Repêchage® Hosts 19th Annual International Conference for Salon & Spa Professionals
Repêchage CEO and Founder Lydia Sarfati welcomed over 175 skincare and spa professionals from across the country and around the globe to the Repêchage 19th Annual International Conference for Salon & Spa Professionals at the Park Hyatt in New York recently. Beauty professionals gathered at this year’s conference to hear presentations from industry experts, participate in the launch of the new Repêchage Triple Action Peptide Mask and Repêchage Biolight™ Luminex Mask, and take part in the annual Repêchage President’s Awards.
For her presentation, “Turn Back the Clock,” Sarfati highlighted the growth of the anti-aging skin care market. According to Sarfati, the global market for anti-aging products and services is expected to reach $352.7 billion by 2020. Repêchage says that it wants to "help salon and spa owners tap into this market and get a piece of the pie" and that this growth factor helped inspire the highlight of this year’s conference: the launch of the new Repêchage Triple Action Peptide Mask and Repêchage Biolight™ Luminex Mask.
These two new anti-aging face masks are the newest additions to the seaweed-based skin care company’s collection of at-home products and spa treatments. For at-home use, the new Repêchage Triple Action Peptide Mask is designed for all ages and skin types and is a soft, sheet mask that helps to visibly hydrate, firm and brighten the skin’s appearance. This new mask combines pure Laminaria Digitata seaweed filtrate with renewing peptides that also help to visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improve skin’s texture, help skin look and feel firmer, and reduce the visible signs of premature aging.
For professionals-only, the Repêchage Biolight™ Luminex Mask is a new express spa treatment for skin brightening. In 2011, Repêchage® introduced the Biolight™ Miracle Facial to address the appearance of hyperpigmentation and sallow-looking skin. The company says that skin care professionals can complement this facial treatment and other spa services to help clients achieve an even more youthful and glowing complexion with this pearlescent soufflé crème mask that can be used as a 15 minute spa treatment. The Biolight™ Luminex Mask contains Glycolic Acid (AHA), Fruit Acid, Kaolin Clay and other botanicals to deep cleanse, gently exfoliate and reduce excess oils. Pure Laminaria Digitata seaweed filtrate helps to moisturize and reduce the appearance of fine lines revealing brighter-looking skin, says the company.
This year’s conference launched with the Repêchage Parade of Nations, representing guests who traveled from 19 countries and five continents to attend, including Estonia, China, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Malta, Mexico, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Trinidad and the UK. A presentation of “America the Beautiful” by Juilliard graduate and American soprano Meredith Lustig followed.
Dr. Samuel Shatkin, FACS, MD and owner of the Aesthetic Associate Centre for Plastic Surgery in Buffalo, NY was among this year’s guest speakers with his presentation “Wrinkle Formation.” Dr. Shatkin provided a scientific overview of wrinkles, beginning with discussing the differences between intrinsic aging (aging influenced by internal physiological factors such as ethnicity, hormonal and skeletal changes) and extrinsic aging (aging influenced by factors such as ultra-violet radiation, cigarette smoking, air pollution, among others). According to Dr. Shatkin, most impactful of these factors is sun exposure, which is responsible for 90% of visible skin aging. Dr. Shatkin also went in depth about how dietary habits contribute to skin aging, specifically refined carbohydrates, sugar, salty foods, fats, soda, caffeine, and alcohol.
To help correct leading skin aging concerns, including fine lines/wrinkles, pigmentation, deep lines, loose skin and texture, Dr. Shatkin shared his methods for incorporating Repêchage products and treatments into his non-surgical facial rejuvenation protocols and his recommendations for using Repêchage products for pre and post-surgery, including Repêchage Biolight™ Glyco-Sea Glycolic Peel and at-home collection, the Repêchage Vita Cura® Enzymatic Micropeel and at-home collection, and the Repêchage Four Layer Facial® and Repêchage Hydra Dew Facial. As Dr. Shatkin concluded, for aging skin concerns, aside from committing to a healthy lifestyle, investing in quality skin care is essential.
Dzigbordi K. Dosoo, founder and CEO of Allure Africa; a lifestyle business group headquartered in Accra, Ghana, with an office in Washington DC, also spoke at this year’s conference. For her presentation, “Out of Africa: Beauty, Wellness, and Lifestyle - How One Woman is Transforming Her World,” Dosoo inspired guests by sharing her story of spa success in Accra, Ghana. Dosoo started her “salon business” in her living room with just a staff of two. From there, Dosoo worked in her grandmother’s shop with a staff of six, and went on to settle in her first salon space 2003. On December 16, 2016, her spa dreams were “brought to life,” with the development of Allure Spa in the City. As a result of hard work, hunger for more, and a partnership with Repêchage, in 2009 Dosoo and hear team were able to create a spa that is now known for its global standards, best practices, best products, and best services.
