New menu/brochure strategy

I am just launching a new menu this week. It's quite a process as you usually need to include other people therefore everyone has their own timeline. It's been three weeks now and I will be picking up my menus from Minuteman Press at 4pm today. Thank you Mike for stepping up to the plate and making it happen in three days!

The first step in this whole process was taking a long look at what was working, what was not working and what's new in our industry. I call this stage RESEARCH. So we reviewed what our competitors were doing, analyzed sales stats to understand what should stay on the menu and asked ourselves some hard questions about what should change or be deleted. Now when I say hard questions, I am speaking about "Just because you love it, it does not mean your customers love it". It's funny how we assume or think we know what is working. And then we look at the stats - numbers never lie. We are lucky to have five years of data now and be able to make strategic decisions from these sales figures.

The second step is ANALYSIS. How much are your services/products costing you and are you making enough money? We have changed suppliers to lower our costs but we are very determined to keep our high level of quality in our service ingredients. Over time, we have been able to renegotiate and attain lower costs due to volume sales. This happens over time and you must ask for it. Your supplier will not usually be the one to bring it up. You need to consider what prices will go up (all or some) and we actually decreased some of our prices as well. Apply your learnings and make it even better!

The third step is DESIGN. We decided not to change the brand image too much so I contacted Cynthia once again from www.greencouchdesigns.com and had an amazing experience! I know Cynthia from my last menu so I sent her an email and not once we did we speak over the phone! I sent her emails with lots of edits as we got closer and closer to final draft.

The fourth step is COORDINATION. Now if you are changing your menu in print, you will have to make changes to your website as well so I had my webmaster to now bring up-to-date and coordinate with. Also, I called the printers and asked for the best price for high quality printing. I dealt with www.minuteman-vancouver.com because the last job was fantastic and the price was fair. This step is painful because you must pay attention to detail as you approve the last draft, ensure the website is correct and all prices are accurate. My last menu had a manicure service at the wrong price. We had 4 people reviewing the last draft and we all missed it. So GO SLOWLY and make sure it is correct. The printing can costs thousands of dollars so take the time and ask others for their perusal. We also had to update our sales systems in house on December 1st which was the chosen day to launch.

The fifth step is TRAINING. You need to take the time and train your staff on the changes and make it clear to them what has changed, what is new and what is gone. We organized two staff meetings especially for front desk to make sure they could explain the new services and reinforce the changes.

The final step will be DISTRIBUTION. I will make sure they are all over the spa today. I am also putting them in goody bags for our annual Ladies who Launch Trunk Show that will be held at Gramercy Grill Restaurant this Sunday.

Phew! It's a lot of work but it must be done to keep your business looking fresh, to be profitable, and to eliminate the waste.

Happy Holidays!

Nancy

Nancy's First Blog

I have been thinking of blogging for the last year and then it took me about 6 months to figure out what to say and how to do it. Little did I know that it would be so simple! Technology can seem intimidating yet today it is developed intuitively and usually straightforward to use. I have been guilty of thinking that perhaps my age (now 40) was perhaps why I have been having so many delays.

Blogging for me is going to be a way to have a voice in the spa industry and as an entrepreneur. Le Petit Spa is celebrating five years in September! It has been a wild ride. There has been so much learning as it is my first business and I was fresh and naive about spa business. Today I feel a lot of gratitude and pride in who we are as a spa team and how we built a solid spa business. It has been a lot of hard work but could I have expected anything less?

Thank you to my family and friends, to my spa team and to my customers for supporting me in becoming an entrepreneur and growing our business over the last five years.

Live your dream,

Nancy

DHA and You! Match Made in Heaven for a Golden Glow Goddess Look - Literally!

Self Tanning Creams have come a long way since their introduction into the cosmetic market.

When they first appeared, self tanning creams would use actual chemicals that would dye your skin! Yuck! And not to mention, they didn’t smell very nice at all! We all can think of what self tanning creams smell like, it’s not pleasant!

Today’s formulations don’t rely on gross, stinky chemicals to give you the “Barbie doll, plastic orange looking tan”. What they rely on is a natural compound, DHA, which is derived from sugar.

The History Behind DHA

DHA was first discovered in a children’s hospital where they were treating children with diabetes (diabetics can tolerate this type of sugar). However; when some of the patients spit up or got sick, brown spots would develop on their skin where the medicine touched it.

Doctors started to experiment with this sugar and noticed its “self tanning” abilities. DHA is a food grade product that is approved for ingestion by the FDA. It also has been linked to burning fat and now can be found in weight loss products.

