In July 2012, having just completed a beautiful expansion, Tropical North Day Spa experienced a fire, following an electrical fault, which saw business owner Jeanne Hobbs lose everything.
Established originally in 2004, the fire destroyed the nine treatment rooms, two sauna rooms and two spray tanning rooms that had made up the popular Tropical North Day Spa. After a day of grieving, Jeanne dusted herself off and set about plans to rebuild a bigger and even more beautiful spa in the same location.
Not wanting to lose her loyal staff, she rented a shop with five make-shift treatment rooms, set up as well as possible, keeping clients and staff (on reduced hours to what they would normally be on).
New building regulations meant the new spa needed to be wheelchair compliant, the insurance company required three quotes from builders and, once the builder was chosen and contracts signed, the plans needed to go to council for approval.
On April 22, 2013, so just over 10 months after the fire, the team were able to move back into a rebuilt salon (the building process was around 2.5 months, the other 7.5 months was for the demolition and clean up).
“The new spa flows beautifully from treatment area to area with larger hallways and doorways for wheelchair access. We still have 13 treatment rooms but the layout had to change due to the new regulations; I much prefer the new design, so at least something good came out of this heartbreaking event,” said Jeanne.
The salon is described as having a relaxing Balinese theme, with olive green and chocolate walls and beautiful timber furniture. The space is very luxurious, modern and appeals to both male and female clients.
Although the spa was covered by insurance, they were not covered for the removal of contents, something Jeanne recommends all businesses review. “I did lose money in revenue, the set up and removal costs of the temporary site, and in having to pay rent on two premises,” she said. “It is hard to insure for everything you have, I was covered for the majority, however as I had to start again. Smoke alarms have been added to the security system so we never have to go through such a huge ordeal again. I recommend any spa to go through their lease contracts to see who is responsible for things like suspended ceilings, wall paint and floorings.”
To promote the reopening of the salon and attract new clients, Jeanne donated gift vouchers to the Give Me Five for Kids promotion, with radio and TV. Being sold, raffled and auctioned for the charity, gave the spa a wide exposure. The spa also had a new TV advert created for Mother’s Day and their July re-launch promotion. A new look logo, website, signage and stationary, thanks to Hype Creative, has also given the spa a boost.
The spa stocks Eminence Organic Skin Care, their own Tropical North Day Spa range of body products, dead sea mineral care products, Inika makeup and Tea Tonic herbal teas. “We do a lot of packages, with body treatments, facials, warm stone massage and pedicures,” she said. “We only just introduced the Eminence organic products before the fire, so we got off to a rocky start, however our guests love the results and Tamara from Eminence has been right by our side with training and support – helping us get back to our full potential.”
The spas success is also attributed to the fact they focus on their staff and guests: “We only hire exceptional therapists and look after them as they look after our guests. We ensure staff have 15 minute breaks between clients so they have time to prepare their space and their minds for the next treatments” she said.
Despite the immense challenges Jeanne and her team faced, their dedication, positive attitude and loyalty allowed them to rise from the flames a better and stronger spa.
Visit www.tnds.com.au or call 07 4779 7648 for further information.