Her desire to succeed didn’t stop there. In 2012, “The Dzigbordi Show” was launched and in 2016 Dzigbordi began touring Africa as a life coach, inspirational speaker, and consultant. Along the way, however, things were not always easy, with issues of team leadership, cohesion, and market culture affecting her success. Dosoo concluded that her and her team’s determination and drive, however, helped pull them through all the adversities. Providing inspiration to all the salon and spa owners in the room, Dosoo credited her success of transitioning from a Ghanaian brand to a West African brand to three factors: don’t let fear hold you back, humanize your brand, and lean on your brand’s signature.
Following a coffee and dessert break sponsored by ASCP (Associated Skin Care Professionals), Lydia Sarfati presented the RepêchagePresident’s Awards, given in various categories to an establishment or person that demonstrates esthetic excellence as well as dedication to the elevation of the industry.
The first award presented was the “Inspiration Award – Heart of Beauty and Innovation.”Dzigbordi K. Dosoo, Founder and CEO of Allure Africa was the recipient for this year’s award. A long-time Repêchage partner, Dzigbordi was named the only female in the Top Ten Most respected CEOs in Ghana, which speaks to her tremendous accomplishments in the spa industry. Along the way Dosoo has made it a point to invest in others, lending her time and efforts to inspiring beauty professionals in West Africa.
“Rising Star” was the next award presented to Brian David Coone,owner of David Douglas Spa. Coone was selected for his success as a new spa owner in Wilton Manors, FL. David Douglas Spa is an upscale spa with a unique 80% male to 20% female clientele ratio. Serving a predominately LGBT community has afforded owner and Brian David Coone tremendous insight into successfully creating services that cater to both men and women. Brian understands how effective skin care and non-invasive procedures can give clients the results they want, which has helped him be successful in a very competitive market.
For the “Award of Excellence – 20 Years of Service” Managing Director of Repêchage Europe Ltd, Val Cooper,was honored. This year marks Val’s 20th anniversary serving as the Managing Director of Repêchage Europe Ltd. Val has worked with Repêchage remotely from across the pond for 20 years, dedicating her career to creating new distribution for Repêchage in the U.K.
The next award for “Award of Excellence – Innovative Concepts” was presented to Repêchage Mexico distributor Yolanda Amador. Ms. Amador has been working with Repêchage for over 15 years, and continues to bring new and unique spa concepts that utilize Repêchage to life. In February of 2016, Amador helped launch Mamma Mia Salon and Facial Bar, a beauty business that is was first of its kind in Mexico, focusing on the beauty, health and welfare of mother and daughters. Amador also launched Barber and Booze - a barbershop that men can visit to receive exceptional barber and spa services, complimented by an exotic cocktail prepared by their staff of mixologists.
For the “Award of Excellence – Dedication to Continuing Education” Repêchage distributor AP Scott Trinidad Limited was the recipient. AP Scott Trinidad Limited understands the value of continuing education, with 19 members of their team traveling to take part in this year’s May 1-4 Conference and 3-day education event. In addition to hosting educational events throughout the year in Trinidad, the team is always present for Repêchage education in the United States, including Lydia Sarfati’ Master Class, classes throughout the year at the Lydia Sarfati Post Graduate Skin Care Academy and Repêchage Power Lunch.
Lastly, the “Award of Excellence – International Distribution” was presented to Euracom, Repêchage’s exclusive distributor in Italy. Euracom has helped Repêchage achieve continual growth in Italy. Most recently Euracom helped facilitate a partnership with Repêchage and Limoni Beauty Lounge, a luxury retail beauty chain that offers customers high end beauty products. In addition, Euracom continues to receive notable editorial exposure in print, online, and digital media, including outlets such as Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Elle and Cosmopolitan.
Following the one day event, over 50 attendees gathered for a Repêchage 3-Day Education Event hosted Lydia Sarfati at the Repêchage Headquarters in Secaucus, NJ. From May 2-4, they learned from Sarfati and Repêchage educators about spa-business practices, the science of skin aging, and how to address the most common skin concerns (acne, aging, dark circles, etc.). Through lecture and demonstration, attendees were also introduced to an array of Repêchage spa treatments and protocols, including learning more in depth about the new Repêchage Triple Action Peptide Mask and Repêchage Biolight™ Luminex Mask.