Massage and Esthetics Academy

5 Questions for Healing Arts Professionals

2010-05-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

As a member of the healing arts profession, you are revered as a keeper of wellness and educator of health. Your touch heals, your words soothe, and your expertise provides effective treatment plans for clients. As a guide into wellness, you must also strive to be a source of inspiration and health for your clients, peers and the industry. This is a big responsibility and is a lot more than just a healthy body; it’s a healthy attitude too.

Here are five questions to ask yourself to help you assess how you are doing “living” the healing arts profession.

1. Do I keep promises to myself?

This one question will open up truths about the promises you keep to others. If you make a commitment to yourself do you keep it? If you promise yourself a yoga class a week, do you keep that promise? If you aren’t able to keep promises to yourself, you are most likely not keeping promises to others. Keeping promises to yourself reassures your spirit that you are important which in turns adds value to your self esteem and self worth. When you are able to keep promises to yourself, you are able to better manage and keep promises to others!

2. What’s in my Body right now?

As a being made up of over 70% water, are you dedicated to staying hydrated? In my experience as an energetic being, hydrated cells provide more effective conduit of healing energy between yourself and your clients. Your brain does not know the difference between a hunger and hydration pang, so by staying hydrated you may even be less likely to overeat when in fact your body is simply craving water. What type of food do you eat? Do you eat a balanced diet? Are your food choices a reflection of health?

3. Who is my Circle?

Your Circle is the group of people that you spend the most time with. Who are they? What do they care about? Do their values and lifestyle represent who you want to be? Have they accomplished goals that you admire? Surround yourself with people that inspire you and are living the type of life that you seek to live. This opens up doorways to new opportunities and aligns you on the path to your future the way that you want it.

4. Am I getting regular treatments?

How can you preach a treatment plan to your clients if you yourself are not dedicated to supporting and participating in the industry that you love? How often do you get treatments? Have you experienced multiple types of treatments ranging from bodywork to facials to massage? Can you intelligently and from experience share about different modalities? Getting regular treatments aligns you with your ideals of health and wellness and supports your colleagues too!

5. Am I connected?

Being connected means that you care about people and take efforts to show them that it is so. How connected are you to your family and friends? When is the last time that you listened to someone you care about and took an action to show them that they were heard? When is the last time you wrote someone you care about a card, just to say you care? Remember that you are weaving a lifetime web and that every thoughtful and kind action that you take will strengthen and nourish your web.

Being a member of the healing arts profession takes courage, compassion and commitment. Striving to achieve personal wellness and health is the greatest gift that we can give our industry, our clients and each other.

Ilana Alberico, is Founding Partner of Privai Academy which offers licensure programs and advanced training for Estheticians, Massage Therapists and Spa Managers and is also Chief Operating Officer of Innovative Spa Management, a Spa Design, Consulting and Management Firm. To open a spa or learn about education with Privai, visit http://www.PRIVAI.com. Ilana may be reached at ilana@ismspa.com or 828-713-5240.

Careers in Massage and Esthetics

2010-01-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

Privai Academy is proud to offer 2 of the newest most
comprehensive and innovative trainings in North Carolina.

Why Privai?

Privai is dedicated to your growth!
Our four pillars of success tell our story.

Connection to NATURE

Privai respects the earth. We use exclusive, results driven, botanically based, paraben free skincare products committed to preserving the planet and habitat through earth friendly packaging and eco-conscious values.

Connection to BEAUTY

Beauty surrounds us, inspires us and becomes us. Privai enriches your essence of beauty.

Connection to COMMUNITY

Welcome to your new community. Our network is vast and ever expanding. We champion connection and care about the greater good.

Connection to ONESELF

At Privai, you are the most important person. You are Privai. Dedicated to lifelong learning and self improvement, the "I" in Privai is for you.

Finding the Right School for You

We know that choosing the right school is important. More so, we know the programs should excel so that you are successful!

Privai has chosen the leaders in the industry to create our programs. With over 40 years combined experienced our massage curriculum writers will offer you one of the most indepth, comprehensive and amazing trainings to make you a successful practitioner. One of the writers owned her own school, has been a program director for a major school and has written curriculum for several schools across the US.

Our Esthetics program was coordinated by a former nurse of 25 years and now an esthetician along with another esthetics instructor and our Director of Education, over 30 years combined experience in the field!

Compassionate and eager to share their knowledge all of our instructors are waiting for you to join the Privai team.

Just so you know our instructional applicants go through an intensive process of interviewing and demonstrating their skills for teaching, motivation and inspiration. We want the best for you.

Massage therapists often seek a variety of paths. So we wanted all our students to gain the knowledge and experience of the two major roles of massage therapists. Medical massage and spa modalities. Your training will shed light on how both modalities work together and how you as a practitioner will develop the necessary business skills to bring your talents and gifts to the community seeking qualified therapists. Developed with a foundation in healing we know our students will have a true understanding and working knowledge of this healing art.

