Beginnings of an Empire
Each company’s beginning is a unique
story. At the base of every successful
business stands a strong, savvy entrepreneur(s). Some businesses are built from
the ground up by one sole entrepreneur
while othe rs share co-ownership with
spouses and lifetime friends.
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas has
welcomed guests since day spa pioneer,
Florence Nightingale Graham, who is
widely known by her business name,
Elizabeth Arden, opened the doors to
her first spa in 1910 on New York’s
5th Avenue.
Legend has it that she adopted the
name Elizabeth from a former business
partner, Elizabeth Hubbard. She scraped
the last name off the plate glass window
of the retail store on 5th Avenue but
kept “Elizabeth” to save on the cost of
new lettering. She added “Arden” which
came from one of her favorite poems by
Alfred Tennyson, Enoch Arden.
In the course of five-and-a-half
decades (including the economic down-
fall of the Great Depression), Arden built
a global empire and pioneered many
“firsts” in the spa and beauty industry in
the U.S., including the first day spa and
destination spa and the first to introduce
the modern eye makeup.
“With limited startup capital (a
US$6,000 loan from her brother), she
focused her resources on elements that
directly touched the guest [such as]
finishes, ingredients [and] staff training,
but she also had a pragmatic side,” says
Red Door Spas CEO Todd Walter.
From Basement to Studio
For some business owners, the creation
“Red Door Spas’ secret to success is our people’s [continuing
SECRETS
TO
SUCCESS
commitment] to stand for excellence by following the same core
values that guided our founder, Elizabeth Arden: Commitment,
Relationships, Integrity, Simplicity, Passion and Creativity.”
Todd Walter, CSS • CEO • Red Door Spas
“Do well by doing good, do the right thing and listen to your heart. Surround yourself
with smart people [who] are passionate for the yoga, spa and active lifestyle.”
Amy and Jon Dobrin • Owners • be present
“Be honest and dependable. Identify your dreams
and goals, create something you are proud of and
enjoy what you are doing.”
Maggie Maceiras and Georgette Hoyo
Owners • Soy Delicious
“Hire good people who you can trust and have the skills you are looking for. Make
sure they are empowered and appreciated. Give everyone a clear direction and vision
of what you want and do not be afraid to make mistakes and admit it.”
James and Tricia Kolkers • Owners • Blue Giraffe Day Spa Salon
34 PULSE
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November 2012