results when treating her clients. “I tell them the procedure will not completely erase the scar, but it will minimize the appearance of scarring, bring back the colour

“The difference in their self-esteem from when they first come in to when they finish is amazing.”

and pigment of the skin, and smooth out the scar.”

Magnus says clients see a big improvement over the course of their treatments. “The difference in their selfesteem from when they first come in to when they finish is amazing. Many of these clients are self-conscious about their scars, and this treatment gives them more confidence to wear clothing—like a short-sleeved shirt— that some of them haven’t been able to do in a decade.”

The reaction from clients has been pretty emotional. “Usually when they come in with a parent, the parent usually cries. It’s the fact that we’re simply just offering this service. They’re so touched by it. I wish there was more I could do—the simple act of offering this has touched a lot of people.”

Magnus is the only one in her spa offering this service because she wants to make sure clients feel comfortable. “I’ve struggled with this, too, and I can relate personally—it brings a level of reassurance to the client. Knowing your boundaries is important, too. We’ve partnered with a mental health and wellness counselling clinic in Saskatoon for additional therapy or counselling. For me, I know what it feels like when people are trying to help and then make the situation worse. I’m not trained in trauma therapy—sometimes even knowing what not to say is important.”

Being part of a community also means supporting it in a way that makes sense to you. At the Waters Spa in Waterloo, Ont., Carly Kuntz, chief relaxation officer, directs charitable giving in the form of free spa treatments, gift certificates at charity auctions, and even a percentage of the spa’s treatment sales on specific days to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. They even donated a half-day spa certificate to two deserving frontline workers, chosen by a draw from local nominations.

Magnus has some good advice for other clinics that are considering charitable work. “Do something from your heart—as cheesy as that may sound. We all have a past, and a story. I strongly believe that life happens for us, not to us. We can use our own pain

and struggles to help those in our community on a personal level and build deep, meaningful relationships. Start small, and don’t worry about what it will cost you. The love you put in always comes back tenfold.”

Shereen Magnus, Owner SKN Med Spa

The SKN Initiative offers microneedling sessions for clients who are dealing with self-harm scars.

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Renewed, Refreshed, Refocused The Stillwater Spa emerges as a beacon of wellness

BY JANA MANOLAKOS

In what is one of the wealthier pockets of Toronto, a stylish neighbourhood surrounds the intersection of Bloor Street and Avenue Road. It’s home to some of the city’s oldest and wealthiest families, and it’s the tony address for the Stillwater Spa at the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Since the Spa opened in 2003, it has been a beacon of wellness and was the first large luxury spa in Toronto, according to Director of Spa Kerry Werner. In 2017, the historic hotel and spa went on

hiatus, shuttering its doors to undergo massive renovations, but the planned renovations hit headwinds when the pandemic struck in 2020.

After four years, it reopened to much fanfare on June 16, 2022. For Werner, that was a big day. “I’ve never worked corporately before. I’ve always worked for private resorts. So, to come into a corporate setting where I have the full support of the Hyatt behind me has been amazing. And the fact that the culture at the

Hyatt, too, is just very reflective of what I believe is important when running a business.”

Werner, who had joined the Stillwater Spa two months earlier, had worked in Sparkling Hill Resort in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley for three years. She’s had a lifelong love of learning and all things spa. She began as a registered massage therapist and broadened her expertise to include a range of modes, from Reiki to lymphatic drainage and craniosacral therapy.

“At Hyatt, we take care of people so they can be their best. It’s really representative of how things are changing in the work world now—taking cues from wellness, spas, and self-care, and realizing that if you take care of your people, your people will take care of the business.”

She’s right on the mark. A recent study out of the University of East Anglia in the U.K.—where researchers analyzed almost 298,000 online ratings by employees for 11,975 high-touch hospitality and tourism companies—found that an increase in job satisfaction was associated with an increase in “return on assets” (a measure of profitability) of between 1.2% and 1.4%.

Some might see the Stillwater Spa’s resurgence as a metaphor for the spa industry post-pandemic. It took the opportunity to refocus, reinvent, and refresh itself. “The focus on the whole re-envisioning of the hotel and the spa was to give people an elevated, luxurious experience but, at the same time, make them always feel welcome,” says Werner.