So whatever your career path, independent contractor, private practice, spa management, medical setting, spa environment we got you covered!

As spa owners and consultants, Christina Stratton and Ilana Alberico know how difficult it is to find quality therapists. We have seen students coming out of schools that can barely give a proper massage. Our challenges have been many to find the skilled and professional practitioner. Spa is not only for relaxation as many might assume. Our practitioners need to be prepared for everything.

This is why we created Privai Academy. Our students will be ready for success. Whether you join our massage program or our esthetics program you will know how to identify different pathologies your client may have and how to take the necessary actions and precautions before treatment.

Our students will get to see the behind the scenes operations at our locally owned spa properties.

Just in case you don't know already, one of the main reasons practitioners fail is because they do not have enough business sense. Even if you work for someone you need to understand that your clients are your business.

Privai has a Superb business course in both our programs that takes you through a process of understanding the full aspect of a successfully run business. We want you to succeed!

Privai is Excellence! Our standards are high. We expect professionalism. You deserve it.

We are New and we are up to date on everything you need in your career.

We are New but we have loads of experience on our team.

We are full of energy and excitement and new ideas!

Our graduates will also be the first selected for our spa property opportunities in the U.S. and Caribbean offered through Innovative Spa Management, our sister company.

Privai believes in your future. We offer continuing education courses as well. Several of our talented instructors are NCBTMB providers and teach nationally.

Visit Privai and feel the difference.

Here's what our Esthetics students are saying about our program:

"The teachers are amazing" ~ Heather

"I started in a different school and left. Privai gives you so much more
to prepare you for success. They include microdermabrasion and LED, while some schools do not." ~ Denise

"I always wanted to work with formulating skin care products. After my education at Privai they made me a part of their team on Privai skin care products. I am so excited about my future." ~ Sara

Continuing Education Student comments:

"Privai is beautiful. Everyone is so nice."

"The location is perfect."

"Great interactive course. Gave a chance to explore & express out feelings & experiences"

"The instructor was one of the most grounded and compassionate beings I have ever met."

"I have taken several courses at Privai and love them all"

"Enjoyed focused work on specific body parts. Inspirational and eager to get out and use these techniques!"

"Good demonstration, Instructor knowledgeable, gave room for creativity and experimenting with stones"

Privai Academy Student Spa Services
Read what clients have to say about their experience with our esthetic students

My skin is looking better and better. I’m excited to have the opportunity to get a full series. Thank you. I really enjoyed everything ~Christy R.

Everything was great! From beginning to end, I was totally relaxed. I even fell asleep, which I never do. Great information and pampering. ~ Lee L.

Again a wonderful experience I felt very cared for. ~ Robin

What wonderful experience I enjoyed the schooling part of the facial massage. I will be back. ~ D’Arcy

Yum – spa is beautiful! Enjoyed and appreciated the professionalism ~ Jackie

Visit www.privaiacademy.com
Contact Admissions at (828) 227-3883
Asheville's Newest Innovative Massage
and Esthetics Trainings

700 hr. Massage Therapy Training
600 hr. Esthetics Training

Massage for Haiti - Hands Across America

2010-01-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

Join the hundreds of massage therapists sharing their heart and hands!

Fund Raisers are popping up all across the United States.

Privai Academy will be hosting "Massage For Haiti"

January 31, 2010
Time: 12-4p
Location:6 Roberts Road, Asheville, NC 28803
Contact: (828) 227-3883

You can sign up to receive a mini massage, reiki session or mini facial for $1.00 a minute. Schedule a time slot now. Spaces are filling up quickly! (828) 277-3883

We also have thousands of dollars worth of donations that will be raffled off as well. Tickets are $1.00 per item.

Massage Therapists you will love the items being donated - Try to win one or more!

1. Massage On Site Chair donated by Massage Warehouse
2. World Massage Festival Gift Certificate donated by Mike Hinkle
3. Privai Skin Care Package donated by Privai Academy
4. Freedom from Pain Home Study DVD donated by Erik Dalton
5. Thai Yoga DVD Home Study donated by Michael Buck
6. Red Moon Herbs
7. $100 Gift Certificate off continuing education classes donated by Massage Pro C.E.
8. Books, wall hanging, gift certificates from practitioners and so much more!

Visit www.massageforhaiti.net

If you have event you want posted, it will be listed for FREE!

May all those contributing their generosity in any way to any charitable cause be blessed always.

Join us!

Crafting your Healing space

2010-01-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

How do you effectively create a space that will promote healing and relaxation? If only we could all just depend on the magic of our hands!

