Melanie Gleeson’s vision 19 years ago was to help women be their best. It was this vision that fuelled her to start endota spas. Fast forward almost two decades, Melanie is now the CEO of her own empire and helping women all over Australia feel amazing.
Melanie recently spoke with She Does This about the rise of endota and their new product range, Organics Nurture, which is perfect for Mums and bubs.
SDT: So Melanie, you founded endota almost 20 years ago! What was the inspiration behind the venture?
MELANIE: My vision and passion was and still is to help women be their best so they can live their best life. I wanted to make people feel better, I saw firsthand the power of touch had on people walking through the spa door.
The ethos of the brand was fuelled by my personal belief in the power of positive sharing and inspiring others to connect within themselves. The values I built the business on were Balance, Connect, Intent and Truth. I believe everyone has a spark inside them that is waiting to be ignited. Our role is to deliver exceptional customer service in an environment where women don’t feel judged. Our spas are a haven for women to replenish their souls, a place where women can leave their concerns, their stresses and their ‘stuff’ at the door and simply take time. This is why I do what I do.
The Mornington Peninsula where I grew up was the inspiration for endota spa. It's a place of light expanse and stunning natural beauty inspired by the energising properties of the sun, calming effect of the water. Every endota spa aims to transport client to a similarly euphoric space that ignites calm, invites relaxation and rejuvenates the spirit.
SDT: endota is now one of Australia’s most recognisable beauty spa brands. What were some the challenges you faced in building the brand?
MELANIE: It was hard to sell-in the brand at first, (given the spa industry was relatively unknown back when we first opened) so there was a lot of networking and education required to make it work. Once our franchisee model was well established our biggest challenge was ensuring that every spa presented an accurate reflection of the endota spa brand. Back then and still today we need to make sure we support our franchisees adequately with regular and consistent training, workshops and events.
SDT: endota offers incredible products and amazing treatments. What’s your personal favourite when you’re in the spa?
MELANIE: It’s so hard to choose, but I really enjoy our results treatments like Intense New Age, which offers the relaxation of a traditional facial but also gives you transformative results. It’s perfect for hydrating and plumping the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance, who doesn’t want that!
Heading into Winter I’m definitely reaching for my endota Organics Deep Hydration Moisturiser, which is really rich and contains grape seed and avocado oils to balance complexion and the wonderful omegas 3, 6 and 9 penetrate deeply for long-lasting hydration.
This product increases hydration by 45% when used twice daily over 12 weeks.
SDT: endota have just released ‘Organics Nurture’, a line of products safe for pregnant women and new borns. Can you tell us more about the range?
MELANIE: We’ve developed our first ever mother and baby range, endota Organics nurture in conjunction with Dr. Hayley Dickinson BSc (Hons), PhD, a leading Australian research scientist with extensive experience and knowledge in reproductive physiology, pregnancy and perinatal health.
The products have been formulated with the understanding that pregnancy and breastfeeding will change a mother’s requirements during her journey. In addition to this, we’ve created products especially for a baby’s skin requirements, which are gentle enough for new borns. The range is Certified COSMOS Organic by ACO and made using all-natural ingredients, including chamomile, lavender, oat and aloe vera.
It gives mothers confidence that their skincare is free from any mineral oil, paraffin, parabens, phenoxyethanol, lanolin, silicones, SLS, SLES, PEG, colourants, artificial fragrances and other harsh chemicals.
SDT: How do skincare needs change for women when they fall pregnant?
MELANIE: Your body changes so much during pregnancy, placing a huge amount of stress on skin and breasts over an extended period of time. Nipples can become cracked and tender so we’ve created a Nourishing Nipple Balm to restore and revive dry, cracked skin for breastfeeding mothers.
Many women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy so we developed our Moisture Rich Belly Butter to keep stretching skin feeling soft and supple, as well as ease itching.
The butter is quick absorbing and vitamin-rich!
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