When used in cosmetic self tanning products, it is completely safe; there are no detrimental effects on the inner body or skin when applied topically.

DHA and Me? How Does DHA Work?

DHA works with the natural amino acids in your body; a chemical reaction then takes place and the amino acids cause the DHA to oxidize and “tan” your skin. This also means that there is no chemical “self tanning” smell when using self tanning products that contain DHA. This truly is a safe, natural tan.

“Fake and Bake” tanning salons are in the spot light more than ever these days, and it’s because of the rise in skin cancer rates.

Self tanning products are a safe, healthy alternative to tanning salons as they do not damage your skin, contain no chemicals and have no cancer causing factors in them.

Most Vancouver day spas will offer a self tanning service, or “body bronzing service” in their spa menus to offer their clients a safe alternative to tanning, let’s face it, tanned skin is absolutely gorgeous! (aside from the cancer risk and wrinkling!)

Le Petit Spa uses Guinot self tanning products in their Body Bronzing Service, and of course, DHA is utilized to give clients a healthy, safe, natural tan. Other ingredients in this line of products include Aloe, to soften and moisturize skin to keep your tan longer, Shea Butter to soothe skin and deeply moisturize and Vitamin E, a powerful anti oxidant to protect your skin against free radicals which cause premature aging…read more about the benefits of the Guinot Body Bronzing Service at Le Petit Spa.

Sign up for our newsletter for further exclusive in-spa promotions, special events, and monthly or daily service promotions. Have beauty questions? Unsure of what a Body Wrap is? Email me with your questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

*information found for this blog at http://www.bodyinvest.com/dhastory.html

Le Petit Spa Valentines Day Spa Parties and Pedicures at Vancouver's #1 Day Spa!

Valentines Day Spa Parties!

Cupcakes, Cinnamon hearts and pedicures! Sounds like a fabulous way to spend the day with some of your closest gal pals!

Gather up to 10 of your closest gal pals for a Le Petit Spa Pedicure party; reasons to pick Le Petit Spa for your spa party:

• Privacy – You and your friends have their own private pedicure area and drying lounge to spend quality time together in.

• You are able to bring your own food into the spa, just as long it is non-fragrant!

• Le Petit Spa offers their clients either Red or White Organic French Wine to enjoy while receiving their pedicures.

• The best value in a professional spa pedicure in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

• A relaxing and pampering atmosphere and one of the best spa experiences you’ll ever have

• Memories that will last for years to come!

Le Petit Spa offers a wide range of professional spa pedicures to suit every mood and style:

• Classic Pedicure – nail work, cuticle work and more, this hour long service will have your toes looking a sure “top ten”…Read more

• Signature Pedicure – this lavish indulgence features all the basics of a classic pedicure with a Lavender paraffin treatment added on…Read more

• Nail Art Pedicure – for the true flirty girls at heart, perfect for a romantic first date or a night out on the town, Le Petit Spa Nail Art Pedicure will deliver surely original tootsies! …Read more

• French Pedicure – Valentines Day wedding or any other formal affair? A Le Petit Spa French Pedicure will give you the clean formal manicured look you desire…Read more

Le Petit Spa offers Vancouver and the Lower Mainland “Toes-days”, the only Tuesday in Vancouver to offer you a special incentive to experience the best spa pedicures available…Read more

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, product launches, special events, monthly and daily service promotions or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa -Valentines Day Guide to Looking Gorgeous! Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup

Looking for the perfect makeup for Valentines Day? This blog has it in the bag! Gorgeous colors for the most romantic day of the year from Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics.

Jane Iredale mineral makeup is made of completely natural minerals that contain pigment. They get their pigment from various Iron Oxides, that, when in contact with oxygen, release pigments. Jane Iredale cosmetics has found a way to use the oxides to turn to the needed color for each lipstick, blush or lip gloss that they need.

Make up has taken a slight eighties approach this year. Yes, the eighties are back, but in a good way! Red lipstick and stained cheeks have made a come back and are perfect for this years Valentines Day celebrations. So whether or not you have a hot date, these products are going to get you attention!

Lipstick

This year’s colors are dramatic, but natural. These colors are made to stand out and give your lips a flirty flush! “Joy” lipstick from Jane Iredale matches the color of red that even the most conservative person wears on their toes!

Lips looking a little thin? A concoction of peppermint, spearmint oils and ginger root extract will fix that in a flash! Jane Iredale “More lip – lip plumper” is a natural solution for those who do not want restylane or collagen injections. Blood circulation is stimulated from the main ingredients, making your lips pouty and full of sex-appeal.

