When disaster strikes – as it has so often this year in the US and Caribbean – Debra Neill is there to help. Neill runs the nonprofit Salon and Spa Relief Fund, which she founded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. A native of Louisiana, which suffered massive flooding and devastation from the storm, Neill has been a distributor for spa and salon supplier Aveda in the southeast US for decades.
She wanted to help, and knew many in her industry were suffering – it’s not always easy (or even possible) to get flood insurance in many areas, and small, family-run businesses were hit especially hard as they tried to pick up the pieces. “We were devastated by Katrina and we started raising money for salons and day spas that were affected,” says Neill.
The money raised helps spa owners and their employees rebuild their lives and businesses after a natural disaster or a fire. The goal is to get businesses up-and-running as soon as possible, but also to see people through, who may be out of work for weeks or months while repairs take place.
After the extreme weather in the US this summer, Neill created a ‘Hurricanes Harvey and Irma 500 Challenge’ to raise funds for those in the industry affected by the storms. In the first few weeks after Harvey, the organisation distributed US$32,000, but Neill called on the industry to contribute more due to the extent of the damage and the number of people in the spa industry affected. The goal is for 500 businesses to donate US$500 in order to raise a total of US$250,000.
Since its inception, the Spa and Salon Relief Fund has distributed more than US$200,000 for those dealing with everything from flooding to fires. A board of directors reviews grant applications, but aims to get money to people quickly. For Hurricane Harvey, Neill reports that cheques were distributed to people within 10 days; some recipients faced chest-high water in their facilities, and many were unable to carry flood insurance.
Neill said the organisation keeps about US$20,000 in reserve so they are ready to help immediately when a disaster strikes.
“It’s unfortunate, but it seems like it’s going to be an ongoing need,” said Neill. “We’re committed to keeping money in that account because these natural disasters keep coming.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Anne Semonin
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Promotional feature: Thalion
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Research: Finishing touch
A new study shows that massage can
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even when applied to the opposite limb
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When disaster strikes – as it has so often this year in the US and Caribbean – Debra Neill is there to help. Neill runs the nonprofit Salon and Spa Relief Fund, which she founded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. A native of Louisiana, which suffered massive flooding and devastation from the storm, Neill has been a distributor for spa and salon supplier Aveda in the southeast US for decades.
She wanted to help, and knew many in her industry were suffering – it’s not always easy (or even possible) to get flood insurance in many areas, and small, family-run businesses were hit especially hard as they tried to pick up the pieces. “We were devastated by Katrina and we started raising money for salons and day spas that were affected,” says Neill.
The money raised helps spa owners and their employees rebuild their lives and businesses after a natural disaster or a fire. The goal is to get businesses up-and-running as soon as possible, but also to see people through, who may be out of work for weeks or months while repairs take place.
After the extreme weather in the US this summer, Neill created a ‘Hurricanes Harvey and Irma 500 Challenge’ to raise funds for those in the industry affected by the storms. In the first few weeks after Harvey, the organisation distributed US$32,000, but Neill called on the industry to contribute more due to the extent of the damage and the number of people in the spa industry affected. The goal is for 500 businesses to donate US$500 in order to raise a total of US$250,000.
Since its inception, the Spa and Salon Relief Fund has distributed more than US$200,000 for those dealing with everything from flooding to fires. A board of directors reviews grant applications, but aims to get money to people quickly. For Hurricane Harvey, Neill reports that cheques were distributed to people within 10 days; some recipients faced chest-high water in their facilities, and many were unable to carry flood insurance.
Neill said the organisation keeps about US$20,000 in reserve so they are ready to help immediately when a disaster strikes.
“It’s unfortunate, but it seems like it’s going to be an ongoing need,” said Neill. “We’re committed to keeping money in that account because these natural disasters keep coming.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Anne Semonin
Katherine Connolly, newly appointed global
director of retail and spa operations at Anne
Semonin, discusses her plans for the brand
Promotional feature: Thalion
Thalion is the first company to develop highly
specialised mineral therapies for clients, says
training manager Sophie Alemany
Research: Finishing touch
A new study shows that massage can
help muscle re-growth after an injury –
even when applied to the opposite limb
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Nilo Spa Design Nilo SPA Design, part of the Maletti group, has led the Beauty & Wellness sector for over 35 years p [more...]