The impression that your treatment room has on your guest is paramount to them receiving an optimal experience with you. There are very simple ways beyond the obvious to enforce that your treatment room is a place for healing and relaxation. There are two areas of perception that the guest will have upon entering your space. I refer to these as the two environments of healing space. The first is the physical environment. What does it look like in here, how is it decorated, is it clean, aesthetically pleasing? The second is the energetic environment. What does it feel like, what is the energy of the therapist, what does the scent remind me of? By addressing these two areas with equal importance, you can enhance the healing potential of your treatment room.

Take a look at the picture below. What is the room, or the physical environment communicating to you? Does this make you feel comfortable? Does this make you feel safe? Does this room make you feel special or important?

Notice the way the table has been prepared. Notice the lighting. Notice the white noise machine in the corner. Each of your clients wants to feel important, they want to feel special, they want to be understood, and they want to feel safe. Even if the massage therapist is fantastic and provides an incredible treatment, the physical environment of this treatment room is not setting the therapist up for success.

Understanding that each guest has a subliminal reaction upon entering your treatment space will help you see things through the guest's perspective. Creating a physical environment that communicates to the guest, "you are safe, you can trust me, and you are important" will assist in the guest obtaining better results from their treatment.

Take a look at the next picture. What is this picture communicating? Notice how the tables are prepared. Notice the lighting. Notice the botanicals in the corner.

This room tells your guest, "I have prepared for you, you are important." This room communicates safety and professionalism. This room assists in preparing your guest for the treatment. Upon entering the room, the guest may even let out a sigh. The muscles of the guest begin to relax, and your work as a therapist becomes easier. This is the same treatment room from the first picture.

The physical environment of a treatment room has a profound effect on the experience of your guest. The physical environment has a profound effect on the energetic environment of the space.

There is no need to go hire a design firm to help you make these changes. Start with this simple checklist.

Physical:

* Is the lighting ambient? Are there candles?
* Is the table prepared in a way that communicates trust and importance to the guest?
* Is there a blanket, soft matching sheets, and a bolster available?
* Is the music playing and on repeat when they walk in?
* Is the oil/cream displayed and available for them to touch/smell prior to treatment?
* Are there hooks on the wall for their clothes?
* Is the treatment room insulated so as not to hear what is going on in the next room?
* Are there any electrical cords showing on the floor?
* Is the light in the ceiling dusty?
* How is my appearance?
o Do I look disheveled?
o Does my breath stink?
o Does my body stink?

Energetic:

* What does the room smell like?
* Have I centered myself before picking up the guest?
* Am I positive and ready for this guest?
* Have I welcomed the guest in a caring manner?
* Do I anticipate the needs of the guest?

By enhancing the quality of your treatment space, you are able to build faster trust and credibility with your guests, increase your client retention, and charge a premium for your services. I challenge you to look at your space and prepare it appropriately for your guest. Remember, upon entering a room that communicates to the guest that they are "special" they will start to relax. Build upon what you already have and create an environment that compliments what you are trying to achieve. For example, if you work in a medical office, your room will feel more clinical, but that doesn't mean is cannot communicate a prepared physical and energetic environment. Use crisp clean sheets, framed anatomy charts, and bolsters instead of satin sheets, art, and plush pillows for bolsters. No matter where you practice, you have the power to craft a healing environment. Your guest will appreciate it and you will benefit with higher retention, higher pricing options, and a more relaxed guest to work on!

Author: Ilana Craig Alberico is the Founding Partner of Innovative Spa Management (ISM), NCBTMB Approved Provider # 450614-08, a spa management, consulting, and design firm that owns and operates day, resort, and medical spas. ISM offers advanced training through Privai Academy. Ilana is a licensed massage therapist and former spa director; she understands firsthand the multiple moving parts of spa operations. Her expertise in developing spas that seamlessly weave the spa concept throughout the design, spa operations, employee training programs, product selection, and menu design have created environments where superior spa experiences are commonplace. High quality continuing education calendar at www.privaiacademy.com. Email ilana@ismspa.com or call her at 828-713-5240.

Career Day Jan 28th, 2010

2010-01-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Privai Academy Opens Its Doors to You!

Learn about the career opportunities awaiting you in
Massage and Esthetics!

Visit our state of the art facility!
FREE Privai Skin Care Product samples
FREE raffle for a facial at Privai

Meet the Staff!

Times: 9 am to 10 am
1 pm to 2 pm

Please RSVP: info@privaiacademy.com

Ask about our Educational Stimulus Package that will
Save your $2,000 off tuition

Career Opportunities in Massage & Esthetics

2010-01-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Exciting career opportunities in massage and esthetics, 2 of the fastest growing fields in the industry.

Privai Academy offers you Excellence and a solid foundation for success!

Educational Stimulus Packages now available until January 30, 2010

Sign up by January 30 and you can save $2,000 off your tuition.

Contact us at (828) 335-7786 or info @ privaiacademy.com

Gloria our admissions coordinator will give you a tour.
Stop by our Privai clinic and schedule a facial. Our students are awesome!