“ According to the ISPA 2011 U. S. Spa Industry Study, 96 percent of spas are undertaking one or more community outreach efforts.”
Lenette Casper, president of Phytomer Corporation, USA explains,“ In this specific case, being a marine-based line, it made perfect sense to partner with them in their cause. Their commitment and concern for costal conservation mirrors Phytomer’ s respect toward the environment, especially the marine ecosystem.”
When selecting an organization to support, the company does not limit themselves. Casper says,“ After looking into the organization, goals and so forth, if we feel it is a worthwhile cause, we consider supporting it.”
Their staff also has a hand in influencing which organizations they reach out to.“ Our company culture seems to draw people who give back personally. Individually, we noticed the majority of our staff are also involved in giving time or money to community or charitable causes that are important to them,” says Casper.
In working with Attention Mer Fragile, Phytomer decided to donate € 1( roughly $ 1.35) from every sale of their Treasures of the Sea Ultra Nourishing Body Cream sold during a certain time frame. When deciding what portion of the proceeds to donate, they first ensure that all costs are covered including the actual product cost, distribution costs and promotional costs, and then they establish a donation budget.
Casper explains why embracing advocacy is important to Phytomer.“ Customers appreciate that we are taking an active role in standing behind a cause that we believe in. It is known at Phytomer that we are‘ blue cosmetics with a green focus,’ clients and customers can rest assure that our products are natural and made with respect to the environment.”
Charity Mix
David Nicholson, owner of Natural Body Spa in Atlanta, Georgia supports both local and national organizations. Locally, he supports the Atlanta Humane Society through his Sponsored Pet’ s Program. Nicholson says,“ I started the program after losing both my labs in 2009. We have successfully helped 24 dogs get adopted and donated around $ 3,000.”
On a national scale, the spa started a Brows Against Breast Cancer initiative in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. During the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of the proceeds from their brow wax treatments is donated to support breast cancer research. And, for the first time, the spa recently supported Movember, a foundation that raises funds and awareness for men’ s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. Last November, men signed up to seek sponsorships for growing a mustache. After a month, the
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals support the industry it is a part of by donating to the Massage Therapy Foundation.
December 2011 ■ PULSE 35