According to the Association of Bodywork and Massage Practitioners (ABMP), 60,000 therapists enter the field each year, while 50,000 existing practitioners leave the profession. This disturbing statistic inspired a partnership between Therapeutic Massage and iMassage. Founded in 2007, imassage, Inc. is dedicated to enriching career longevity for massage therapists by offering educational programs that build technical and interpersonal skills and aim to strengthen the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. Meanwhile, Elements Therapeutic Massage, headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has a network franchisees that employ around 2,500 therapists at their studios nationwide. The new partnership will include continuing education initiatives...

SEP Connect, a search engine placement company, announced a partnership with the Day Spa Association (DSA), an organization that provides a platform for building relationships and business in the health and wellness community. SEP will help consumers and media locate the Association and its 45,000 members by using their patent-pending technology that gets businesses top search results on Google. “SEP Connect is proud to partner with Allan Share and the Day Spa Association.Our patented technology will help the DSA with online marketing to their target audiences in a simple, low-cost manner,” said David Hoppmann, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, SEP...

It’s So Easy, a nail art and application supplier, is kicking off a Summer Nail Art contest. The brand is inviting participants to submit summer-themed nail creations for cash prizes and gift cards. First prize is a $1000, while second and third place winners will receive $500 and $250 in cash, respectively. Twenty $25 gift cards to Sally Beauty Supply, a retailer of professional beauty products, will also be awarded. Contest entrants must upload their designs on www.itssoeasynails.com by July 1. On August 1, online voting will open up for a period of two weeks, from which 50 finalists will...

Swander Pace Capital, a private equity firm specializing in investments in consumer product companies, acquired Caleel + Hayden Holdings, Inc, d.b.a gloProfessional on April 2, 2013 under undisclosed terms. “Swander Pace’s reputation and track record with respected brands in the beauty and personal care field is impressive,” said Sean Butler, president of gloProfessional. “Through this partnership, we look forward to tapping their expertise and insight as we collaborate to maximize gloProfessional’s growth.” Gloprofessional is a leader in the professional beauty industry selling mineral-based cosmetics under the glominerals brand, premium skin care products under the glotherapeutics brand and hair care products...

Dermalogica announced the launch of its new and improved site, www.dermalogica.com . The updated site emphasizes the role of Dermalogica’s diagnostic and prescriptive analysis techniques in retail purchases, confirming the trend of an increasing demand for product knowledge and at-home protocols. Among the new site’s key features are video demonstrations and animations that educate users about skin conditions, and a database to scientific articles written by Dermalogica’s team of experts. The new site also introduces a store-locator feature which initiates new customers to the brand’s core experiences: Face Mapping, treatments, and prescriptive product sampling. www.dermalogica.com focuses on improving users’ shopping...

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) released the results of a national survey that polled the regulation and licensing of cosmetologists. Conducted in 2012, the survey showed that 94 percent of voters across the U.S. felt that requiring licensing of beauty professionals would protect the public and improve the quality and safety of the beauty industry–an overwhelmingly high figure. The poll surveyed a broad demographic but the strongest support came from women, older voters, African Americans and households with low-income. Other key findings of the survey include: *80 percent of voters understood that beauty professionals must attend courses to obtain a...

Lotus Wei, a company that produces elixirs, mists, and serums from flower essences, has launched a free iPhone and iPad app available for download at the iTunes or Apple stores. The mobile tool will have three main features: the Flower Alchemy Section helps users keep track of Lotus Wei products and plots line graphs that chart moods. The Special Message section allows users to download more than 100 inspirational messages, such as “Recognize the strength in being gentle” and “You’re among friends.” The Flower Reading section includes personalized flower readings based on user preferences, and quizzes about gemstones, flowers and...

At the Cosmoprof North America Show July 14 - 16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Cosmoprof North America will unveil a new sample concept. Beautique will be a one-stop beauty shop on the main show floor where attendees will be able to select seven samples from 20 up-and-coming exhibiting brands for a $10 fee. Following the online retailing trend of curating sample-sized beauty products, Beautique will enhance visibility for participating brands and deliver products to buyers who may not have had the opportunity to encounter the exhibitors during the show. The proceeds of the sales will...

Bolstering its position as a solid sustainability resource, Green Spa Network has announced a robust year of networking events and new initiatives. The major highlights include: the Second Annual GSN Buyers Conference, an invitation-only event that takes place April 28 – May 1 at the Stein Erikson Lodge in Park City Utah; the GSN Sixth Annual Congress, slated for September 22 – 25 at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, CO, which will focus on the theme “New Growth: Pioneering Bold, Productive Change;” and the Spa Sectors First Sustainability Summit, a gathering of the industry’s foremost sustainability thinkers. Additionally, GSN...

Melania Trump announced the launch of her debut skincare line, Caviar Complexe C6. Designed to repair, hydrate and renew the skin, the collection consists of five products: Fluid Day Serum, Luxe Moisturizer; Luxe Night; Cleansing Balm; and Exfoliating Peel; and contain active ingredients such as the patented Caviar Complexe 6 and Lipid Matrix Receptor Technology. “I have always believed in taking care of yourself both inside and out,” said creator Melania Trump. “And my skin care collection, which truly improves and enhances one’s appearance, does just that. I am proud to bring my passion for healthy and beautiful skin to...