October Newsletter
Greetings PSA Members,
As the vineyards turn golden and autumn settles in across the West Coast, we’re reminded of the quiet beauty this season brings. Fall invites us to slow down and reflect, and embrace the transition from summer to a slower more grounded season. We hope you can carve out time for reflection and renewal in the weeks ahead, and find moments to step away from the noise to pause and recharge.
We'd love you to join our members-only PSA gathering at Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena on Monday October 27th. It will be restorative day of connection and fun beginning with a Labyrinth walk led by Helen Brown. Following the walk, stay for lunch and spa treatments (individuals cover their own lunch and spa costs). We look forward to seeing you then!
In this October edition, be sure to explore our Vendor Spotlight featuring Hillary Peterson, Founder of True Botanicals and her inspiring interview. Our Community News highlights engaging events and insightful webinars including:
Donavan's Wellness Video
Blue Water Day Spa's October events
Cornell's upcoming webinar on the Human AI Partnership
Sending our best wishes to each of you,
Karen and Kimberly
Join our PSA Gathering at Meadowood Napa Valley
Labyrinth | Lunch | Spa | Monday, October 27 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Helen Brown will lead a guided labyrinth walk, followed by lunch and time to relax with optional spa treatments at Meadowood’s award-winning Spa. Don't miss this fun afternoon designed to restore and inspire, and create space to simply be together.
Hillary Peterson
Founder, True Botanicals
Tell us about your journey with True Botanicals and what drives your passion?
My interest in beauty was sparked by a cancer diagnosis in my early 30s and the journey that followed to find truly clean products. Along the way, I discovered that many of the options available lacked both the efficacy and the sensorial experience I was looking for. That realization set me on a mission: to prove that products prioritizing the health of people and the planet can be the most luxurious and effective.
It’s truly fulfilling to be at the forefront of transforming our industry by busting the myth that toxins are needed for exceptional skincare. This belief—and the passion that fuels it—drives and inspires our entire team every single day.
What's new at True Botanicals for the Fall Season?
One of our latest launches is our Phyto Retinol Advanced Clinical Cream and it is a product that is getting a lot of buzz this fall - it just won the Elle Future of Beauty Award! The active in this product, peptilium, comes from upcycled cranberry pulp. It not only works two times faster than synthetic retinol, it is also two times stronger. And unlike synthetic retinol, it is non-irritating which makes it a product that everyone can use. To me this is indeed the future of beauty…products that are more effective than conventional beauty products and independently certified to be safe for people and the environment.
Sustainability is an important message of your brand.
What is the pillar that you're most proud of?
It is so hard to choose because I am so proud of our deep commitment to sustainability across all aspects of our business. That said, we have such a big impact with our rigorous sourcing standards - that benefit the health of our customers and our planet. Just like the greatest chefs, we believe that the quality of a skincare product is 100% dependent on the quality of its ingredients.
We prioritize organic, wild-harvested, and regenerative farmed ingredients whenever possible. This not only significantly reduces our carbon footprint, it also makes such a huge impact on the quality of our products.
Blue Water Day Spa, Napa
Sound Bath - Saturday Oct 11th, 10 - 11am, Melanie Clampit will perform a sound bath in the lounge, $45.
Watercolor workshop with Erin Gennow - Saturday, Oct 18th, 5 - 7pm, $65.
Donavan's Wellness Solutions
Are you struggling with your wellness initiatives? Many wellness professionals need support to execute their wellness strategies. Enjoy a 5-minute free video with proven tips and insights on setting goals, convincing decision makers, training your team, building a profitable practice, and more!
CAMTC Certification Delays
Thanks to PSA Spa Member Rob Willis for alerting us to a very important issue: a failure in the FBI fingerprint system has forced the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to halt all new certifications. This Live Scan delay is preventing massage therapists from getting licensed in over 250 cities statewide - a major recruiting issue for those cities involved.
PSA has joined Rob in sending a letter to Governor Newson urging immediate resolution. If your spa is affected, please reach out and let us know. Thank you again to Rob for his dedication to resolving this issue.
Cornell Webinar - Smart Hospitality, The Human AI Partnership
Join an expert Cornell panel to learn how you can leverage AI technology and strike the right balance between technological efficiency and human connection. Register here
In Loving Memory of Kathy Logsdon
We are very saddened to hear about the passing of our TARA Spa Therapy colleague Kathy Logsdon. Kathy was a bright light in any day - helpful, kind and dedicated. She could always be counted on to go the extra mile to handle all your needs with care.
Tara and team, PSA sends our condolences for your loss.
To read Kathy's story and support Kathy’s family, please see Kathy Logsdon’s GoFundMe.