The pandemic had forced people to reassess how they lived and worked in the new norm. “I saw people being a little more open to trying things they hadn’t tried before. Maybe they’re not just going to get a normal massage. They’re going to try some lymphatic

drainage or try some Reiki and try to look at different areas that perhaps they’ve been neglecting.”

Flawless interior design

The renovations provided a canvas for the flawless interior design of Studio Munge: a blend of colours, shapes, and textures inspired by Canada’s natural vistas, local art galleries, and Toronto’s creative vibe. “They wanted to bring an element of art to all the spaces for a continuous flow throughout the property,” explains Werner. The spa features curated pieces that emit a sense of calm throughout and an art installation featuring

serenely floating porcelain lilies that echo the spa’s brand.

Every detail was purposefully introduced to induce relaxation. A chorus of environmental triggers—lighting, colour schemes, artwork, scents, sounds, and even the warm robes—helps melt away outside stresses. Stone, natural woods, muted colours, and pops of metallics are blended to minimize sensory overload. Werner even reworked the treatment menu, making it simpler and non-gender specific with highly personalized options.

The Spa’s practitioners will personalize each client experience to pinpoint their wellness and beauty goals—whether they have come just to relax or are looking to address a particular issue like oily skin or tight shoulders. “We encourage the body and the mind to enter a parasympathetic nervous state, so you become deeply relaxed and open to healing. You’re in this serene area where you can let go, so that by the time you get onto that treatment table, your body is ready to receive.”

Behind the serene façade

But peek behind the dreamy walls, and you’ll find spa team members hurrying down adjoining hallways, busy working to ensure nothing remains overlooked. “So, when a guest comes up to me and expresses their appreciation for the relaxation and seamless service, we’ve done our jobs, but it definitely takes a lot of effort behind the scenes,” admits Werner.

Attendants typically arrive around 8:30 a.m. and spend the next 90 minutes getting the spa ready for the first guests. Throughout the day they’ll check to make sure there’s plenty of infused water, juices, and herbal teas, as well as spa bites: petit fours, tarts, and other treats. “We asked our pastry team to come up with one or two indulgent options, along with a few healthy ‘Spa bites’ every day.” This includes little meringue-topped lemon tarts, mini moulded mango jellies, and even the occasional fluffy maple fudge. Werner explains that seasonality and creativity come into play “with the Spa bites changing to reflect the seasons and availability of local sourced ingredients.”

A typical day for Werner starts with a 20-minute subway ride to the hectic downtown core. “Because we are part of the Park Hyatt

itself, every morning at 9 a.m., we hold a managers’ meeting to hear what’s going on in the hotel, who’s arriving, if there are any special guests, any site visits—really anything we need to be aware of.”

She recalls the first meetings after joining the hotel as the Spa prepared to reopen. Hotel department managers were eager to learn what was being done to reinvigorate the space. “It’s something we still ask ourselves every morning,” explains Werner. “If a guest came in, and they didn’t like something about their room or their spa experience, we bring that to those meetings. We discuss it and find solutions and creative opportunities.”

Four weeks before opening, staff were trained on skincare products; training on manicure and pedicure products followed. The spa team worked on one another, experiencing the service and then assessing how well it was delivered. Since reopening, the team relies on client feedback to ensure continuous improvements.

The Spa introduced a client survey—attached to a thank-you email—that probes for both current experiences and past ones, and if there are things that need to change. “I’ll periodically send an email to the guest to introduce myself and ask them about their experience,” adds Werner.

The rest of a typical day for Werner is spent on daily duties: checking a flurry of emails, connecting with staff, reviewing bookings. “But my favourite part of the day is wandering through the spa to introduce myself to guests, hear how their experience is going, and how they like it.”

The refurbished spa has 13 spacious treatment rooms—one of which comes with a shower—two couples suites, five pedicure thrones, and three manicure stations. In line with the Spa’s belief in simplicity, each treatment room features cabinetry that houses linens, products, and equipment. “We wanted it to feel like magic. Clients walk into this room, and it’s not cluttered, and it’s clean, and it’s simple and modern. And then, they get on the table and all of a sudden, you’ve got oils and hot towels,” says Werner.

“It’s my passion and the Stillwater Spa team’s passion to let people know that self-care is not selfish, that it’s important, and that they deserve it.”

“We wanted it to feel like magic. Clients walk into this room, and it’s not cluttered, and it’s clean, and it’s simple and modern. And then, they get on the table and all of a sudden, you’ve got oils and hot towels.”

