Yes, I was duped by a friendly invitation to visit a spa that hosted the event location for speakers, services, facials, beauty bar, snacks and drinks. When I arrived I was greeted by a business networking club organizer who highlighted how to add your business card to a push pin board on the wall. Then introduced me to a Mary Kay consultant that had an entire room to use to promote MK products, sign up sheets and a chance to win a Microdermabrasion Set. Also in the same room was vegetable tortilla roll up trays and a second use jug of margarita to pour into plastic cups.
There was a variety of women from all types of business that came and utilized their time to network. At some point, two of the spa workers made apologies that the owner was not present due to an illness. However, they boasted that the owner has been doing this for twenty years and offered 20% off their services for that night only. They handed out a price sheet that was utterly ridiculous. It was not a beauty bar and it was not a spa. Even if they had brochures and a location the place is misleading. It was more of a strip retail center that is under construction that on a good day they may cut hair.
I was really looking forward to meeting new people and of course some pampering. This is why it is so important that invitations are clear on what is expected. If a day spa is the host location then they should be ready to provide services from welcoming guests to showing them where to put on their robe for a bliss experience. Offer a mojito, cucumber water and turn on some zen flute music.
I’m not going to bother sharing the name of the location. Instead, I would encourage to visit spas or beauty bars that has great reviews. I actually did look up the reviews and it was very poor in multiple online locations. Reviews are important, especially, if you are going to spend over $100. It is easy to slap a before and after image of what could be their work. Even their website posted a spa scene that it is no where near the reality. Be very cautious of skin treatments, body treatments and permanent cosmetics done by those who don’t have good reviews.
What is a Beauty Bar?
Let’s imagine you’re getting ready for a special dinner event or looking for a group event. Rather than driving all over town to get individual beauty treatments like hair, nails, tanning, massage, you can schedule one appointment at one location. A beauty bar is a place that creates a pampering experience for their guests around their services. Many beauty bars serve wine, cocktails or champagne (or something similar) to guests and really focus on specialized beauty services.
An average hair salon has a few standard services available, like hair cutting, coloring, highlighting, blowouts, perms, and styling. Hair and scalp treatments are usually available as well. Some hair salons may offer additional services like manicures, pedicures, makeup artistry, waxing, etc. Salons may be set up in a retail area with an entire room of stylist stations or the stylist stations are in private rooms that are rented to the cosmetologist.
Naturally, just like any other beauty service experience you’re going to want to feel comfortable knowing that there’s a trusted professional who will be providing the services to you. They should be wearing appropriate attire and hospitable. It should be a women’s retreat. Some beauty bars offer a cocktail and a manicure for a special price. It’s the equivalent to a midweek happy hour event.
What is a Day Spa?
Day spas are non-invasive and non-surgical wellness treatments or treatment packages aimed toward relaxation and rejuvenation. When you think of day spas, you can think of pampering being the primary goal. Treatments you can find at day spas include: massages, body therapies, facials, waxing, lash extensions, makeup and skincare products.
What is a Med Spa?
Med spas offer treatments that are at a higher or more intensive caliber than those offered at day spas. Treatments you can find at these spas include: Injectable neurotoxins and fillers, Photorejuvenation, Facials and skin peels, Microneedling, Laser skin resurfacing and hair removal, Laser vein treatments, Acne and scarring, Body contouring.
Getting together with lady friends for a little bliss and relaxation is good for the spirit. Find one that will accommodate your party and certainly check their reviews. Be sure to write a review of their services. The tipping etiquette is 15% to 20%.
Have you ever been to an event that was advertised as one thing and it was not? If so, tell me in the comments below: