Staying up to date on the latest developments in the spa industry is of utmost importance, as it evolves rapidly, with innovative products, services, and influential figures shaping its future.
A key highlight is the celebration of Anneli Johnson’s pioneering contributions to the esthetics industry as she turns 100. Meanwhile, WITT has expanded its wellness certification program, enhancing the knowledge and skills of its participants in the expanding wellness travel sector. In the realm of education, the successful Menopause in Aesthetics event has undergone a rebrand to Menopause in Practice, broadening its reach to healthcare professionals in menopause management.
Additionally, the acclaimed MISSION Day Spa's founder, Jesseca M. Smith, has been appointed to the board of Milan Massage School, highlighting the industry's emphasis on continuous education and professional growth. Lastly, Circadia has introduced its Oncology Skin Specialist Program, a significant step towards providing specialized skincare for clients undergoing cancer treatments. Here's more on the latest updates and movements in the spa world that you should know.
1. Pioneering Esthetician Anneli Johnson Celebrates the Commencement of Her 100th Year of Life
Photo courtesy of Mirjam (Anneli) Johnson
The transformation of esthetics licensing in the United States owes much to the tireless efforts of Mirjam (Anneli) Johnson, a true pioneer in the field. As she embarks on her 100th year of life, the esthetics industry reflects on her remarkable contributions that helped shape professional standards across the country.
When Anneli immigrated to the U.S. from Finland in 1963, esthetics was virtually unrecognized as an independent profession. Anneli found her expertise in lymphatic drainage massage was unacknowledged in the American beauty industry. Rather than accept these limitations, she lobbied for change, paving the way for independent esthetics licensure in several states, including Utah, where she helped establish the now widely adopted two-tiered esthetics licensing system.
In 1974, she founded Aqua Vie Day Spa in Millcreek, Utah, one of the first European-style day spas in the U.S., introducing high-level esthetics training and advanced skin care therapies. Over the decades, she continued to educate professionals, advocate for medical aesthetics and elevate the standards of the industry. Her influence also extended into the spa product world when she co-founded Phytomer Corporation U.S.A., a joint venture with the renowned French skin care brand.
Anneli’s unwavering dedication to esthetics, education and innovation has left an indelible mark on the industry. As she celebrates this milestone, her legacy is carried forward by her daughter, Lenette Casper, a second-generation master esthetician and president of Phytomer Corporation USA. As the world of esthetics honors this trailblazer and advocate, we celebrate not only her achievements, but also the lasting impact she has had on an entire profession.
2. WITT Expands Wellness Certification Program with New Revenue Stream
WITT (Wellness in Travel and Tourism) announced the launch of its introductory Wellness Foundations Course (101). Whether you're a travel advisor, hospitality or destination specialist, designer or architect, travel writer, content creator, or passionate wellness traveler, this program offers key insights to help excel in this rapidly evolving space.
This essential course immerses participants in the world of wellness travel, providing a comprehensive understanding of the key elements that define this growing field. Participants will gain insights into:
- The WITT Five Pillars of Wellness: An in-depth exploration of the foundational criteria that set authentically wellness-focused properties apart.
- Certification Criteria: Learn how to identify and evaluate wellness properties based on WITT's rigorous standards.
- Practical Application: Discover how to apply WITT wellness standards in real-world settings to enhance client experiences.
- Marketing Best Practices: Understand how to effectively market wellness travel experiences and grow your business.
Upon completing the Wellness Foundations Course, participants will: Enhance their confidence and knowledge to elevate their careers and service offerings in the competitive travel and hospitality sectors. Qualify to apply as an Independent Wellness Auditor for WITT, positioning themselves as standout experts in the rapidly growing wellness travel industry.
"Wellness travel is transforming the way people engage with the world, and this course provides a valuable opportunity to develop the knowledge and tools to lead with confidence in this dynamic field," said Robin Ruiz, CEO of WITT. "Through a thoughtful exploration of the WITT core principles and the Five Pillars of Wellness, participants will gain the expertise to make a lasting impact in the wellness travel and tourism sector."
Related: Celebrating 5 Game-Changers in the Spa and Wellness Industry
3. Menopause in Aesthetics Announces Rebrand After Successful 2025 Event
Menopause in Aesthetics 2025 (MiA) has wrapped up another successful event, marking a milestone in menopause education. With an energy-charged atmosphere, sold-out conference sessions, and a packed exhibition floor, this year’s meeting exceeded expectations, bringing together leading experts, healthcare practitioners and industry innovators at the historic Grand Connaught Rooms in London.
