Back for its third edition, American Spa’s Women in Wellness Awards honor those who are making an impact in the industry and beyond. These exceptional women are transforming the wellness world with their noteworthy contributions such as serving on related industry boards and organizations, discovering untapped opportunities, giving back, and bringing their unique perspective to all that they do. Nominated by their peers and chosen by acclaimed wellness journalists, these women are showing they’re a force with which to be reckoned.
From August 26 through September 4, American Spa will be announcing one new winner and two finalists of the 2019 Women in Wellness Awards each day. Today, discover the Spa Consultant of the year.
Educator and Trainer: This award honors a woman who is making a difference in education and sharing her knowledge of industry topics, products, equipment, and more.
WINNER: Anne Bramham, founder and instructor, ASTECC
A respected industry mentor with more than 30 years of professional experience as a consultant, program designer, and teacher of esthetic therapies, British-born Anne Bramham is the founder of ASTECC (Advanced Spa Therapy and Education Certification Council) and an instructor for the Dr. Vodder School International. Through ASTECC, Bramham is focused on creating highly personalized treatment programs specific to the needs of clients. As a result, ASTECC’s all-natural, holistic approach has been adopted by top resort spa destinations throughout the U.S., including various Montage and Kohler properties. Widely regarded as an expression of spa’s wellness potential, Bramham’s ASTECC curriculum features components of soft tissue therapies, Dr. Vodder’s MLD, hydrotherapy, and bio-chemical elements. “Anne was speaking of wellness before we even knew what the word really meant,” says Kristi Dickinson, director of spa and wellness at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa (Rancho Santa Fe, CA). “She is revolutionary in her approach and often seen as rebellious in her quest to expect more from the spa industry than simply pampering and relaxation. Anne is one of the shining lights of the wellness world. Her expertise, authenticity, and commitment are unlike anybody else’s. She is a critical part of the work we do, and the contributions she has made to developing ‘thinking therapists’ working on this deeper level will be felt for decades to come.”
FINALIST: Cecily Braden, founder, Beauty Secrets
Cecily Braden is the founder of Beauty Secrets Global Spa Imports, and a recognized leader in the wellness industry who has been educating spa professionals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia, and Europe since 1994. Beauty Secrets was started as a result of her passion for Southeast Asia and desire to offer unique products and services that maintain the traditional techniques and philosophy of international cultures. As the leader in Thai spa therapies and originator of the Thai Herbal Poultice Facial Massage, her passion and continued study is focused on Traditional Thai Medicine and Thai Massage, with a keen interest in energetic anatomy and energy-based methodologies that directly affect and influence positive and healing energetic shifts in the body. She practices out of New York City (by appointment only) when not on the road training, discovering new global beauty secrets or developing unique protocols and educational programs. She has become the “esthetician’s esthetician” with her clientele being mainly professionals who seek to experience her signature Facial Massage Therapy and how to take their facials to the next level.
FINALIST: Natalie Pergar, product knowledge specialist and skincare trainer, Eminence Organic Skin Care
Natalie Pergar, senior product education specialist for Eminence Organic Skin Care, is a licensed esthetician responsible for national and international training, bringing with her more than 19 years of hands-on experience, having been personally trained in Hungarian skincare techniques and herbalism by Hungarian masters. Pergar has a passion for education, wellness, and for teaching the secrets of achieving great skin using natural ingredients. Her career with Eminence Organic Skin Care began in 2003 as a sales representative and educator. Once her talents in training began to shine through, she took on the esteemed role of international trainer, where she traveled throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, passing on her extensive product and skin care knowledge to thousands of people. Pergar has created and spearheaded more than 1,000 trainings in over 12 countries around the world, informing various groups from on-site spa trainings, regional trainings, and master classes at trade shows, having touchpoints with more than 9,300 people. She is also deeply committed to the future of the spa industry and teaches courses about esthetics at community colleges and trade schools, ensuring the next generation of estheticians realize their full potential and the power of natural, organic, and biodynamic skin care ingredients.
Congrats to our winner and finalists of the Educator and Trainer category. Check back tomorrow for the Spa Consultant of the Year. Stay tuned on American Spa online, as well on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more info about the winners and finalists of the 2019 Women in Wellness Awards as well as upcoming Women in Wellness Leadership Conferences.
RELATED ARTICLES
2019 Women In Wellness Awards: Philanthropist Of The Year
2019 Women In Wellness Awards: Industry Insider Of The Year
2019 Women in Wellness Awards: Environmental Leader of the Year
2019 Women in Wellness Awards: PR and Marketing Guru of the Year