In each issue of The Healing Arts Guide, we feature inspirational stories that highlight the motivating and compelling experiences of entrepreneurs. Oftentimes, these personal accounts go unnoticed. However, we feel that the challenging and adventurous beginnings of these healing arts heavyweights are just as interesting as their well-deserved achievements.
SEEDS OF INNOVATION: Q&A with Noel Asmar, Founder and CEO of Spa Uniforms Inc.
Noel Asmar, Founder and CEO of Spa Uniforms Inc. began the company in classic entrepreneurial style with one design in three colors and has since grown to be one of the most sought after spa uniform collections worldwide. Spa Uniforms Inc. now offers a portfolio of over 100 different uniform combinations in eight colors that are stocked and ready to ship.
As Spa Uniforms Inc. continues to grow, several new womenıs collections, a menıs collection, and a omenıs footwear line are being added to the company portfolio for 2007. Noel Asmar, also owns and co-manages Spa edia Group Inc. with her husband Lindsay Curtis. Spa Media Group Inc. owns and operates www.SpaGoers.com (marketing spas to spa goers) and www.SpaSuppliers.com (marketing suppliers to spa owners). Passionate bout quality and design, Noel Asmar is privileged to be able to create the uniforms that dress the individuals that make pa visits so special.
What Inspired you to begin your business?
Between 1992 and 2002, I was living and working in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North Africa. Upon my eturn to Vancouver, BC, a visit with my sister at her day spa (she owns The Facial Room Skin Care Inc, in BC ) led o a conversation about her needs to find stylish, practical uniforms. After some extensive research and preparation, it wasnıt long before her complaint turned into my inspiration to build a creative uniform company without borders (online) that designs and manufactures an upscale, quality line of uniforms catering to rofessionals within the spa and wellness industry. I have always loved fashion, textiles, branding etc. and esigning uniforms for an industry I love, fulfilled my passion for marketing and creativity. And lets be honest, what woman do you know who doesnıt love fine clothing!
What was your initial vision for the company?
The Vision for Spa Uniforms Inc. was and continues to be: ³The market leader and innovator of stylish, comfortable uniforms backed by a very high level of customer serviceall at a fair price.²
What void were you hoping to fill in the marketplace?
The Spa and Wellness Industry desperately needed a uniform company willing to step out of the box, and that is what we constantly strive to do. We have our own in-house design team, we source our own fabrics, and manage our own production, every thing we do is original.
What is the philosophy behind your work?
Be passionate about what youıre doing and stay true to your concept.
What were some of the early obstacles / sacrifices?
Spa Uniforms Inc. took off right away, which is what every entrepreneur dreams of. But we donıt consider the challenges of meeting demand with limited invested capital. With orders coming in so fast and not enough initial stock on hand, I needed capital quickly in order to fulfill my orders on timewhich I vowed to do. Like any new businessman or woman knows, banks arenıt the most helpful to companies under three years oldwhich is ironic because itıs usually within the first year or two when you need the financial backing. I learned never to take no for an answer, donıt be afraid to ask for what you need and donıt give up. Today Spa Uniforms Inc. stands tall, and has become one of the most sought out uniform companies by spas around the world.
What sets your experiences apart from others?
Living and working extensively in Europe, Middle East, Asia and North Africa, gave me a privileged view of how life and business can be borderless, ethical and yet so very prosperous. My cross border experiences taught me a very important lesson: Life is about creating and nourishing relationships, whether for business or for pleasure. So understanding how differently we all live and how similar our basic needs are will help us to approach life and business without imposing needless limitations on ourselves. Technology has simplified and facilitated our ability to experience other cultures, history, art, etc. which are so fascinating and inspiring. Be open to ³different², learn from the ³uncommon², be inspired by the ³exceptional.² Inspiration is all around us if our eyes, ears and hearts are open to it.
What innovation have you brought to the wellness market?
We are one of the first uniform companies specializing in the Spa Industry to sell online. This has helped spa directors and owners to shop at their convenience in a secure online environment, designed to be very user friendly.
What is the benefit for a professional and consumer to buy your product?
Again, Spa Uniforms Inc. is an ethical design and clothing manufacturer, that leads the industry with very high quality uniforms in complimentary colors and styles. Our in-house design team often custom designs uniforms for those companies with their own designs in mind. If we donıt stock it, weıll make it for you at a fair price, with quick turnaround times and we pride ourselves in providing a healthy ³buying² experience.
What does the future hold for your company?
Spa Uniforms Inc. is expanding to include a collection of Turkish Bathrobes, a womenıs professional footwear line, a new division designing and manufacturing incredibly beautiful pedicure bowls that will be available at www.PedicureBowls.com. Weıre also expanding our Menıs Uniforms Collection. Spa Uniforms Inc. is always looking for ways to give back, and is currently preparing to donate uniforms to a Maternity Unit in a hospital in Tanzania. Updates and news will be available on our site, and we will soon offer a place for the industry to send their used uniforms they wish to donate which will in turn be shipped to different areas of the world needing clothing.
What advice would you give other hopeful entrepreneurs?
First, I am a ³marketer² at heart. I am inspired by what good, effective marketing can do for companies, and I am equally interested in how technology has even further removed the borders by which we can communicate, live and work with people all over the world 24/7 in all time zones (when should we sleep?).
Take what you love and create a business plan that will fulfill your personal goals and your entrepreneurial goals. True success will look well rounded, and though the beginning is very one sided, filled with many long days and late nights, do take the time to reflect and share with those you love. I also recommend learning as much as you can about marketing and branding and be consistent with your message. No matter how brilliant your idea may be, do be prepared for rejection and realize you need to get your ideas out there clearly and consistently.
Noel Asmar
Spa Uniforms Inc.
885 West Georgia Street, Suite 1500
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6C 3E8
800-772-1408
www.SpaUniforms.com
noel@spauniforms.com
