KAFFEE KELDIE
Owner, Aesthetician
KAFFEE'S GARDEN SPA, West Palm Beach, Florida

2006

Kaffee Keldie has been an active and enthusiastic skin care professional since 1982.  Educated as a beauty therapist in California, Kaffee began her career in Kerstin Florian's salon in Laguna Beach.  Four years later she relocated to Florida to take a position as a face treatment specialist with the Elizabeth Arden Salon in Palm Beach, and continued working in the area for 12 years.  She opened Kaffee's Garden Spa in 1998.

What was the inspiration for starting your spa?

The inspiration for starting a Spa facility was to offer quality treatments, primarily botanically based, in an environment which would promote wellness. The name came from my appreciation of the plant world and its power to heal, and also because there is an enclosed garden visible from our treatment rooms.  The "Garden Spa" seemed a natural -- and I used my name, Kaffee, so the clients that I had taken care of for 14 years could find me.

What was your biggest challenge getting the spa opened?

Really, the opening went very smoothly. The Spa's growth has been more challenging, including training new personnel, and marketing the business. TIME is my biggest challenge -- not enough of it!

What is your signature or most popular treatment?

Our signature treatment is skin care, and all facets of it. We offer a 75 minute Spa Facial in which the aesthetician analyzes the skin and proceeds with treatment to improve upon it. We don't have a menu which permits the client to decide which treatment will benefit their skin -- that's the aesthetician's job.

What are your personnel policies, issues, or training challenges? 

Most of my staff are employees. I have a few independent contractors. In the beginning, I had a "revolving door" with staff for many reasons. Mostly because there wasn't enough new traffic to "feed" the staff and also because management was a new ballgame for me and I had to hone those skills. I do promote education among my staff, we have in-house education, as well as use the Dermal Institute, because we stock Dermalogica.

What is a pet peeve in operating your spa?

Laundry is always an ongoing issue, but somehow we keep up with it! Priority in booking is a current topic with us at the moment. The senior members of the staff  think they should receive priority booking, which isn't fair to new staff, so I came up with a rotation method that we are trying.

What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable experience with your spa? 

Watching the staff develop their skills and grow personally is very rewarding for me, and at the same time, the spa benefits.

What trends do you see coming, or, what has been the biggest change in the spa industry for you?

The biggest change I have observed in my 25+ years as a licensed aesthetician is the emergence of the medical community in the spa environment, and the widespread interest in the benefits of the entire  range of treatments available in spas.

What would you most like to add to, change, or improve in your spa?

I am constantly dreaming of ways to improve the facility and the treatments we offer. This summer, I am planning floor plan alterations to allow us to better accommodate our clients.

What favorite tip, words of wisdom, or advice would you like to share with your spa and wellness peers?

To be successful in this business you have to be willing to stay focused and have a passion for what you are doing.

What would you most like to ask your peers in the spa industry?

How do you find and schedule time for yourself?
 

 

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