Very seldom do I get a chance to just sit and think. A few weeks ago my husband hoisted a bird feeder up in the air into a tree right outside a picture window in our bedroom. It has given us a focal point in the mornings as we enjoy our coffee and has been very therapeutic. (There must be a spa treatment in all of this!)
All kinds of birds come to that feeder, some beautiful cardinals, a few chickadees, an occasional squirrel-(not sure where he falls in to the bird world), and those sparrows. By the droves they come in and eat from our bird feeder every morning.
One day, we were very busy and did not have time to go out and refill the feeder. There was not a lot of feed left, but there were still the same amount of birds coming and seemed to still have what they wanted and left.
It struck me that we humans are kind of the same way. When there is a lot, we use it all up quickly and think we need more. When there is little, we still seem to get by on what we have.
I know it is a tough economy out there. We live it everyday ourselves. Spa, for some people was a luxury, but some are finding that it has become a necessity for their sanity. We use to have a lot and now we have less, but we keep getting by.
It is our commitment this year to continue to provide the best services possible for you tired, hungry, weary sparrows for the very best prices around. We promise not to get too busy that we forget to keep refilling the feeder for you.
Serving You.
Vickie
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Growing up in Spa
Living in the Spa world is not all glam, but on occassion, we do have some glamorous moments. I do have the opportunity once in a while to meet some very famous and interesting people, and those are fun times. Sometimes we at Vasaio, even have the opportunity to be honored ourselves.
It was about a year and a half into our business when we were asked to represent our Spa for Juvenille Diabietes Foundation at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens for three reasons. One, we host a non-profit party every year at Vasaio for JDRF through Foremost Insurance Agency and thousands of dollars are raised. Two, because this foundation is pretty near and dear to our hearts with two type one diabetic daughters, and three, because they wanted to feature an old car and we happen to own a 1956 Bentley for the theme was the 1940's and Fred and Lena Meijer were being honored at this event.
At this point in time, I was feeling particularly special for this invitation. Though I did not have 2 cents to rub right then, I mustered enough together to buy a beautiful dress and a new pair of hose to wear at the this exquisit black tie event. Vic and I looked great! "Boy, were we going to be the talk of the town!" Getting into the Bentley that evening, I accidentally snagged and ran my hose. I was madder than a wet hen. Needless to say, we still arrived an hour early to place the Bently just perfectly, directly in front of the Fredrick Meijer Garden for all to see the Vasaio logo...I had recovered just long enough to once again feel pretty important, when all of a sudden a mini van pulled right in front our our beautiful Bentley and parked.
My well deserved anger reared again. Here we were looking like a million bucks and a undeserving car- a mini van- pulled up and blocked the soon to be arriving guests view to know we had arrived, and to see Vasaio's really cool car!
A few moments later, the woman driving the vehicle stepped out of the car to assist an elderly couple out of the back seat. As I peered a bit closer, I realized it was Fred and Lena Meijer. I began to slump down in my luxury car, but it was too late. Mr. and Mrs. Meijers had spotted the car and realized there were people in it. I rolled down the window as Mrs. Meijers approached the car. "My, My, what a car, you must be somebody special!". "No, Mrs. Meijers, I'm not, really, but you are, congratulations on being honored this evening." She just smiled and said I was being silly and to come join them as we all waited for the other guests to arrive.
I want to grow up to be Lena Meijer. Not because of all the fame, financial means they have aquired over the years, but despite that fact, she is a humble, unpretentious human being and gracious to the max. I literally want to grow up and be like Lena. I hope that one day someone will say the same of me.
It was about a year and a half into our business when we were asked to represent our Spa for Juvenille Diabietes Foundation at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens for three reasons. One, we host a non-profit party every year at Vasaio for JDRF through Foremost Insurance Agency and thousands of dollars are raised. Two, because this foundation is pretty near and dear to our hearts with two type one diabetic daughters, and three, because they wanted to feature an old car and we happen to own a 1956 Bentley for the theme was the 1940's and Fred and Lena Meijer were being honored at this event.
