Invigorate Your Career

Hotels have them to pamper their guests; every major metropolis has at least a dozen to cater to the needs of us stressed-out city folk; even cruise ships have one! It’s true; the global spa market has grown by leaps and bounds in recent times thanks to consumers spending more time and resources on their physical appearance and wellbeing. In fact, exclusive spas once frequented by the cream of society have now become the norm in today’s fast-paced world, and more affordable options are mushrooming. Visiting a spa has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity today and hence, spas are flourishing the world over. Rated as one of the fastest growing industries internationally, and with over 75,000 spas around the world, opting for a career in the spa industry is a lucrative move. Says Vrinda Seddon, Director, Svastii Wellness Academy, “The wellness industry is an almost recession-free industry. The industry has over 12,000 job vacancies waiting for skilled personnel. The industry in India is worth a few billion US dollars with almost 5,000 more upcoming projects in the next 18 months across the country.” Whether you are keen to run your own spa as an entrepreneur, or you wish to enter the lucrative market of spa therapies, one thing’s for sure: the growing demand for all things spa is evident!

Joining the industry
A spa, like a restaurant, is a part of the hospitality industry. If you lack the passion to serve others, this could be the wrong profession for you. If, however, you are inclined to help people achieve a holistic lifestyle centred around wellness that concentrates on the body, mind and spirit, the spa industry might just be the right match for you.
A certified training course is a must to get an edge in this industry. Spa-operation courses for budding entrepreneurs require a minimum qualification of a class 12 certificate, while those who have passed class 10 are eligible to embark on spa therapy courses at most institutes. It helps if you have a pleasing personality, patience, a good pair of hands and the ability to control your strength. Visiting wellness-related seminars and exhibitions is a great idea to keep abreast with new trends and practices in the spa industry.

Spa academies
A number of recognised Indian and international courses offer opportunities to make a career in this industry, right from spa management to spa therapy. Short-term certificate courses as well as one-year diplomas with international certifications like ITEC, CIDESCO and/ or CIBTAC are the ones to look at. For instance, Svastii Wellness Academy in Mumbai off ers courses affiliated to ITEC and CIBTAC through its School of Spa, Holistic, Eastern and Chinese Therapies. The 48-hour Spa Management course teaches students how to start up a spa, concentrating on SWOT analysis, problem solving, e-commerce, menu design and concept building, amongst a host of other key areas vital to a start-up. While the 100-hour Basic Spa Program teaches potential spa therapists different kinds of massages, wraps and scrubs, the 104- hour Advanced Spa Program imparts detailed and hands-on knowledge of specialised lymphatic and Thai massages along with Balinese body therapies. Give yourself a progressive edge by doing both these courses. “The price range of courses offered at Svastii Wellness Academy is from Rs. 10,000 for a workshop to Rs. 1 lakh for a full-time level 3 diploma course, depending on subject and level. These courses can be customised to suit the requirements of learners,” explains Seddon. Ananda Spa Institute is one of the few Indian institutes to offer longterm training programmes covering therapies from all over the world. Furthermore, the Hyderabad-based institute also takes care of student placements in well-known spas. The course fees start at Rs. 95,000 and go up to Rs. 2,20,600.
The Christine Valmy Day Spa provides an ITEC+CIBTAC diploma courses. A certificate from the Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics is recognised worldwide. The Mumbai centre offers specialised spa courses.
Cashing in on the boom in this industry, a new spa training institute was recently set up in Nagaland. The North East India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) has tied up with the famous wellness company, JCKRC & Co, to offer a sevenmonth Spa Expert course. Akounuo, a former Miss India contestant and proprietress of NIAPA explains, “Having studied market trends, I feel that with the proper training facilities off ered at institutes and the subsequent placements in the industry, a career in this field will prove to be a lucrative one for many. There is scope for business expansion in this industry.”

What you can earn
A career in this industry can bring in anything between Rs. 10,000 to Rs.1,50,000 per month, depending on one’s knowledge, position, skills and experience. Good pay packages, low stress environments, fast-paced career growth and potential opportunities to work all over the world make this career a boon.

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