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your spa Greening

Going green can be as simple as conserving water and energy, or more challenging like improving efficiencies in the manufacturing process. It’s possible to protect the environment while simultaneously reducing operating costs, increasing efficiencies, and reducing health and safety risks to your employees and your clients. We checked with both Eminence Organic Skin Care and the Government of Canada for their tips and suggestions.

in the know

Eminence Organic Skin Care has initiated a green spa policy and certificate program designed to reward those actively trying to reduce their environmental impact while inspiring others to do more. Recognized Eminence Organics Green Spas have delivered on at least 60% of the following “green” requirements:

• Use power strips in treatment rooms and office areas and turn them off when equipment is not in use.

• Use reusable or biodegradable options whenever possible with your food and beverage services instead of paper and plastic cups, plates, and flatware.

• Establish an in-spa recycling awareness program. Place recycling bins next to trash cans with clearly marked signs indicating what constitutes acceptable waste.

• Use natural, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies instead of chemical-based products.

• Limit the linens provided to guests. Offer only what they may need with the option of additional linens upon request. This would include towels and robes.

• Purchase all condiments and supplies (cream, sugar, paper goods, and hand soaps) in bulk. This is also a wise financial choice.

• Buy organic and fair trade coffees and teas.

• Adjust A/C by two degrees in the summer and turn your thermostat down two degrees in the winter to use less energy. This will also save you money on your hydro bills.

• Use halogen, LED, CLF, or low-voltage track lighting in at least 50% of your sources.

• Program all computer monitors to sleep mode after 15 minutes or more.

• Use filtered water taps. This is a cheaper alternative to buying bottled water and limits waste.

• Print all marketing materials on recycled paper with eco-friendly inks.

• Reuse paper for in-spa memos, notes, and scratch paper.

• Designate time at staff meetings to discuss new and existing environmental efforts.

• Provide staff members with information on how they can improve their green efforts at home as well as in the spa.

The Canadian Government also offers several tips; among them are the following:

Substituting materials

Using more environmentally friendly alternatives helps remove harmful substances and products from use and can save money by lowering hazardous waste disposal costs. Some examples include the use of natural instead of synthetic fibres like cotton robes and towels, plant-based products, and water-based rather than solvent-based products.

Using redesigned/reformulated products

Looking at the whole lifecycle of the products you sell or use can help you determine which ones offer the lowest environmental impact. Purchase products that come with less packaging; offer recycling; and include substances that are less harmful to the environment.

Changing equipment or processes

Making changes to your equipment or processes can improve efficiency and reduce water and energy costs, like offering waterless pedicures. Switch to more energy-efficient lighting and use high-efficiency devices such as those designated by ENERGY STAR or Safer Choice.

Changing operating practices and providing training

Helping your employees know how to use equipment properly can help conserve energy and water, and reduce waste. Give them training on pollution prevention so they gain the knowledge and skills to implement green practices.

Unpacking clean beauty, from ingredients to product vessels

Clean beauty isn’t so much a trend these days as it is a movement. But while it all sounds desirable, the clean category is also incredibly confusing, especially because most of the key terminology that accompanies it is unregulated. At endota™, we’ve always been passionate and proactive about bringing our customers the best in effective, safe and non-toxic product formulations in addition to embracing ethical and socially responsible business practices. And thanks to advancing technology and industry innovation, we’ve been able to expand our own clean efforts even further. Our Organics range is COSMOS certified; you can feel confident this third-party certification only held by select brands, means that a company has met several in-depth criteria to ensure consumers that their products are genuinely organic or natural. The criteria is not only focused on ingredients, but checked at various points in the supply chain journey of the product.

endota™ is kind to your skin and the planet

At endota™, we see environmentally friendly beauty as a focus not only on formulations, but packaging as well. Where possible, the endota Organics™ range is packaged using renewable energy from recycled materials, and vessels are recyclable post-use. Our product tubes are a combination of sugarcane derived PE and recycled PE and are manufactured using solar energy. Although it is the harder and longer route to take, how our products are created and what goes inside them is important to us. And we know it matters to our community too. At endota™, our guiding purpose is to care for others and make them feel good, and we believe that choosing to offer thoughtful and sustainable beauty options helps us achieve this goal.

The word “endota” is an indigenous word meaning beautiful so it makes sense the brand’s ethos is to live consciously and give back wherever possible. endota™ currently collaborates with an inspiring group of indigenous women at Marnin Studios in Fitzroy Crossing to support the ongoing development of the social

enterprise program and the empowerment of these local women and their families. Their artwork appears on some of endota’s™ packaging, and they receive a percentage of sales in return.

With over 120 spas in Australia and three Wellness Colleges, endota™ is well on its way to a sustainable network down under. Here in Canada at endota’s flagship spa, The Spa Magnolia in Victoria BC, environmentally sustainable practices have been second nature for quite some time. “Using endota™ in our facials, massage and body treatments is completely aligned with our philosophy of clean and conscious beauty. The success of implementing this brand has been so seamless and even mid-pandemic we achieved a 5% increase in our service to retail ratio!” says Paula Veenema, Owner/Director for 20 years. “We are a 95% waste diverted facility, all our lighting is LED, and our one-time use implements are gathered monthly for Green Circle™ where they are used in a waste-to-energy process to create renewable energy. Throughout Covid we also utilized their PPE program for masks and gloves to avoid throwing them in the garbage. The spa also donates robes to Sandy Merriman House, a local women’s shelter, and towels and sheets to our local SPCA.”

Paula Veenema is endota™ Canada’s Distributor and owner of The Spa Magnolia in Victoria BC. www.endota.ca www.spamagnolia.com

endota Organics™ range is packaged using renewable energy from recycled materials, and vessels are recyclable post-use. Our product tubes are a combination of sugarcane derived PE and recycled PE and are manufactured using solar energy.

Great for the skin good for the planet

BY JANA MANOLAKOS

The popularity of sustainable skincare products has seen a sharp rise with consumers flocking to products that are good for the skin—and the planet.

According to a report shared by First Insight, a global predictive analytics firm, in the last few years, preference for sustainable brands had increased by nearly 25%. According to the study, nearly 90% of gen X consumers—those in their 40s and 50s—said

they’d be willing to spend an extra 10% or more for sustainable products, compared to just over 34% two years ago. And they’re influencing the shopping habits of the older generation of boomers.

A desire to help the environment was found to be the primary reason consumers purchase sustainable products and brands. Almost 30% say they want to improve the environment, with

23% wishing to reduce production waste, 22% wishing to reduce their carbon footprints, and 17% concerned with animal welfare. Only 7% agree that they prefer to shop sustainably due to social signalling; in other words, to be recognized as being a good citizen.

Several skincare brands sold in Canada have heard the message, aligning themselves with consumers by offering sustainable products and, in the process, gaining a stronger hold on the market.

“Sustainability in beauty is increasingly becoming a consumer priority across the globe, with many choosing to buy fewer plastic products and expecting brands to make their products more sustainable—and this has been emphasized by the pandemic,” says Alex Fisher, associate director for Beauty & Personal Care at Mintel, a global market research firm.

This expectation is pushing beauty brands toward new sustainable innovations, such as ethical sourcing, carbon neutrality, and reusable or refillable packaging solutions.

Wrapping up sustainability

More than 120 billion units of packaging are produced every year by the global cosmetics industry. The cardboard that envelops perfumes, serums, and moisturizers contributes to the

loss of 18 million acres of forest each year, according to Zero Waste Week, an annual awareness campaign.

At O Cosmedics , packaging has been a focus for many years, but packaging suppliers lagged behind until recently. “As a brand, we’ve been researching options around recyclable and reduced packaging for a number of years,” says CEO Maria EnnaCocciolone. The company recently unveiled 13 products in new packaging. “This new packaging has only one wall, which means we’re reducing our packaging as much as 43.5%.”

O Cosmedics uses active ingredients in functional doses that

Nearly 90% of gen X consumers—those in their 40s and 50s—said they’d be willing to spend an extra 10% or more for sustainable products

require airless packaging to preserve the product shelf life. And, while at this stage the packaging is not recyclable, the company remains committed to searching for other options in promoting a healthier environment.

In the past few years, there has been growing pressure on beauty brands to create reusable or refillable packaging formats—like the Water-Lock Moisturizer refill pods offered by Tata Harper.

