Pack Your Bags: We’re Going to Australia

  Why We Travel

In January 2018, thirteen team members from Neroli Salon & Spa, along with one student from the Institute of Beauty and Wellness, will travel as group to Australia and New Zealand.

This isn’t the first time a group of team members have traveled together. Back in 2008, Susan Haise, owner of Neroli and IBW, coordinated a group travel for the first time to Japan.  It was during the financial crisis, when conversation within the salon and spa started to become a little dispirited.

“It was time to change the conversation,” Susan said in a team meeting. “I wanted to inspire, motivate, and encourage people, and I thought a trip abroad was a way to do that.”

Part of the group that will go to Australia in January 2018

Ever since Japan, Susan plans a trip abroad every two years with her team. In the past, she and the team visited Nepal and India; now, it’s Australia.

“I posted a question on social media asking the team their desired location between South Africa, Turkey, or Australia/New Zealand,” Susan explained. The vote came in, and the winner was Australia/New Zealand.  These countries are known for the mud they use in the spa services, among other things.

“I choose locations that are known for their salons and spa services,” Susan explained.  In that sense, these trips are not only fun and inspirational, but also educational. Travel gives our team an opportunity to experience the beauty and wellness industry in different cultures, and allows us to reflect and refine our own services.

The team meets to brainstorm trip ideas

Beyond fun, inspiration, and education, our individuals have personal incentives to travel to Australia. Michelle (Brookfield Nail Designer) said this is her opportunity to “become a different woman.”  Aseel (Downtown Esthetician) wants to see the exotic animals, whereas David (Downtown Hair Designer) and Bridgette (Brookfield Esthetician) are all in for the different culture, nature, and food. Angelica (Bayshore Esthetician) looks forward to the sporting adventures, and Tina (Downtown Hair Designer) is excited to travel with a group of people.

What’s on the agenda?

Today our team did some homework and shared what excursions and/or adventures they’d like to experience on the trip. Some of the talked about ventures included:

• A helicopter ride over the Syndey harbour that lands for a meal at a five-star restaurant
• A trip to a renowned zoo that rehabilitates wildlife
• Visits to top-tier salons and spas
• Sipping Malbec in a southern Australian vineyard
• Glamping (glam + camping) at this incredible resort 
• Checking out the drop dead gorgeous caves in New Zealand

There’s lots on the agenda, but Susan mentioned that anyone is welcome to stay back and “kick up their heels” if they’d prefer to do so.
The trip is customizable.

Stay tuned, because there’s more to come! Our team will document all their adventures throughout the trip. Let us know if you have any recommendations for a hashtag to best capture our Australia 2017 trip.