The term “boss” is one that Live Love Spa founder and CEO Lisa Michaelis takes to a whole new level, having made it her mission to help spa owners and leaders keep their businesses excelling. We caught up with Michaelis to find out about her inspiration behind Live Love Spa, where she sees the industry heading, and how she’s planning on helping spa professionals stay on top of so much ongoing change.
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The term “boss” is one that Live Love Spa founder and CEO Lisa Michaelis takes to a whole new level, having made it her mission to help spa owners and leaders keep their businesses excelling. We caught up with Michaelis to find out about her inspiration behind Live Love Spa, where she sees the industry heading, and how she’s planning on helping spa professionals stay on top of so much ongoing change.
How did you get started in the industry?
I had my own clothing line with inspirational quotes from famous philosophers and writers. Spas gravitated toward it and when I visited spas for sales calls, I fell in love.
What is your favorite aspect of spa and wellness?
I love the people. The spa industry genuinely cares about the well-being of their guests and team; they strive to make you feel good. There’s nothing better than hugs from a fellow spa friend!
Why did you start Live Love Spa?
I wanted to create something unique outside of a traditional trade show, where spa buyers would have the opportunity to step into the shoes of the guest in an intimate environment, experience treatments and learn about new products. Since they’re always taking care of others, they definitely deserve a space where they can feel refreshed and inspired.
What is your top self-care practice?
I love going to spas, of course! My schedule is always packed, and I’m forever on the go. A quick trip for a massage or facial is always the perfect reset, but if I can spend the entire day at the spa with a friend, then I’m in heaven.
What do you love most about your Live Love Spa events?
Creating meaningful connections between spas and brands. I used to love throwing parties when I was younger—from the kind my parents wouldn’t allow to corporate Christmas parties. I feel lucky that I get to use this medium to support and grow businesses with unique products and experiences. How fun is that?!
What’s your top business tip for spa pros?
Ask yourself, “What’s the objective for this project?” Constantly continue to ask yourself that, because it’s so easy to get derailed and miss the mark. You can do this for something as simple as writing an email to a major task.
What’s your biggest achievement?
Wow, this is a big question. The mom in me has to say my two beautiful daughters, Keila (29) and Alexa (22). I’m proud of going back to school after I had my second daughter and getting my degree with honors (mostly for my Korean parents). And Live Love Spa, especially after surviving the pandemic: An events company in the spa industry had the odds stacked against it, but we were able to keep the majority of our team, build new revenue streams and continue to serve our community.
How did Live Love Spa pivot during Covid-19?
We conducted 22 virtual events during the pandemic. When we first started, it was simply “Let’s get together and do a facial or make a body scrub over zoom.” In my mind, it was like the orchestra playing on the Titanic—not knowing what was going to happen, but compelled to keep spirits up. Then, we started sending out care packages with products from our amazing brand partners who wanted to ensure furloughed spa professionals kept up with their self-care. Over a thousand boxes and 22 events led up to a final three-day virtual summit we called, “Heal Together.”
What new, exciting moves can we expect from Live Love Spa in the future?
The future of wellness is in digital connection. Our new website (www.livelovespa.com) features an online shop to discover the best in spa products, and soon we’ll be adding blog content on treatment experiences so our community can discover 24/7. So, even if you’re not at an event or trade show, spa buyers can discover and connect with innovative products and treatment experiences anytime, anywhere.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes, Korean dramas on Netflix like Start-Up, traveling anywhere with a beach, and hanging out and eating delicious food with my friends and family are all guilty pleasures of mine.
What can you not leave the house without?
Altoids, a water bottle and my cell phone, mostly for my camera—I love taking pictures.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My husband, Scott. Everyone needs a Scott in their lives. He is calm and loving, always making sure I feel secure. He works out regularly, goes to bed on time and always seems so balanced—those are serious goals!
