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Noella Gabriel: A Spa Visionary’s Journey of Well-being and Innovation

March 7, 2024

Noella Gabriel recalls how her upbringing in a musical family inspired curiosity about the function of breath to a singer, along with its relationship to skin, emotional and overall wellness. Gabriel followed her passion for how the body works in a series of professional pursuits.

“I founded Acorn Health Food Shop in County Cork with my sister and was able to work closely with customers on the benefits of nutrition and the science behind it,” she shares. “My love for holistic therapy took me to New York in my early 20s, where I qualified as a beauty therapist in shiatsu, reflexology and aromatherapy— which, back then, was considered a bit eccentric! From then on, I fell in love with the world of touch, aromatics and well-being—and, of course, skin as my first love. My idea of heaven was being in the treatment room with one client for two to three hours, just to be able to take that client on a whole new journey.”

Nov/Dec 2020 Snapshot Survey — Year in Review

December 18, 2020

This “Year in Review” Snapshot Survey largely reached beyond the operations-focused questions that have been the focus of ISPA’s other surveys in 2020 to gain insight into thepersonal and professional habits respondents have deepened or developed during this unparalleled year.

November 2015 Snapshot Survey – Gratuities and Fees

December 13, 2016

Topic of focus – Spa Gratuities and Service Fees

When asked whether their spas have automatic service fees/ charges, 45 percent of all spas responded yes; with only 15 percent of day spas saying yes; with only 15 percent of day spas saying yes compared to 56 percent of resort/hotel spas. 

November 2016 Snapshot Survey – Customer Loyalty and Retention

December 13, 2016

Topic of focus – Customer Loyalty and Retention

When asked which resources ISPA spa member respondents use to monitor customer service for their spa, it was evident that technology plays a key part in their efforts.

November 2017 Snapshot Survey – Partnerships

March 6, 2018

Topic of focus – Partnerships

More than half of all spa respondents (52 percent) have partnered with a local business in 2017. This number was more than two-thirds for day spa respondents at 70 percent, compared to just 41 percent of Resort/Hotel Spas. For resource partner respondents, just 39 percent partnered with a local business, while the largest segment (55 percent) partnered with a national non-profit organization.

November 2018 Snapshot Survey – Spa Treatment Trends

December 21, 2018

Topic of focus – Spa Treatment Trends

When asked to identify which audiences their spa offers or promotes a specific treatment offering based on the title or description of the treatment within the spa menu, the majority of all spa respondents promote to athletes (52 percent), bridal parties (65 percent), individuals with high stress (68 percent) and men (80 percent). Nearly four-in-five resort/hotel spa respondents reported promoting specifically to men (84 percent), compared to 63 percent for day spa respondents.

Nutrition Counseling

Guiding clients on food choices and nutritional supplements with regards to weight management, anti-aging, vibrant skin, increased energy, hormonal balancing and general well being.

October 2015 Snapshot Survey – Quarterly Performance

December 13, 2016

Topic of focus – Quarterly Performance

In regards to gross revenue change for the third quarter of 2015, 69 percent of ISPA spa members reported some level of increase over the same quarter of 2014.

October 2016 Snapshot Survey Quarterly Performance

December 13, 2016

Topics of focus – Quarterly Performance

In regards to gross revenue change for the third quarter of 2016, 73 percent of all ISPA spa members reported some level of increase over the third quarter in 2015.

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