Since starting her business with a single location on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in 2000, Melanie Gleeson has grown endota spa into the largest day spa network in the country. Professional Beauty sat down with the all-natural beauty to find out what she’s learned and why she thinks a spa treatment is a healthy habit, not a luxury.
You’ve managed to grow your business to over 90 locations across Australia – what do you think has been the key to your success?
A portion is the wellness boom, mixed with creating a harmonious work/life balance for all of the women in our company. In spa we take women on a sensory journey that lets them escape the everyday pressures of life, allowing them to have time to relax and rejuvenate. We also offer a range of beautiful products where we can extend this in-spa treatment daily at home.
What is your business philosophy?
My vision and passion was and still is to help women be their best me so they can live their best life. The ethos of the brand was fueled by my personal belief in the power of sharing and a desire for more meaningful connections.
What sets endota spa apart from competitors?
Our therapists care more about the people that come through our spas and really want them to have the most amazing experience. It’s a sensory journey from the moment you walk in the door.
What changes have you seen in the beauty industry since starting endota?
There is so much pressure on women today. Having a massage or a treatment is no longer a luxury – it is a healthy habit and our spas have become a haven for emotional replenishment. Not many people even knew what a spa was when we first opened and even fewer recognised the importance of well-being. Now relaxation and mindfulness have become more important in people’s lives.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
Though considered relatively young, the global wellness market is now worth a staggering (US)$3.4 trillion dollars making it one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries. The future holds a focus on everyday wellness integrated as part of everything we do and not limited to being a treat or a luxury.
What are the challenges of running a business that offers franchising?
endota spa has nearly 100 day spas across Australia and employs over 1,000 people, 90 per cent of them women. We have assisted over 100 people to become successful business owners. Our franchisees are supported by the most successful day spa network in Australia and our experience, our knowledge and expertise in every part of the spa business is focused on helping our business owners achieve the best results for their business.
We have an amazing network of business owners. They are our ambassadors and they care about our clients. They are invested in the endota spa brand. To ensure that every spa is an accurate reflection of the endota spa brand we support our franchisees with training, workshops and events.
And finally, what advice would you give to other spa owners?
To truly care for their customers and deliver exceptional customer care and service.