Creating a Spa, particularly an urban Spa, is a fascinating adventure. Oh! But how complex it is, in an economic and competitive environment which continues to evolve non-stop, and with a legibility that is not always obvious, the sector is so new and "rich" in terms of possibilities...
The creation of an urban Spa or a day-spa can not be compared with that of a hotel Spa in any way; it is a completely different enterprise which should immediately develop its own economy. The Designer does not have the right to commit an error.

The EMOTION SPA Magazine has decided to start this section to these inspired designers who have embarked on this adventure. Their precious account is presented to you here so that the future designers can draw the essence for the benefit of their own project...

The SENSOTEK Spa at Montpellier
Anna KOLEVA , SENSOTEK

An attraction for this Zen, ethnic, chic and contemporary place. The slate, milletia wood and pebbles are combined for subtle decors, all in small extra notes of light and timeless decoration that recommend promises of journeys.
India, Asia, Orient are there through three spaces for treatments covering impressive and well divided area (in solo or duo, dry or humid treatments, hammam and break area). But also a strong sense of practical detail such as ceramic flooring or the design of an affusion shower.
 No doubt, Anna KOLEVA has the soul of an inspired designer, the talent of a true professional and the fabric of an enlightened business executive.
 
Anna KOLEVA opened the SENSOTEK Spa in April 2006. It took her two years to finalize the project. Initially, her training (masters in accounting –finances) was not meant to make her a Spa designer, but her atypical course depends on the equilibrium between this basic training and her personal taste for ancestral beauty traditions that are the basis of the identity of her concept. Anna has drawn this deep lover for other cultures and beauty secrets that are shared from mother to daughter from a childhood spent travelling throughout the world with her parents. One should listen to her talking of this treatment inspired from her Bulgarian grandmother (made of rose powder) to understand why this project was conspicuous for her.
 
Concept
Her concept is based on an offer of sensory treatments and is based on a trilogy: a place: the Spa, a product: a line of specially formulated treatments, a service: adapted treatment protocols. “It was the cohesion between these three branches that, for me, was the key to success” declared Anna.

Then it is a true strategy of entrepreneur that Anna has introduced and she will manage at the same time: she appears for her CAP in beauty, trains herself in ethnic massages, bones up on the libraries and rediscovers the forgotten beauty secrets, gets interested in the Kombucha (a yeast that ferments tea and transforms it into a true elixir of longevity, ancestral recipe originating from the tradition of Extreme Orient). Anna works with a laboratory to formulate her Kombucha based product, snaps up the passage with the help of ANVAR who encourages her to continue with this research and development effort, ending in the creation of an original range of 12 complementary goods that are registered in the logic of her complete concept. At last, she prepares her protocols inspired from the rituals originating from elsewhere that fascinate her. On all fronts at the same time, she hones her decoration charter and starts her quest for a place. Why Montpellier? “I feel that this city is very dynamic, outside norms and capable of accepting the creation of a project that is outside norms," replies Anna. Why an urban Spa instead of a set-up in a hotel? Anna made a deliberate choice to remain in-charge of her concept and its image.

 
The place
SensotekThe Spa that opened on 200 m² offers beautiful volumes. Except the purchase, the total investments are to the tune of 300.000 €, which is very reasonable. But it should be noted that this performance is mostly thanks to very strong personal involvement of Anna who chose the materials herself, gets hold of decorative objects and coordinates with enterprises. Add to this that Anna did her accounting and follows-up its management closely. “The support of ANVAR opened doors for finances, but no miracle, the operation could be started only because Anna took major personal risks by mortgaging her inheritance.

At the time of inauguration, she entrusted the task of arranging an inauguration buffet around the theme of India, Asia and Maghreb, in accordance with the three areas of the Spa, to the brothers Pourcel ("le Jardin des Sens"). “One shouldn’t economise on the launching budget; it is a primary investment, one should know how to hit hard immediately," advises Anna.

But it is not sufficient to create, after that one should keep the promise. It is here that it is important to ensure recruitment of personnel, further training. According to Anna, the present trainings in beauty are not enough to work in a Spa. It is also important to motivate the Team, whether it is about the debriefing meetings where everyone has the opportunity to express one's experience and ideas, or the profit-sharing bonus. Anna has introduced a system of “monthly challenge” of best salesperson to boost the sale of products. Note that Anna has chosen to recruit a mixed Team, with as many men as there are women.
 
One year later, where does she stand?
Anna evokes the adjustments that proved to be necessary: a very generous treatment card that had to be revised for financial viability and improved rates to meet the need of clients, but also projects of distribution through uncommon channels keeping an eye on the idea of becoming surmountable. And also the hope of being able to ensure her own salary, at last, at the end of three years during which she had to ensure on all fronts and demonstrate lot of energy and perseverance. “One does not have the right to be at ease, one should always remain responsive and proactive” concludes Anna. In fact, why SENSOTEK? “The brand is atypical, as is claimed by the concept and place, but it seems evident: tek, it’s a Greek root that signifies the place where precious objects, like library, are conserved. These precious goods like sense, sensuality are conserved there... And then it is not forbidden to evoke the oils of precious woods, synonyms of journey…"

FOCUS: Sensotek in figures
Open between 12:00 hours and 19:00 hours from Tuesday to Saturday - 3 booths and 3 employees - Young clientele (between 25 and 35 years) – (Standard kit): 80 € - 50% of Turnover ensured by gift vouchers – 30% of male clientele.