At this point in time, I was feeling particularly special for this invitation. Though I did not have 2 cents to rub right then, I mustered enough together to buy a beautiful dress and a new pair of hose to wear at the this exquisit black tie event. Vic and I looked great! "Boy, were we going to be the talk of the town!" Getting into the Bentley that evening, I accidentally snagged and ran my hose. I was madder than a wet hen. Needless to say, we still arrived an hour early to place the Bently just perfectly, directly in front of the Fredrick Meijer Garden for all to see the Vasaio logo...I had recovered just long enough to once again feel pretty important, when all of a sudden a mini van pulled right in front our our beautiful Bentley and parked.
My well deserved anger reared again. Here we were looking like a million bucks and a undeserving car- a mini van- pulled up and blocked the soon to be arriving guests view to know we had arrived, and to see Vasaio's really cool car!
A few moments later, the woman driving the vehicle stepped out of the car to assist an elderly couple out of the back seat. As I peered a bit closer, I realized it was Fred and Lena Meijer. I began to slump down in my luxury car, but it was too late. Mr. and Mrs. Meijers had spotted the car and realized there were people in it. I rolled down the window as Mrs. Meijers approached the car. "My, My, what a car, you must be somebody special!". "No, Mrs. Meijers, I'm not, really, but you are, congratulations on being honored this evening." She just smiled and said I was being silly and to come join them as we all waited for the other guests to arrive.
I want to grow up to be Lena Meijer. Not because of all the fame, financial means they have aquired over the years, but despite that fact, she is a humble, unpretentious human being and gracious to the max. I literally want to grow up and be like Lena. I hope that one day someone will say the same of me.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
ReInvent, ReInvent, ReInvent
It was July 2005-still within our first months of opening Vasaio Life Spa. Not only was the public still trying to grasp this concept of the "Super Spa" (Grand Rapids Press-2004), but we were still trying to figure our trends and the ebs and flow of this kind of business we had created.
We quickly realized that July, in Grand Rapids, everyone and their relatives literally get out of Dodge and head for their lake-shore homes. I checked frequently those first few hot and sticky days in July, to see if our phone was still working. Perhaps the heat had melted our phone cords...Cricket, Cricket, Cricket. "Ok...we have to do something here! What can we do that will give these people a reason to come back to Grand Rapids, and get into Vasaio Life Spa?" The 3/$99 Spa Summer Menu was born.
At first it felt desparte, and yes, in part it was. It did a couple of different things though. It brought in volume we missed for sure, but it also allowed people to try services they probably never thought they would enjoy, or could not afford. It allowed those poor people who still had to remain all summer and actually work, in Grand Rapids, the opportunity to enjoy a little SpaCation of their own without breaking the bank. It was inpart... a miracle.
Since that hot and steamy day in July, we have offered our Summer Menu. We change the offerings a bit to keep it interesting, but when people start calling you from Detroit in January to find out when you will offer your 3/$99 Summer Menu, you know you have definely interested a great deal of the public.
Vic and I have always loved the ability to change. We call it Reinventing ourselves. Our core values will never change, but the way we exhibit those values, might. The ability to change gives us hope, and strength and a bit of a sense of control. Always staying the same and hoping for a different outcome, is, I believe is a sign of fear, or quite frankly insanity. It will stunt the growth of a busienss for sure, but more importantly an individual.
Now, let's make this a bit more practical and personal.... It's the end of the summer and no more 3/$99. My first thought is of course fear. Fear that people will stop coming in, fear that the next offer I do people won't like, fear that...fear that...Fear does not come from God. Fear is destructive. Fear is not how I chose to live my life. "But I am not a risk taker like you entrepenuers are!" You might say.
