Established in 2008 to inject “inSPArational” products into the spa industry based on natural products, Jeremy and Emma are the founders of The Natural Spa Factory, whose ingredients include organic chocolate and champagne extract. We caught up with them to find out how it all came about!
What did you do before starting The Natural Spa Factory?
Jeremy: I worked for Blue Spa and Leisure consultancy for the last 12 years, designing and setting up spas and offering mentoring for new and currently operating spas.
Emma: Before starting The Natural Spa Factory I was a full-time mum, and prior to that I worked in-house as a PR officer for the national grid before an agency role for the Financial Services. I have also been responsible for event management for Coca Cola.
What was the inspiration behind The Natural Spa Factory?
Jeremy and Emma: Purely to be able to offer spas a different way of operating, allowing them the freedom to give their customers what they want at an affordable price. We want to bring back the excitement in delivering treatments, and break away from the somewhat stale spa industry. We want to enable spas to create signature treatments which are tailored to their own personality.
What sets your products apart from other lifestyle brands?
Jeremy and Emma: Our range uses only the most natural of ingredients where possible. We create fun, quirky, individual products which aim to create a talking point for the spas that use them, extend the spa experience for the individual, and take a little spa luxury home with them. Unlike other lifestyle spa brands, we work within the seasons which means that we can supply the perfect seasonal gifts.
What has been the most gratifying thing about setting up the business so far?
Jeremy and Emma: Seeing our team grow. We have a strong, dynamic team, and thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm we have seen The Natural Spa Factory flourish. Our current challenge is to grow our brand within the spa retail sector. The sense of pride that we feel from happy spa clients who buy our products, use them and receive excellent feedback from satisfied customers is also a wonderful feeling.
Do you have a favourite product?
We both love the soon-to-launch luminous rice range.
What’s been the strangest experience about working in the beauty industry?
Jeremy: One of the strangest experiences that I have had was when consulting with a Russian client for Friedrichsbad in Germany. I have always believed that the most successful way of tapping into a client’s mind-set and finding out exactly what they want is to carry out the consultation on their turf, in their natural environment. This particular consultation took place in a spa pool, naked. We were all sat in the spa pool naked, when the client said; “let’s take some notes” after which his PA was called; who promptly walked into the spa, naked, took notes and promptly left again. One of the most bizarre moments of my consulting career.
What do you do to relax?
Emma: Spending time with the family is my ultimate way to relax.
Jeremy: Family time, walking our dog, Archie, and running.
What can we all look forward to this year with The Natural Spa Factory?
We have some lovely retail product lines in the pipeline, more integration with consumers through digital channels, and providing inspiration and tips to make our client’s spas more profitable.
What are your top tips for looking after your skin?
Jeremy: My essential, personal beauty regime includes exfoliating with a lime and lemon grass scrub in the morning, and using a luxurious, hydrating bath oil to relax after a long day.
Emma: Drinking plenty of water, going to bed early, and using The Natural Spa Factory products!
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