Convenience drives popularity of Girls Spa Parties
At just 22, Amber Perez already has been a business owner for four years.
In 2006, Perez started Girls Spa Parties, a mobile spa that caters to clients by traveling to their homes, businesses and other locations to provide salon and spa services including hair, makeup, pedicures and massages. With a team of 13 stylists, nail technicians, estheticians, massage therapists and even a yoga instructor, Girls Spa Parties is following a national trend of salon and spa owners taking their businesses on the road.
“Mobile spas have increased in popularity because they are a convenient way to complement your current spa visit regimen,” said Lynne McNees, International SPA Association president. “Their accessibility makes it simple to have an afternoon massage in your own backyard, or throw an impromptu spa party.”
Kimberly Bean hired Girls Spa Parties for her upcoming February wedding party out of convenience and to help take some of the stress out of a wedding. “By having the spa come to us, we can have breakfast, relax and be together before the wedding,” said the Henrietta resident. “And we don’t have to worry about possibly getting our hair and makeup messed up.”
Adds Perez: “For different events, it’s hard to find a salon that will accommodate large groups — especially wedding parties. This is a totally different environment.”
Also popular for showers, bachelorette parties, corporate rewards programs and other special events with a large group, the mobile spa trend is catching on with individual clients. In the past, in-home spa services were a luxury. But, said Perez, her pricing is in line with traditional salons. A standard pedicure is priced at $40, a hair updo is $55 and a 60-minute massage runs $85. Perez said the only extra expense they add to the price is a travel fee of $10 per professional.
Her menu includes packages such as the “Spa Tea Da” pedicure party, and the “Slim and Sassy,” which includes an anti-cellulite treatment.
And the team of Girls Spa Parties professionals are prepared when they travel. They come with everything to set up a spa.
“With all of our parties we bring plush spa robes, candles, floral arrangements, music, linens, welcome tables, signs — everything to get the spa feel,” Perez said.
Before starting the business, Perez worked as a nail technician in a traditional salon setting, but wanted to be an entrepreneur. Her original business plan focused on catering to children’s parties, but she quickly realized the potential to branch out.
“There are so many different things I can do with this business,” she said. “And you can always find a reason to spa.”
