I love fall! Fall is exciting. It's apples and cider. It's an airborne spider. It's pumpkins in bins. It's burrs on dog's chins. It's wind blowing leaves. It's chilly red knees. It's nuts on the ground. It's a crisp dry sound. It's green leaves turning And the smell of them burning. It's clouds in the sky. It's fall. That's why... I love fall. --Author Unknown
As much as I hate to admit it, it is time to begin preparing for Autumn. Don't get me wrong, I love Autumn, it is by far my favorite season...the smells, the chill in the air, the boots and sweaters and pumpkins and apples and cranberries and leaves...but I am not ready to let go of summer quite yet.
For a business, though, you always must be thinking ahead. So while I am still looking forward to hot days on the beach, warm evenings at the park, swimming, and lots of other fun outdoor activities with my kids, I will let go of summer, just a little, to chat with you about what is in store for the next season!
Autumn has such a different feel from all of the other seasons, and it is so easy infuse your spa with Autumn. Spruce up your space, add Autumn-themed add-ons to your services, even add new services for the change of the seasons!
I have included some ideas below for adding that "Autumn Feel" to your spa...on a budget! By simply changing up the essential oils you use, you can easily adjust your menu and offerings to embrace this exciting season! Adding one or two Autumn-themed specials may drive extra business, without a large buy-in to get started. And finally, some simple touches to lose the carefree feeling of summer, and fully embrace the Comforts of Autumn.
Autumn Aromas
One of the more remarkable changes that come along with the passing of seasons each year is variation in scents depending on the time of year. One whiff of peppermint or pine, and I am immediately whisked to Christmas time; cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg brings me to changing leaves, boots, and sweaters of Autumn! Use these essential oils (and more!) to scent your spa or your services! Trade in the light, sweet, fruity scents of summer for these alluring autumn aromas:
- Frankincense - this warm, woody aroma acts as an antidepressant, relaxes, and revitalizes, allowing the spirit to soar! This essential oil is non-irritating, so it is a great oil to mix with your massage oil for an extra-special Autumn Massage.
- Juniper Berry - Juniper Berry is often used in the winter, but its pleasantly sweet, slightly fruity, invigorating evergreen scent is so delicious, it is even better if you start using it early! An anti-inflammatory, antiseptic essential oil, Juniper Berry is a great addition when the seasons turn and your clients and staff start getting the sniffles! Plus, Juniper Berries are used to make gin, to the scent has a masculinity to it that lends itself well to a variety of aroma blends.
- Sandalwood - the longest lasting of all essential oils, Sandalwood has a sweet, woody scent, and acts as an antidepressant, antiseptic and aphrodisiac, making this perfect for lifting the spirits of your clients and staff when they are feeling the "summer is over" blues.
- Cinnamon - While Cinnamon is used the least of the spice oils in aromatherapy, it can encourage some very positive results, including warming (a necessity as our bodies get used to the temperature changes of Autumn), invigorating, and promoting courage.
To easily transform your spa into an Autumnal Arcadia, simply choose scents that fit the season (mix your own blends, or check out the blends we have already available HERE), and use diffusers placed around your space to share the scents of the seasons with your guests!
Autumn-Themed Specials
Changing up your regular menu not only excites your clients and brings in new business, but it keeps your staff motivated as well! Ask for their input as to what kinds of Autumn twists you can add to your current service offerings, and watch them come alive again!
- Autumn Pedicures - While your clients may not be prancing around in strappy sandals any longer, I guarantee you they wish they were, and having their pedicure will give them a little glimpse of summer gone. We offer an Autumn Pedicure Package featuring Cranberry, but even if you do not want a whole pacakge, add Cranberry Paraffin to the beginning of your pedicures or use a Pumpkin Scrub during the service. Little touches go a long way!
- Incorporate Ginger Root to your facials, during steaming, to invigorate, warm, and comfort your clients!
- Pumpkin Facials - Pumpkin is amazing for the skin and produces beautiful results. Feature a special Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial featuring a pumpkin mask....touting it as a "Limited Time Only" special will help fuel the urgency and drive business!
- Autumn-Themed Massages - Use Pumpkin Massage oil, or blend your own with some of the scents listed above. Either way, surrounding your clients with the smells of the season will be uplifting and bring them back again and again. And while your clients will know they can count on a quality massage, by using themed Massages for various times a year, they will be a little bit excited to see what you have cooked up this time!
Comforts of Autumn
I always feel all warm and cozy during fall. It is a time of reaffirmation and preparation for the stress of the holiday season which is just around the corner. You can help foster your clients' warm and cozy feeling during the fall with some simple touches at your spa.
- Offer cinnamon-apple or cranberry tea instead of coffee. Cinnamon-apple is a sure sign of Autumn, cranberries are all about harvest, and a warm cup of tea is perfect on a crisp day!
- Feature Autumn-scented hand soap in your restrooms. Apple, pumpkin, cranberry...its the detail that matters. Your clients will notice that you have fully embraced the season, even down to the restrooms.
- Change up the retail products you offer. Apple cuticle remover doesn't HAVE to be an Autumn product, but I know I would smile if I saw this item show up on your shelves just in time for apple picking! Rotate the scents of the retail hand and body lotions you offer to feature warmer, more inviting scents for the season. Your retail sales will soar and your wallet will thank you!
- Offer cookies to each client or have a display out in your reception area - snickerdoodles, shortbread, gingersnaps. I promise, your clients will be sneaking seconds!
For now, though, I am going to go back to enjoying the warmth, sunshine, and carefree fun of the summer!