Did you know? Lips are extremely sensitive and are a major erogenous zone on the human body? Symbolically, they are seen as female sexuality because they mimic sexual swelling to our male counterparts; therefore, are a secondary sex characteristic…Who wants lip plumper!????

Blush

Looking for a blush that matches any skin tone or type? This blush will give your cheeks that sexy flush we all admired. Featuring gold flecks of real 24 karat gold to give just a hint of shimmer, this blush works with any hair or skin color.

Book a makeup lesson or application and save 10% when you purchase any Jane Iredale mineral cosmetic at Le Petit Spa. Read more on Jane Iredale available at Le Petit Spa.

Sign up for Le Petit Spa monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, special events such as new service launches, or daily and monthly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Products featured in this blog can be found at Le Petit Spa 3701 West Broadway in Vancouver or on our on-line store www.spaboutique.ca

Le Petit Spa Valentines Day Gift Ideas and Spa Treatments

Can you think of a better way to get ready for Valentines Day than a Le Petit Spa pedicure? No matter if you’re going away for the big day or not, a Le Petit Spa pedicure will having your toes look ravishing!

Below are some of Le Petit Spa’s Pedicures that are perfect for Valentines Day:

1. Classic Pedicure: This hour long classic pedicure will have your toes looking their best. This pedicure features: Luxurious soak, nail and cuticle work, buffing of the feet to remove any callous, Lavender Sea Salt Scrub, relaxing foot massage and final nail polish application. Le Petit Spa offers a wide range of OPI nail colors: Red or pink, your toes will look their best for Valentines Day!

2. Signature Pedicure: This pedicure is absolutely the best in Vancouver! Your feet will be soft as silk (seriously!) after this treatment. Includes: Luxurious soak, nail and cuticle work, buffing of the feet to remove any callous, Lavender Sea Salt Scrub, relaxing foot massage and then a Lavender paraffin treatment. This specialized treatment helps to seal in moisture and softens your skin. Results last anywhere from 2 to 5 days after your pedicure. Final application of OPI polish, and your brand new feet are good to go!

Keep the results of your pedicure longer by taking home a bottle of Allpresan: Le Petit Spa’s full range foot care line. Come in for a pedicure on a Tuesday and receive a special incentive..Read more…

3. Nail Art Pedicure: Feeling Flirty? The Le Petit Spa Nail Art Pedicure is perfect for you! Flowers, hearts, poka-dots and more, this pedicure will bring out your true girly side. Talk to a Le Petit Spa esthetician about other designs available…Contact Le Petit Spa. Contains all steps as our classic pedicure, with added time for nail art.

The perfect gift for Valentines Day? A Le Petit Spa gift card or certificate. Available for print out, mail out, or email (gift certificates only) treat your special someone to a day at Vancouver’s #1 day spa…Read more about Le Petit Spa gift certificates/ gift cards.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, gift-with-purchases, daily and monthly service promotions and any other special events or product launches.

Email me with your beauty questions and concerns and look for your answer in a future blog!

Gift Certificates - the most popular choice at Le Petit Spa

Did you know? The number two most popular gift this holiday season is the Gift Card? In today’s market, people are choosing convenience when doing their holiday shopping instead of unique gifts.

Below are some interesting reasons as to why Gift Cards have become one of the top selling gifts!

1. Convenience – Instead of buying the wrong size of clothing, the wrong CD or something they don’t want, gift certificates are always welcome – its just like cash! And who doesn’t want more of the green stuff!

2. Luxury Items – Walking into a huge department store and trying to decide if he want’s a “fifty inch” or a “fifty-five” inch plasma T.V is a lot harder than picking a monetary denomination and allowing him to pick it out himself!

3. You decide when it’s time – The recipient decides when they use it!

4. Easy to give – Some stores have “print now” options on their website so you can purchase the gift card / certificate on line and have it emailed directly to the recipient, or you can print it off of the website and give directly to the recipient yourself!

5. Clueless? – Have you ever noticed how hard it is to buy for your best friend who has everything? I have! Does her favourite spa have Gift Cards available? Perfect! Problem solved.

Convinced that Gift Cards will make your holiday shopping a breeze? Read on to see how Le Petit Spa makes holiday shopping for your favourite spa diva easy as 1, 2, 3!

Gift cards and gift certificates are available by services or in denominations of $25, $50, $75,$100,$125, $150, $175, $200, $250 and $300.