At Dazzle Dry, a leading nail care company popular in some Canadian spas, products are shipped using eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable clamshell packages, envelopes made from recycled paper, and protective craft paper. The company’s manufacturing facilities employ rigorous recycling methods to reduce landfill waste.

Revitalizing Earth’s lungs

As a vital source of oxygen on the planet, trees are considered to be the lungs of the Earth; they keep erosion at bay and play an important role in many ecosystems. Among several global beauty brands committed to protecting the forest canopy—like Origins and Phyto, which each teamed up with eco-advocates to plant trees—Eminence Organic Skin Care recently launched a campaign, Forests for the Future, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Trees for the Future, to help train farmers in developing countries on how to build productive and sustainable forest gardens. The company plants a tree for every product sold to restore these forests.

To Kerry Werner, spa director at Toronto’s Park Hyatt Stillwater Spa, sustainability is an important aspect when ordering the spa’s products. It’s one of the reasons she has partnered for years with Aromatherapy Associates, a leading provider of essential oils. “Not only are their products exquisite, they’re also a very sustainable company,” she explains. “They believe in a lot of the same values that we believe in as a company,

“We only have one planet, so we must do everything we can to honour our Mother Earth. We’ve noticed our clients have definitely appreciated our approach to sustainability.”

as well: sustainability, fair trade, taking care of your team, reducing packaging, reducing waste, and reducing water waste. And their products are just gorgeous. They have a blend for everything.”

At Beauty Through Balance, a spa line carried at awardwinning spas and hotels, company founder Sherina Jamal explains, “We are one of the only companies that are handharvesting sustainably in B.C. and working with environmentalists in the harvesting of seaweed. All this has a very positive effect on the local community and no negative impact on the environment or ecosystem. It’s very unique to us.”

Her company’s Macrocystis integrifolia Pacific seaweed (large brown kelp) is harvested by hand from remote areas of the

northern coast of British Columbia, and all harvesting is 100% sustainable. Specific rules and policies are followed that protect the kelp beds during harvesting. Both government and Indigenous oversights are strictly enforced, and only a small window of harvesting is allowed during the course of the year. “This ensures maximum protection of the amazing sea life that lives in and around the beds,” explains Jamal.

Regulated pruning methods allow only nine feet to be pruned from the top of the plant, which regenerates and grows back in a few days, making it one of the most sustainable plants in the world.

The process includes transforming the harvested kelp tips into a thick, concentrated pulp that retains the full nutritional value of the original kelp in live raw form. “We were the first skincare company in Canada to incorporate this unique form of raw live kelp into sophisticated and therapeutic skincare formulations for spas,” says Jamal. Unlike other methods, during this process, none of the kelp tip is wasted.

The company’s same respect for environmental stewardship applies to a line of skincare products developed from organically grown Chaga mushrooms harvested from deep in the B.C. forests; raw, hand-harvested sustainable organic acai berries from the Amazon rainforest; and a variety of plant extracts.

Honouring Mother Earth

Sustainability lies at the core of Hypnologie Beauty, a plant-based skincare line that integrates Ayurvedic knowledge into its products. “From our organic farm in the Himalayas to our customers’ skin, sustainability is a core pillar of our company’s mission,” explains founder Jigyasa Sharma.

“We use only the purest plant ingredients in our products grown in the lush forest ecosystem in the Himalayan valleys by the Ganges River. Our ingredients—such as royal saffron, rich jojoba, and healing Babchi—are cultivated at our fair trade organic farm by our talented team of agronomists,” she explains.

Once harvested, the company uses minimal processing at the production level to reduce its carbon footprint while retaining the efficacy of the ingredients. “At the manufacturing level, we utilize glass packaging that is, at minimum, 90% recyclable,” she adds.

While Sharma admits that it’s more costly to be environmentally conscious, she remains adamant that it is crucial. “We only have one planet, so we must do everything we can to honour our Mother Earth. We’ve noticed our clients have definitely appreciated our approach to sustainability. Thankfully, many more consumers are interested in green and clean skincare in our modern age.”

From cleansing foams like Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Enzyme Cleanser, which conserves water because it needs only a few drops to activate, to products like Sukin Naturals that leave a carbon-neutral footprint, skincare products in Canada—and, indeed, in the entire world—are doing their part for the environment.

