Renew Magazine - September/October 2008 - (Page 34)

role models wonder international spas that charged an arm and a leg, or local Chinese massage parlors that paid no attention to hygiene, let alone the overall spa experience. I decided to create a cozy space where friends can hang out and enjoy aﬀordable, high-quality spa treatments. Q. How has the industry changed since you Intrigued by the ﬂedgling spa industry in started? China, Fiona L. Gan, CFA, left her successful A. There are certainly more spas than before and people have a better understanding of the concept of a spa due investment career behind and founded to growing aﬄuence and frequent traveling. However, APSARA Spa, the ﬁrst Cambodian-styled there is still a lot of room for growth in both the talent day spa in Greater China. pool and spa concept development. by Alicia Marantz Liotta Q. How did you get your start in the industry? A. When I moved to Shanghai, I was disappointed that I couldn’t ﬁnd any spas that oﬀered top-notch services and met international hygiene standards at a reasonable price. All that was available were either ﬁve-star hotel Fiona L. Gan, CFA APSARA Spa Shanghai, China vocation: founder and director age: 31 years in industry: 3 background: Gan was born in Hong Kong, raised in Singapore and holds a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology specializing in environmental policies and engineering science. favorite product: Our signature Cambodian Coconut Scrub favorite spa service: Unique Cambodian Spa Ritual advice for new spa Love your work so you don’t have to owners: work a single day in your life. i’m inspired by: The ancient Cambodian culture and wellness philosophies that date back to the Angkorian civilization in the 9th to 12th Century AD. i love my job It’s true satisfaction to see guests because: relaxed and serene after the pampering treatment at APSARA. Q. What’s one thing you’ve done that has helped increase your business? A. Treat all guests as your personal friends and oﬀer them your best service. Q. What is the most difﬁcult part of your job? A. Recruiting and training a team of spa professionals, given the lack of qualiﬁed and properly trained spa talents in China. Q. What is an average day like for you? A. I’ll normally start the day at the APSARA corporate oﬃce going through e-mails and holding internal meetings. In the afternoon, I meet with the design team or the renovation manager regarding our upcoming Pudong ﬂagship. If there is still time left at the end of the day, I’ll swing by our existing APSARA in Puxi. Q. Who are your mentors? A. My parents are my mentors. They have inspired me to follow my dreams and never give up. Q. What is your clientele like? A. Eighty percent are expatriates and foreign travelers, 20 percent are local guests. It took us about three to six months after opening to cultivate a clientele. Q. Anything else you would like to share? A. We are in the midst of preparing for the second APSARA Spa in Shanghai. This Pudong ﬂagship is a three-story facility and has a 200-square meter terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful river view after their treatment and enjoy light spa cuisine. N 34 renewprofessional.com sept/oct 2008 http://renewprofessional.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Renew Magazine - September/October 2008

Renew Magazine - September/October 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Renew Face/Body/Spirit/Mind Décor Spa Spotlight Reflect Your Business Renew How-To Cards Editor's Picks Role Models The Sensory Spa Experience The Art of Listening In the Room Solutions Inside Ingredients

Renew Magazine - September/October 2008

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