Connections

Beauty is big business. That's why the Humber Spa Management program prepares students to excel in the highly competitive, lucrative and supercharged spa industry.

"The Spa Management program at Humber's Business School makes the beauty-business connection," says Program Coordinator Antonietta Perretta. "It differs from traditional beauty schools by focusing on both esthetic skills and management."

Since the dawn of history, people have paid for beauty treatments. Cleopatra bathed in donkey's milk (lactic acid, to exfoliate); ancient civilizations soaked in sulphur springs (minerals, to replenish and heal); more recently, the face creams Elizabeth Arden whipped up in her kitchen sold as "hope in a jar" to millions seeking to soften and smooth their skin. Spas were big business then, and are even bigger now.

The International Spa Association's (ISPA) reports that in 2006 the Canadian market generated $1.1 billion in revenues from 17.4 million spa visits. This is a huge increase from 12 million visits in 2004, and it just keeps growing. Even with more than 2,800 Canadian spa locations with 30,000 employees, the industry is facing staff shortages, with 70 percent of spas reporting vacant positions. Great news for graduating students!

"I have always loved spa treatments, especially essential oils and aromatherapy," says student Kaylea Wilson. "I want to create my own wellness centre, so this program is perfect for me." In 12 months at Humber, Kaylea will learn and practice traditional esthetics and acquire the skills she'll need to start or manage a spa business. Practical classes in anatomy and physiology, skin care and nutrition, product knowledge, esthetics, health and safety standards are balanced by courses in writing, computer applications, marketing, management, purchasing, sales presentation and finance.

Graduate Sarah Muzzatti took the knowledge gained from the program to extend her freelance makeup business. "I thought it would better my career to have more to offer my clients, such as manicures and pedicures. I also needed help to run and promote my business."

As beauty treatments evolve, spa technology, rules and regulations also change. To encourage students to embark on a lifelong learning experience, this year the program introduced Spa Industry Seminars to the curriculum. Each week, professionals active in the wellness business share their expertise with the students. Naturopathic and holistic practitioners explain their work. A representative from Toronto Public Health speaks about diverse subjects such as hygiene and fire codes, so those wishing to start their own business know Health Canada's regulations. Students explore traditional arts such as Ayurvedic medicine, a 5,000-year-old practice from India that includes healthy living along with therapeutic measures for physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. They even earn self-defense, first aid and CPR certificates.

Kaylea was impressed by the wide range of seminars. "We went to the International Dermal Institute in Toronto. The instructors taught us how to speak with customers and sell products while performing facials or back treatments. An artist from CoverFX taught us how to cover tattoos, and a TD bank representative spoke about loans and business plans."

Spa students try out various career paths during Spa@Humber lab time. Under qualified supervision, they perform manicures, pedicures, facials and makeup application. They practice depilating facial and body hair, first on each other, then on actual clients. Innovative therapies such as aromatherapy, oxygen therapy and hot-stone remedies are mastered. Students learn the benefits of holistic health and train in the fast-growing medical spa business that includes procedures such as microdermabrasion. Observing certified technicians who perform Botox injections, chemical peels and other anti-aging procedures that correct skin issues, gives them a big boost when the time comes to send out resumes. "Even if we can't do these procedures immediately, we know we can train for them in the future," says Kaylea.

Students are also responsible for the administrative aspects of the spa such as reception, taking bookings, handling accounts, product sales and marketing. They practice what they learn in business ethics, oral and written communication, retailing and presentation, public relations, sales techniques and spa management so that, as graduates, they can build relationships as they work toward managing a lucrative spa.

In the New Ventures course, Sarah Muzzatti prepares a business plan for a retail, wholesale, manufacturing or spa/esthetics company. The proposal includes the services and products her business provides, research into potential customers and location, and the marketing and financial resources she'll need to start a small business. Along the way she learns effective presentation skills so she can take her plan to the bank. "The spa industry is exploding and there is opportunity for everyone," says Sarah. "But I am convinced that many new entrants will quickly fade out if they don't have the management expertise to make their business grow. The Humber Spa Program ensures you are totally prepared."

That's the beauty of the program.