Nail Services: We use a new nail file, nail buffer and toe separators on each child. Each child gets her own nail clipper for use at a party. For adult nail services we use disposable, self-adhesive foot file pads that are placed on a stainless-steel foot file paddle, to be used only on one guest. Our foot baths are fitted with single-use foot bath liners. For non-disposable implements (such as cuticle trimmers, cuticle pushers, nail clippers, etc), we scrub all items between clients with soap and water, dry items, then spray items with a certified, hospital-grade disinfectant. Finally, you will notice that each staff member has two sets of implements when performing adult nail services, to ensure more than sufficient disinfecting time between clients.
Hair Services: We use a new, disposable comb on every child. We do not use hair brushes as they cannot be fully disinfected even with the strongest hair salon and beauty industry disinfectants. Therefore, we kindly ask that if your daughter is receiving hair services at the party to be attended, that you ensure her hair is tangle-free and if possible, ensure they bring their own hair brush to the party in a sealed bag.
Makeup: For kids, we use disposable eyeshadow brushes and lip gloss wands. For teen makeup, we use professional makeup brushes that are disinfected between girls and use disposable mascara wands when applying mascara.
Facials: We use spa-quality, organic facial products that are free of artificial fragrances, additives and preservatives. Our facials are as gentle and natural as possible! In fact, the skincare line we use has been voted the #1 skincare line in North America for the past 12 years in a row. It is the ONLY skincare line that in 14 years of being in business that we have found kids and teens do not react to, as they do have very sensitive skin. View www.eminenceorganics.com to learn more about the amazing skincare line we use!
GOVERNMENT INSPECTED, REGULATED & FULLY INSURED
Feel Fabulous Mobile Spa is fully inspected and approved to operate by Edmonton and Calgary Health Authorities, and operates with a valid business licence within each city. We would like to be fully transparent in making our Vancouver clients aware that the Fraser Regional Health Authority DOES NOT inspect mobile spas in the Greater Vancouver Regional District despite our multiple requests over the years. What does this mean for Vancouver clients in search of mobile spa birthday party services? This means you have to be extremely careful when choosing a mobile spa party company, as there are currently not any sanitation standards for mobile spas at this time in Vancouver and surrounding cities. While we do fall under the same jurisdiction as any other mobile spa in the city of Vancouver, our standards/operations in Vancouver are exactly the same standards/operations as our Alberta locations (which have passed health inspections with flying colours!). Feel Fabulous Mobile Spa also carries comprehensive professional liability, product and damage insurance to protect our customers.
Why We Hire Staff as Employees & NOT Contractors: Although we cannot speak for all companies, it is a very common practise for mobile spa companies to hire and pay staff as contractors as the payroll process is greatly simplified, Employment Standard requirements do not apply (including having to reimburse staff for minimum shift times, travel costs and overtime) and it ultimately is less costly and less administrative for the company (12-15%+ deduction in payroll costs). When mobile spa companies choose to pay staff members as contractors, staff should technically obtain their own professional liability and product insurance, which is extremely costly for a part-time on-call staff member (typically $1000+ per year for an independent contractor). If contractors choose not to purchase their own insurance clients that receive services by this contractor (even though they booked through a “parent company”) unfortunately don’t have any protection in the event of an injury, etc occurring at their party. Staff that work as contractors are often not aware of the legal implications of such a work arrangement – that they become liable in the event of injury, etc due to the very fact that they are paid as contractors. While we acknowledge there is a very small likelihood that an incident would occur that would require insurance coverage, that does not mean something could not happen. In our 14+ years of being in business we have never had a claim but we base that solely on the training and skill of our staff. As it benefits our clients and employees alike, Feel Fabulous Mobile Spa does not hire staff as contractors but maintains an employee-employer relationship with all staff. They are then entitled to employment-related benefits such as Worker’s Compensation, Employment Insurance and rightful benefits such as overtime.
In addition, all mobile spa supplies are purchased and provided to staff (staff are not required to purchase and use their own supplies), to ensure continuity in service delivery, proper disinfection and quality of products/implements being used.
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
When choosing a mobile spa / birthday party company for your next event, we suggest you consider the following questions:
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- Is the business inspected and approved by Alberta Health Authorities?
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- Is the business operating with a valid business licence?
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- In the event of an accidental injury occurring from a professional spa service or damage caused by a technician in your home, does the company you are considering hiring carry liability insurance? Can the manager/owner name the insurance company when asked?
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- Are staff hired as contractors or employees? If contractors, is the parent company able to verify that in addition to their own insurance, do contractors have separate liability insurance? Can the manager/owner name the insurance company of their contractors when asked? Have they obtained copies of annual insurance policy renewals?
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- Is the business able to verify that contractors have Worksafe BC or AB Insurance coverage, as they will be entering your home/office/location? Would they be able to provide clearance letters for contractors if asked? (or provide full names of staff so you may search the Worksafe BC or AB website yourself)
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- If the company hires staff as employees, is the company registered for Worksafe coverage (non-registration may imply staff are hired as contractors)? Also, when searched online via the Worksafe BC or AB website, can a clearance letter be obtained for the business (which would demonstrate they are up to date on their remittances)?
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- Do staff/contractors use their own supplies when performing bookings? If so, given the high cost of quality spa supplies, how does the company ensure they meet standardizing, cleanliness and quality requirements?
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- What in-house training is provided to new employees? Does their explanation satisfy what you deem to be acceptable? How long have the employees that will be attending your party been employed with the company?
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- How long has the business been operating? Does the owner operate their business on a full time basis (ie. their only job) or do they work elsewhere? If they are working full-time or part-time elsewhere, do you feel that allows them the time to really specialize and customize their business, properly train their employees and attend to an urgent inquiry/matter of yours if one arises?
Potential Client Liability: If a mobile spa does not have professional liability insurance for employees or if they hire staff as contractors, and contractors do not carry their own insurance, an accident such as a staff member slipping on a client’s icy driveway could result in the customer being legally liable as well (as the company insurance would not cover contractors, they would have to utilize their own insurance and Worksafe AB would require that the contractor had elected for optional Worksafe AB coverage).
We truly recommend that clients do their due diligence and research before deciding on any mobile spa company. Make your next mobile spa party a safe one!