1. First, select a gift card/certificate below.

2. Tell us how you’d like to receive the gift. Would you like to…

• Have it mailed to you or direct to the recipient? (If you choose this options, be sure to indicate during checkout whether you would prefer regular or express shipping)
• Print off a gift certificate and give it to the recipient yourself? This saves both time and shipping costs.
• Have it sent to the recipient by email?

3. Provide the recipient’s name and any special delivery instructions or message for the recipient.

For more information on Le Petit Spa Gift Cards or Gift Certificates, click here.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, daily and monthly service promotions, special event and product launches, or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Pedicure Information, Tools and at Home Tips

Did you know that people take on average 10,000 steps in a day, adding up to 115,000 miles in a lifetime, enough to circle the planet four times? How are your feet feeling? With the average woman walking 10 miles per day and average man treading 7, a pedicure is the perfect thank you to your feet their continuous support.

A pedicure is a way to improve the appearance of the feet, and their nails. It basically is a manicure for the feet. The word pedicure comes form the Latin words pes, which means foot, and cura, which means care. It also means the care of the feet and toenails. A pedicure can be helpful because it can prevent nail diseases and nail disorders.

Whether you opt for a spa pedicure or would like to try one at home, a pedicure will leave your feet looking beautiful and feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

Materials and Tips for a home pedicure:

Pumice stone or foot file , Toe separators or cotton balls/roll, Emery board, Cuticle remover, Cuticle oil, Orangewood stick, Color nail polish, Base coat, Top coat, Nail polish remover, Quick dry spray, Nail clippers, Dish pan, Cotton balls, Towels, Cuticle nippers, Lotion , Nail buffer, Thongs, if desired.

1. Thoroughly saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover and use it to remove any old polish you may have on your toenails from you last pedicure.
   
2. Fill the dishpan with enough warm soapy water to cover your feet. Soak for at least five minutes.
   i. Note: Whenever you are working on one foot, the other foot should be soaking in the warm water.
   
3. Dry your foot and apply the cuticle remover at the base of each nail. Wait one minute for the remover to soften the cuticle. Use the wedged end of the orangewood stick to push the cuticle back. If desired, carefully snip off the excess cuticle. Repeat this procedure on the other foot.
   
4. Using the nail clippers, cut off any nails that are too long. Length is a personal preference, but make sure the nail is shorter than the toe. Be careful not to cut the nails too short as this can cause ingrown toenails and can be quite painful. With the emery board, file the nail into a square shape.
   
5. Use the nail buffer to smooth any roughness or ridges on the surface of the nails.
   
6. Wet the pumice stone or foot file in the dishpan. Rub any areas of dry or flaking skin gently. Rinse the foot and dry.
   i. Note: Do not ever use a filing tool with a blade that cuts your skin or allow one to be used on your feet. Not only is it unsanitary, but you may cut too deeply, causing pain or even drawing blood. It is important to have a bit of callus on the bottom of the foot as well, to prevent splitting.
   
7. Apply a generous amount of lotion to the foot, massaging it in and taking care to cover all the foot, especially the dry and flaky parts. Massage the lotion up your legs to your knees. Close your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, allowing your skin to soak in the soothing lotion. You could also wrap your feet with saran wrap after slathering on your lotion, and put on a pair of warm socks out of the dryer for intensive moisturization.
   
8. Rinse feet in warm water and dry off with towel.
   
9. Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover and go back over your toenails, making sure that all lotion residues are removed. This is important, since the polish will not stick to any surface that still has lotion residue on it.
   
10. Press the toe separators or cotton between the toes, so that each toe is not rubbing on the next.
    i. Note: If doing a group pedicure, make sure that each person has their own pair of toe separators, for the sake of hygiene. If toe separators are not available, use cotton balls or a roll of cotton. Be very careful to keep the cotton away from the nails themselves, as cotton fibers will ruin the look of the polish.
    
11. Brush 1 coat of the base coat over each nail. Allow it to dry for one minute.
    
12. Apply 2 coats of the nail color. Allow it to dry for 5 minutes.
    
13. Apply the top coat. Allow it to dry for 1 minute, and then spray your nails with the quick dry spray.
    

Your pedicure should be completely dry after 30-45 minutes. Be sure and wear open toed shoes to allow for additional drying time. Your pedicure should last about two weeks.

If you would like to obtain additional information on any beauty techniques or spa services, visit www.lepetitspa.caor www.spaboutique.ca.

You can also e-mail me with your questions and watch for my reply in a future blog.