One of the standout highlights was the introduction of a new panel discussion format, which received hugely positive feedback from delegates. This innovative approach stepped away from a presentation-based format to provide a fresh, multidisciplinary perspective on key menopause-related topics, strengthening the importance of diverse insights in advancing women’s health. The addition of exhibition-only passes ensured a thriving networking hub throughout the event, facilitating meaningful connections and discussions among attendees.
Another highlight of the weekend was the inaugural Menopause in Aesthetic Awards, hosted by journalist Vicky Eldridge and actress/presenter Leanne Stott. These awards celebrated excellence in menopause care, acknowledging the outstanding contributions of professionals who are shaping the future of women’s health.
After three successful years under the Menopause in Aesthetics (MiA) banner, the event is now evolving under a new name: Menopause in Practice (MiP). This rebrand reflects a broader and more inclusive vision, opening the doors to a wider range of healthcare professionals involved in menopause management, beyond just aesthetics.
“While aesthetic medicine remains an important focus, we recognize that menopause care spans multiple disciplines," said Charlotte Body, founder of MiA and mBody Media. "Menopause in Practice represents our commitment to supporting all professionals dedicated to enhancing women’s health and wellness during this pivotal life stage.”
4. MISSION Day Spa Owner Joins Milan Massage School Board Following Franchise Launch & Spa App Development
Jesseca M. Smith, the founder of MISSION Day Spa, has been appointed to the board of Milan Massage School. This appointment highlights Smith’s dedication to the industry and her commitment to professional growth, education and innovation. Smith’s leadership in the spa industry caught the attention of Milan Massage School’s career services coordinator, leading to her board appointment.
“Our conversation highlighted MISSION Day Spa’s dedication to continuing education and professional development,” said Smith. “After I shared details about the Spa Resource Guide App, she was excited about my involvement in industry advancement, which ultimately led to the invitation to join the board.”
Available on both iOS and Android, the Spa Resource Guide App serves as a go-to reference for spa professionals. It includes fresh mask recipes, a database of common skin disorders and an extensive ingredient glossary. Additionally, it offers continuing education courses, enabling licensed professionals to earn CE credits and expand their expertise.
In her new role on the Milan Massage School board, Smith sees an incredible opportunity to bridge education and professional growth. “I view this appointment as a chance to enhance collaboration between MISSION Day Spa and Milan Massage School, ultimately benefiting students as they transition into the workforce. My focus will be on fostering mentorship and creating training programs that align with our expanding franchise model,” said Smith.
5. Circadia Launches Oncology Skin Specialist Program
Circadia announced the launch of its Oncology Skin Specialist Program, an innovative certification designed to equip estheticians with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective and compassionate care for clients undergoing cancer treatments.
Developed in partnership with Christine Clinton Cancer Care, this hybrid learning program combines online foundations with hands-on advanced training, allowing professionals to complete coursework at their own pace, while ensuring a thorough understanding of oncology-specific skin care protocols. The Oncology Skin Specialist Program delivers a well-rounded curriculum that addresses the unique needs of clients in active treatment or recovery. Key learning modules include:
- Understanding Cancer – Foundational knowledge of how cancer develops, spreads, and affects overall health.
- Cancer Treatments & Their Impact – An in-depth look at chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery and their effects on the skin and body.
- Oncology-Safe Skin Care & Drug Interactions – Training on ingredient safety, product selection, and treatment modifications to accommodate cancer-compromised skin.
- Oncology Skin Care Protocols – Step-by-step guidance on delivering comfort-focused facials and body treatments tailored to individual needs.
- Prevention & Wellness – Holistic strategies to support skin health and manage side effects during and after treatment.
Two globally recognized experts will lead this certification in oncology esthetics, Christine Clinton and Joanne Berry. Clinton has over 20 years of experience in cancer care and was trained at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Medical Massage for Cancer Patients. Berry is an award-winning educator with more than 30 years of experience in this field. She is also the founder of the Wellness Education Hub and a global specialist in oncology esthetics and massage.
“Our goal is to provide estheticians with not only the knowledge, but also the confidence to safely and compassionately care for clients with cancer,” said Clinton. “This program is about more than skin care—it’s about empowering estheticians to be a source of comfort, support and healing for those in need.”