BEAUTY PERSECUTED MARINA NEMAT

BY JANA MANOLAKOS

This past September, 22-year-old Iranian student, Mahsa Amini was arrested in Tehran because her hair was showing from under her headscarf. While in custody, she fell into a coma and died. Her death unleashed a torrent of global rallies in support of a woman’s right to her own body, mind and soul—a calling that’s central to Canada’s day and med spa industry.

For award winning Canadian author, Marina Nemat, it brought back traumatic memories of the religious fanaticism and violation of human rights that gripped Iran four decades earlier. Nemat was just 16 years old then, when she was arrested and tortured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard in 1982. In a desperate bid to escape, the young Russian Orthodox woman was forced to convert to Islam and marry her prison interrogator. A few years later, he was murdered, freeing her to marry her childhood sweetheart. She moved to Canada with her young family in 1991 and wrote two books to share her ordeal: the bestselling Prisoner of Tehran and a sequel, After Tehran. We caught up with her at her lakeside cottage, hoping to understand how she was able to protect her body, mind and soul in the face of terror.

Some might describe you as intelligent, a human rights advocate, passionate, courageous and spiritual. What words would you use to describe yourself?

I see myself as a woman who is stubborn, opinionated, and who cannot tolerate injustice. Something inside me usually pushes me to say something. When we speak out against a situation, it can get us into trouble—even if we do it respectfully because those committing the injustice just don’t want to hear about it.

What are your thoughts about the current situation in Iran: the surge of protests against the way women are treated under the present Islamic government? Does it remind you of the rallies from forty years ago?

What’s going on in Iran today seems like déjà vu to me. But now the difference is that there are more young people and young women in Iran. The population has grown significantly, more than double since we were there. There’s also the power of today’s social media to connect people and override efforts to shut them down. After more than 40 years, people are tired of this brutal dictatorship that attacks women.

Could you explain what happened to you back then?

As a high school student, I had attended protest rallies and spoken against the government because the laws had changed and we were forced to cover up, not allowed to dress the way we wanted, or wear makeup or be seen in public with boys that were not relatives. Suddenly, everything we had enjoyed was considered satanic. Then people started getting arrested, disappearing, just like today—taken from their homes, from the streets and even from school. I was taken around 9 o’clock at night from my home and brought to Evin Prison, a brutal place for political dissidents where I spent three years.

Where did you get the strength to walk through hell and come out the other end?

Like many who have post traumatic stress disorder, my distress did not show outwardly. I was in an emotional coma. PTSD symptoms usually appear years later. And by the time the symptoms appear, they’re difficult to treat. Then around 2000, everything came crashing down; I began having flashbacks and nightmares; I had difficulty adjusting and there were strains on my relationships. I realized then I had PTSD.

How did you heal from the PTSD?

I can’t call it healing. You learn to manage it. You carry it with you like a heavy backpack you can’t place down. Managing emotional trauma is not the same for everyone. Some require therapy or medication and a good support system. I found writing. Now, I teach memoir writing at the School of Continuing Studies at University of Toronto.

Since the publication of both your books, you have been interviewed many times. What is the one question you wished they had asked, that no one ever did?

I wish my closest relatives had asked me how I was after my release from prison. I may not have been ready to answer, but at least they would have shown that they were ready to listen. But

they were silent. When you ask a question like that from someone that has been traumatized, you’re basically telling them that you care. That even though you know the experience is difficult, you are there to listen to what they went through.

What can Canadians learn from your experience?

There were many girls my age and younger in that prison. We had been beaten, tortured and bruised, but we had each other to rely on so we shared our meager rations and supported each other in whatever way we could. In them, I saw the height of human goodness. In prison, I discovered both the absolute insanity of human cruelty and the absolute beauty of human dedication, selflessness and love. When the world seems ugly, we have to search deeply to find beauty. Beauty heals, it makes things better.

What does beauty mean to you?

I believe beauty lies in nature. I’m happiest when I’m in the forest or by the lake, marvelling at the animals and scenery around me. For me, beauty needs to be natural. In my selfcare, I try to go as natural and simplified as possible with products that don’t harm the environment. I threw out my make up and keep things easy with a cream and serum for moisturizing and just a few other things. I went with a Canadian brand, the Rocky Mountain Soap Co., that uses simple, effective ingredients that when combined with eating right and regular exercise, makes me feel so much better.