Well maybe you should not open up your own business, but maybe you can change your hair or perhaps your style a bit. For goodness sake at least change out your 2 year old mascara! Get on the treadmill and drop a few pounds if needs be. These are all ways that you, can reinvent yourself. It involves discipline and a bit of a risk, but a risk that just might find a bit of a rescue and at the very least a little sense of control and hope.
www.VasaioLifeSpa.com gets a new face lift this week. New colors, new offerings, new tools. I hope you enjoy it. Until the next time... Vickie
We quickly realized that July, in Grand Rapids, everyone and their relatives literally get out of Dodge and head for their lake-shore homes. I checked frequently those first few hot and sticky days in July, to see if our phone was still working. Perhaps the heat had melted our phone cords...Cricket, Cricket, Cricket. "Ok...we have to do something here! What can we do that will give these people a reason to come back to Grand Rapids, and get into Vasaio Life Spa?" The 3/$99 Spa Summer Menu was born.
At first it felt desparte, and yes, in part it was. It did a couple of different things though. It brought in volume we missed for sure, but it also allowed people to try services they probably never thought they would enjoy, or could not afford. It allowed those poor people who still had to remain all summer and actually work, in Grand Rapids, the opportunity to enjoy a little SpaCation of their own without breaking the bank. It was inpart... a miracle.
Since that hot and steamy day in July, we have offered our Summer Menu. We change the offerings a bit to keep it interesting, but when people start calling you from Detroit in January to find out when you will offer your 3/$99 Summer Menu, you know you have definely interested a great deal of the public.
Vic and I have always loved the ability to change. We call it Reinventing ourselves. Our core values will never change, but the way we exhibit those values, might. The ability to change gives us hope, and strength and a bit of a sense of control. Always staying the same and hoping for a different outcome, is, I believe is a sign of fear, or quite frankly insanity. It will stunt the growth of a busienss for sure, but more importantly an individual.
Now, let's make this a bit more practical and personal.... It's the end of the summer and no more 3/$99. My first thought is of course fear. Fear that people will stop coming in, fear that the next offer I do people won't like, fear that...fear that...Fear does not come from God. Fear is destructive. Fear is not how I chose to live my life. "But I am not a risk taker like you entrepenuers are!" You might say.
Well maybe you should not open up your own business, but maybe you can change your hair or perhaps your style a bit. For goodness sake at least change out your 2 year old mascara! Get on the treadmill and drop a few pounds if needs be. These are all ways that you, can reinvent yourself. It involves discipline and a bit of a risk, but a risk that just might find a bit of a rescue and at the very least a little sense of control and hope.
www.VasaioLifeSpa.com gets a new face lift this week. New colors, new offerings, new tools. I hope you enjoy it. Until the next time... Vickie
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Inspired by Julie & Julia
My Mom always said I need to write a book. I am not sure if that was because she thought I was such a great writer or because true life, my true life, is sometimes much stranger than fiction. Well mom... here it goes... Hopefully this blog will be informative, inspirational, and at the very least entertaining.
My life is pretty interesting here at Vasaio Life Spa. I never live the same day twice. I enjoy being a mom, wife, and kitty rescuer. That's my personal life. In my professional life, I am Vickie Bennett... Chief Cook and Bottle Washer at Vasaio Life Spa.
Over the 26 years of owning my own companies, I have earned degrees and certificates for all the different worlds Vasaio represents- salon, spa, and medical spa. Although I do not practice in all the worlds any longer, I invent the processes and treatments for some people better than I to perform them.
I am not much different than many of you. I love my God, my family, and my hair dresser. I just get better discounts than you do. I love helping people to discover how beautiful they really are. I am excited to share with you A day in the Life of Vasaio Life Spa. Enjoy the blog... www.vasaiolifespa.com
My life is pretty interesting here at Vasaio Life Spa. I never live the same day twice. I enjoy being a mom, wife, and kitty rescuer. That's my personal life. In my professional life, I am Vickie Bennett... Chief Cook and Bottle Washer at Vasaio Life Spa.
Over the 26 years of owning my own companies, I have earned degrees and certificates for all the different worlds Vasaio represents- salon, spa, and medical spa. Although I do not practice in all the worlds any longer, I invent the processes and treatments for some people better than I to perform them.
I am not much different than many of you. I love my God, my family, and my hair dresser. I just get better discounts than you do. I love helping people to discover how beautiful they really are. I am excited to share with you A day in the Life of Vasaio Life Spa. Enjoy the blog... www.vasaiolifespa.com
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