January Newsletter
Greetings PSA Members,
We are only three weeks into the new year and already the holidays seem like they were months ago! This feels like a sign that we're in store for a fast-paced 2026, and it also tells us that it's a good time to take stock of what lies ahead, and how we can shape the new year to focus on our own self-care. This message was reinforced at our recent PSA event hosted by Donavan's Wellness Solutions as we gathered for movement, meditation, games, lunch, and meaningful connection. The consensus of the group was that it was an "extraordinary and inspirational event curated with thoughtfulness, and one much needed for our community."
We all felt the impact and power of coming together, and the message of "let's walk our talk" served as a reminder that while we often champion self-care and healing for our guests and employees, we don't always extend the same care to ourselves. As we take stock, reflect, and usher in this new year, PSA is committed to shine light on the incredible work that each of you do every day, and encourage you to find time to bring your messages home, right to your front door. Let's make 2026 the year of YOU!
Sending our best wishes to each of you,
Karen and Kimberly
REFLECTIONS
We asked our members to look back on 2025 and reflect on what moved them, inspired them, or sparked hope for the year ahead. Here's what they said:
"What inspired me in 2025 and has carried through to 2026 is that despite the craziness we are currently experiencing in our world, I still find goodness and light in the people I work with and have met in my spa and wellness journey. This light inspires me to keep moving forward every day!" Joanne, One Well World
"One point of great inspiration and pride that we will definitely carry into 2026 is the work of the wonderful nonprofits we’ve been honored to support through our donations of products, time, and money." Renee, Radiant Spaces
"It has been very inspiring to have had the opportunity to hold workshops and educational events in many diverse settings and with people of many different backgrounds and professions. I would love to build on that momentum in 2026 to empower people with affordable and accessible tools to make their spaces feel like a sanctuary!" Lisa, Radiant Spaces
"Nature inspires me every day. I'm reminded by the cycles of plants that we move through different seasons – our body, our business, our communities. The resilience of nature gives me hope for the future." Aimee, Los Poblanos
Thank you for being part of our story, our community, and our continued journey.
January Member Event at Donavan's Wellness Solutions
Many thanks to Donavan and the entire DWS team for their warm hospitality and partnership. It was truly a pleasure to be together in such a beautiful, thoughtfully curated space and to experience what Donavan and his team are creating for the future of wellness.
The energy in the room, the conversations, and the connections made were exactly what Pacific Spa Alliance is all about: learning from one another, sharing ideas, and building meaningful relationships in our spa and wellness community. We look forward to our next event!
A Note From Kimberly on Walking the Talk of Wellness
Over the holiday weekend, I stepped fully offline for a multi-day self-care retreat at Ratna Ling Retreat Center, my first in nearly a decade. From the yoga, sound baths, and meditation to the self-care activities, private attunement, and spiritual coaching sessions, every element contributed to a deeply grounding and restorative experience.
The time I spent there reminded me that our wellness paths don’t disappear when life gets busy; they simply wait to be reawakened.
As spa and wellness leaders, we spend so much time holding space for others. This retreat was a powerful reminder to do the same for ourselves. I returned feeling aligned, replenished, and recommitted to building my work and life from a place of presence and sustainability.
If you’re feeling called to step away, reset, and reconnect, I’m happy to share more about my experience and wholeheartedly recommend Ratna Ling.
Save The Date!
2nd Annual PSA Tradeshow & Networking Event
Mark your calendars for PSA 2nd annual Networking Event and Tradeshow that will be held at Archer Hotel on Monday June 22nd from 10am - 4pm.
In Your Words - “The vendors were superb, the venue was lovely, the food was delicious, the activities were amazing.“
Robin Gardelle, Poetry Inn
You were a member of NorCal and now PSA, how has the experience of participating in our spa community benefited you?
As member of both NorCal and PSA I have enjoyed the networking events and getting to know people in my industry including spa directors and suppliers. I have been delighted to discover brands I may have not otherwise considered. I know I can count on my community to guide me as far as best practices and have benefited from this as well. I don't feel alone!
Tell us about your work at Poetry Inn and what drives your passion.
My current role is remote. We are a small boutique (5 room) estate that caters to our guests. I handle most aspects of spa and wellness including ordering and inventory, hiring therapists, onboarding, training, menu development. This year we added a few pieces of gym equipment to enhance our wellness experience.
I am passionate about learning and growing in my role, which has expanded. I love researching trends and creating spa treatments with products I love. I am grateful to work with some excellent therapists who each bring their own set of unique gifts to our spa.
This month I am hosting a team building meeting at my house where we will be brainstorming and vision boarding to align on the look, feel and energy we want to create for 2026. Each employee will share a few of their unique massage techniques or approaches for all to benefit and make our team even stronger. I have been wanting to do this for years and this year I'm making it happen. Very excited about it!
Share what inspires you and what you do to take care of yourself.
I get inspired by getting out in nature and hiking with my dog Rosie. I am grateful to live in an active connected community where I can play pickleball, golf and I'm also in a book club. I am a voracious reader! I also enjoy baths and spa treatments everywhere I go. I call it research!