MARENCE CANADA Anti-Age Face Lifting Cream

Like other products in the Marence Canada line, the Anti-Age Face Lifting Cream contains the company’s specially developed Freshwater Green Mud extracts which prevent the signs of aging while moisturizing, cleansing, strengthening and restoring even the most sensitive of skins. Certified by Ecocert, the mud’s unique active structure includes amino acids, vitamins, natural antioxidants, lipids, enzymes and a wide spectrum of micro and macro elements.

IMAGE SKINCARE O2 Lift

Oxygen helps bring clarity to troubled skin, purifies clogged pores, supports collagen production, and brightens dullness. The oxygenating O2 Lift peel delivers an instant, visible boost to invigorate the skin and give it a gorgeous glow by infusing oxygen, plant-derived stem cells, peptides, and a high concentration of enzymatic botanicals into the skin.

GUINOT Age Logic Rich Cream

Over time, cell activity decreases and the skin gradually loses energy, oxygen, and lipids. Signs of aging appear (lines, deep wrinkles, loss of firmness) and the skin becomes drier with sensations of discomfort and tightness. Building on its anti-aging expertise, Guinot has developed Age Logic Rich Cream to combat skin aging and restore suppleness and comfort to dry and mature skin.

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Moments to Treasure

For holiday shoppers searching for the perfect gift, Aromatherapy Associates recently unveiled a chest of self-care: Moments to Treasure, featuring three drawers filled with 20 exquisite well-being goodies, each crafted from essential oil blends. It offers a luxurious introduction to aromatherapy with such indulgences as bath and shower oils, destressing rollerballs, Sleep Well Body Butter, and more.

CARACOL Sérum Rajeunissant— Snail Serum

Caracol skincare snail serum is enriched with 82.95% snail mucin, the highest concentration on the market. The compound’s anti-aging properties—enriched with aloe vera, vitamin E, and hexapeptide 10—help to regenerate skin cells, fill wrinkles, and fight signs of aging such as sagging, fine lines, dull skin, and large pores.

DAZZLE DRY Textbook System Kit

Dazzle Dry offers a range of nail care kits like its Textbook lacquer set, which features a full coverage nude lacquer with slight pink undertone, nail prep, base coat, and top coat. The award-winning four-step nail care system is formulated to provide a fast-drying, long-lasting natural nail treatment and comes in a wide selection of colours.

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JANE IREDALE COSMETICS A Cheeky New Bronzer

The Glow Time Bronzer Stick is a radiant, no-shimmer cream bronzer for buildable, natural colour and a sunkissed, sculpted look. The no-shimmer creamy formula enables streak-free application for face and body. Containing jojoba seed oil, this product hydrates and smooths skin.

RIZO RADIANCE Collagen Infused Raspberry Tea

This energizing, drinkable formula features top notes of bright raspberry with hibiscus floral undertones. Each 330 mL bottle of combines the antioxidant power of perennial hibiscus plants with 5 grams of marine collagen. The company offers a range of flavoured teas designed to chase away dullness and invigorate.

MOROCCAN OIL Shimmering Body Oil

Shimmering Body Oil soaks into skin to moisturize it while leaving a healthy sheen. With argan oil as its key ingredient, the body oil is extremely rich in tocopherols (vitamin E), essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, and helps hydrate and nourish skin for improved texture and tone.

OM Sunset Nectar

Sudsy and gentle, Om’s Sunset Nectar body wash fills a steamy shower with plant-based aromatics. It rinses away beautifully without stripping the skin of healthy oils. Perfect for sensitive skin, it can be used on hands, body, and face, and even as a light shampoo—especially for kids.

CND

Pro Skincare Callus Smoother CND’s Pro Skincare is a complete line of prebiotic-enriched spa products for healthier-looking skin, including a callus smoother, mineral bath, exfoliating sea salt scrub, and hydration treatment. The entire collection of professional-quality vegan skincare is formulated with natural origin ingredients, tested by dermatologists, and made for all skin types. Invigorating from beginning to end, these products support premium manicure and pedicure experiences.

MONTEIL Hydro Cell Age Defense Eye Creme

Monteil’s smoothing eye cream boasts an immediate effect. The active ingredient Haloxyl softens dark circles around the eyes and removes signs of tiredness. The delicate area around the eyes is strengthened and given new elasticity and vitality. The gentle cream formulation is also suitable for those who wear contact lenses.