I am very new to the spa industry but would like to open my own day spa within the next 6 months. I would like to go with an Asian theme preferably japanese. Can you point me in the direction of Asian treatments and products and asian inspired designs for spas maybe in pictures. Also i would appreciate a foundation plan. Right now i’m really confused as to which direction to turn. What type of office space would make more sense to lease (a beauty salon, doctors/dental office or just an open floor plan office space) as there is no existing spa in my area. I would like to start out small, how many rooms would i need besides the reception area if i plan on having 2 massage treatment rooms and i also want to do facials and foot massages. what type of rooms are generally found in a day spa. thanks

Dear Jade,

Before you start, I would advise that you do a Business Plan and Market Analysis to determine the feasibility of what you plan to do.  If you are not sure of how to write one or how to perform a Market Analysis, then you should consider either hiring a Spa Consultant or if you do not have the funding to do that, then I would advise that you contact the small business association in your area or  SCORE which is comprised of retired business executives http://www.score.org.

In regard to Japanese Therapies, here are a few.  However, these are very technical services and really require proper additional training and certification to perform.  Seeing how there are no spas in your area currently, You may not find specialists in your area who can perform these services.  So, hiring staff may be a challenge.

Shiatsu

Ashiatsu

Thai Massage

Anma Massage

Reiki

Accussage

Accupunture

Acu Facials

Anma Facial

Facials & Body treatments incorporating Japanese Herbs or Green Tea

Japanese Enzyme/Herbal Baths

Location is going to be key, and starting out small is a good idea.  Do consider how long your lease is for, because if you need to expand you do not want to be locked in.  You will probably need to be in a high traffic area.  Going into a strip center with a good anchor or a location where they are already generating the type of traffic /cliental that you determine is your market audience is also important.  Locations near a salon, Fitness club, yoga/palates studio is beneficial.  Developing a network with dermatologists, chiropractors, and plastic surgeons is advisable.

Make sure you get all of the legalities clarified so you know what is required in your area to operate an establishment with massage, aesthetics and nail services.  Verify the need for water and equipment in the treatment rooms as required by local ordinances. 

To view locations for ideas, just Google Japanese Day Spas and you can get a few ideas.  Or visit Japanese restaurants to get inspired on colors and features.  Spa Trade has a buyers guide that can assist you with locating Equipment companies. 

Good Luck if you need assistance as you move forward please feel free to contact me.

Marie Bernat

COO Spavelous

The Largest Spa Directory