How the Spa Community is Giving Back During Hurricane Season

September has not been kind to the southern United States, as both hurricanes Harvey and Irma wreaked havoc on both Texas and Florida, respectively. Harvey, which came ashore as a category three storm in late August, and Irma, which made landfall in Florida in early September as a category four storm, have caused an estimated combined total of nearly $300 billion in damages, according to AccuWeather. The spa, beauty, and wellness industries have not been spared from the path of destruction. A number of hotels and spas in the south remain closed as cities such as Miami and Houston are beginning to rebuild. While many southern-based brands are struggling to get products shipped on time and receive product ingredients, the worst loss to the spa industry due to the disasters is the death of Jill Renick, director of spa at the Omni Houston Hotel, which remains closed as of September 13.

As spa locations and brands begin to gather their pieces, many of us outside of the situation are wondering what to do. Here, see how many from within the industry have begun giving back to our friends in need:

EmerginC – For every order the skincare brand receives through September, EmerginC will donate one can of food to food banks in either Houston or Galveston, Texas. In addition, orders shipped during the month of September will contain an additional can of food so brand supporters can donate to a food pantry in their home communities.

Erin's FacesHouston native and founder of the Erin's Faces skincare brand Erin Williams hosted a fundraising drive for Hurricane Harvey relief. From Friday, September 1- Sunday, September 3, 100 percent of proceeds from Erin's Faces Peptide Eye Cream went towards hurricane relief funds.

Blu Water Day SpaBlu Water Day Spa (Kensington, MD) raised over $3,000 through a number of different efforts to support the recent hurricane victims. A food and clothing drive filled a Jeep three times full, and $200 was raised to help assist with gas costs to get the truck down to Texas. An online donation link generated $368 towards relief, and on Sunday, September 2 (a day when the spa is normally closed), Blu Water Day Spa opened its doors for services and donated 100 percent of the proceeds ($2,618) from services performed that day to the United Way of Houston.

Professional Beauty Association – Created by the National Cosmetology Association in 1955, The PBA Disaster Relief Fund donates all money raised to assist salon professionals with much needed funds following a natural disaster. Currently, the PBA's Disaster Relief Fund is helping salon and stylists in the wake of the south's recent hurricanes.

Lime Crime Makeup Vegan and cruelty free makeup brand Lime Crime donated 100 percent of the proceeds from its Beet It Matte Velveteen lipsticks sold after Hurricane Harvey made landfall by September 12 to the American Red Cross. During super storm Sandy in 2012, the brand donated to Adopt NY, a charity that benefitted displaced animals after the storm.

Live Love Spa –  Live Love Spa has converted its networking mixer in Tampa, FL on October 2 and 3 to a fundraising mixer to raise money for the Florida areas affected by Hurricane Irma. Live Love Spa will be donating $20 for each person in attendance to the Florida Disaster Fund, and will be collecting private donations at the Monday night dinner to benefit the foundation as well.

QosmedixSupplier of the cosmetic, skincare, spa, and salon industries, Qosmedix is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from The Makeup Show Dallas (September 23-24) to the Professional Beauty Association Disaster Relief Fund. The profits of any Qosmedix items purchased at the trade show will be donated to the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma through the PBA's Disaster Relief Fund.

Soy Delicious Candles  – The Miami based brand was lucky enough to survive Hurricane Irma mostly unscathed, with the exception of having lost power for some time. As of September 19, the brand's power has been restored, and to show its appreciation for their customers patience during the difficult time, Soy Delicious Candles is including a free travel tin set which includes three tins of gardenia, fresh linen, and havana, as well as a bamboo dipping spoon, and a Soy Delicious matchbox on orders over $200 applied with the code THANKFUL. The brand also announced that orders placed during Hurricane Irma are already being filled, and will be shipped as soon as possible.

Sassy LipsThrough October 20, Sassy Lips will be donating 30 percent of all sales to the hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. 30 percent of the proceeds from lipstick purchased through the brand will donated to Global Giving, a network that connects non-profits, donors, and companies from around the globe who are currently working to provide relief to survivors and develop long-term recovery in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

Universal Companies – Universal's CEO Brenda Elliot sent a message to Universal clients recently letting them know "we stand with you." Universal donated $5,000 to The Red Cross to benefit victims of a number of recent natural disasters and tragedies. 

Though rebuilding from the devastation both hurricanes Harvey and Irma have caused will be incredibly difficult, it is clear that the members of the beauty and wellness industries will continue to support each other during these difficult times, just as they have time and time before.

This story is developing, and will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. Please check back frequently for updates.

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