A Spa Director’s Journey from the Shores of Miami to the Shores of the Red Sea.
To Christi Armstrong, Spa Director in Miami, FL, making a move to Egypt has been a rewarding yet challenging adventure. We asked her to shed some light on her experiences so far as the Spa Director of a Planet Beach spa expected to open in March of this year in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Christi Armstrong, Spa Director Planet Beach Egypt
1) How did you first get involved with Planet Beach?
I was introduced to the company by my best friend who knew how much I loved the beauty industry. She was a member at Planet Beach & she heard her location was looking for a Spa Director. I ended up interviewing and earning the Spa Director position at the Planet Beach in North Miami.
2) What were you doing prior to Planet Beach?
I had been an esthetician for 10 years & before I came to Planet Beach I was an Asst. Spa Director for a spa on South Beach.
3) What attracted you most to the brand?
The first thing was that I saw the success of the services. THEY WORK! Secondly, was the affordability. I think everyone should have the opportunity to make themselves look & feel their very best. Not just those who can afford a day at a traditional spa. And of course, third was the time. I love the idea that this can fit into everyone’s schedule. Stay at home mom, full-time student, demanding career, it doesn’t matter. Planet Beach can accommodate you!
4) How did the opportunity for the Egypt position come up?
I was contacted by our corporate office & asked if I would be interested in representing Planet Beach over in Egypt as a Spa Director for a new Master Franchisee.
5) Why do you think you were selected?
I have been a Spa Director for Planet Beach for 6 years now in Miami, which is very much a tourist city so I had experience working with people of different cultures and languages. I also think I was selected because I am very passionate about Planet Beach & I show this very well when I speak about the company which in turn makes them interested to inquire more about what we do. In a new market, this is very important.
6) When did you make the move to Egypt?
I moved here to Sharm El Sheikh on October 23, 2012
7) What was the hardest part about moving so far away?
Definitely the hardest part was leaving my family & friends. Not being able to see them or talk to them whenever I want is very difficult. Thank goodness for Skype!!
8) What has your experience been like so far?
So far my experience has been very challenging. When you are working in a country where you do not speak the language, that is hard enough but I try to learn at least one new Arabic word every day. I’m still learning all the traditions & customs to better understand the philosophy of the culture.
9) What has been the most exciting and interesting aspect?
Getting to know the country & the people has definitely been a very interesting aspect. They are beautiful & kind-hearted people. I am excited to be living in such a historical and amazing country. The desert, the pyramids & the breath taking Red Sea are a few of the things I can’t get enough of.
10) What is the complex like where Planet Beach will be opening?
My spa is located at The Sunrise Grand Select Arabian Beach Resort, which is an amazing hotel located right on the Red Sea in South Sinai. There are 4 main pools & 6 swim-up pools plus a ¼ mile of beach -front. We have 7 different restaurants, an amazing nightclub and amphitheater. In addition to all of that, there are stores for shopping so if you didn’t want to, you would never need to leave to resort. It really is quite a spectacular place.
11) How are you getting the word out there? What type of marketing have you been doing?
Since most of our business will come from guests within the resort, we do our marketing through the travel agencies & through the Guest Relations of the hotel.
12) When will the spa open?
The expected opening is mid March.
13) What do you like most about living in Egypt?
I love learning about the culture. The people are so kind & genuine. Plus the food is delicious & I can say the weather is even better then in Miami…NO HUMIDITY!!
To learn more about franchise opportunities with Planet Beach, please read our Free Franchise Report! 
A Closer Look into the Life of Planet Beach Cover Model, LauRen Merola
LauRen Merola was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania (but currently resides in Charlotte NC), where she was chosen as Miss Pennsylvania USA in 2008 and placed in the TOP 5 at Miss USA. She is also a professional dancer, cheering for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. After working on the Steelers Sports show “The Jeff Reed Show” LauRen has launched a successful career in Sports Broadcasting all over the world, working in both TV and Radio markets from Miami to Mumbai India.
In 2012, LauRen learned about the opportunity to become a Cover Model for Planet Beach. Her upbeat personality, thirst for competition and genuine love for the brand solidified her position as one of the Top 5 Cover Models chosen to represent Planet Beach in 2013.
Let’s take a closer look into the life of LauRen!
LauRen Merola - Body Campaign
Q: How did you hear about the Planet Beach Cover Model Competition? What inspired you to participate?
A: While I was using one of the Planet Beach spas in Miami, someone asked me if I was interested in the model search and thought I would be a good fit to represent the company. I have modeled for years but have always wanted to do something bigger than just taking a photo. I wanted to be the FACE of a product I believed in!
Q: What is your favorite Planet Beach spa service and why?
A: The Saunatox! I am a TRUE believer in relieving your body of bad toxins. I eat pretty organic and use products enriched with natural and organic ingredients but nobody’s perfect and I do cheat. So the Saunatox is exactly what I need to get back on track and feel great!
Q: What is your favorite Planet Beach product and why?
A: I would have to say the Indulge Instant meal! I replaced my old protein shakes with them as the caloric value was pretty comparable, if not better. The Indulge tasted better and had a lower glycemic index so I stopped getting that sugar crash an hour after I drank it.
Q: Why are you the perfect spokesmodel for the Planet Beach Body campaign?
A: My entire life has revolved around health, fitness and a passion to help others so I feel I am a perfect fit for this campaign! I understand and appreciate true beauty and I hope to set an example for women to find the beauty within. I hope to inspire and instill confidence in Planet Beach members across the globe.
Q: What are your goals as a Planet Beach Cover Model?
A: I think it’s imperative to show the world how important it is to take care of your mind and body. I plan to do that by merging my business savvy personality with my love for Planet Beach’s spas and products. This is a booming industry and I daydream about having the opportunity to run a Planet Beach of my own one day!
Q: Describe the Planet Beach company in three words.
A: Who needs 3? HEAVEN. Okay, okay, how about ALL. YOU. NEED.
Q: What has been your highlight so far as a Cover Model?
A: I would say working with our crew behind the scenes in Mexico. It’s nerve wracking sometimes working with new people on a new project, but we had so much fun and they made us feel so comfortable. I felt like we had been working together for years. It’s long days trying to get the perfect shot…but time flies when you’re having fun!
Q: What is your most embarrassing moment? We all have one! (at least!)
A: Well, I love to dance and I do it sometimes to shake off jitters. Well I guess I shook off more than that. I was competing in a pageant when I was younger and about to go on stage for the Evening Gown competition and a pad in my dress came loose and fell out of the bottom. I tried to kick it off the stage before anyone saw but it was too late. Needless to say, I’ve sewn those bad boys in since then!
Q: What is your career aspiration?
A: To “have it all.” I have had a great broadcasting and modeling career and I am married to the man of my dreams, but I hope to one day be a successful entrepreneur and a “super” Mom!
Q: If you could have dinner with one figure in history and ask them any one question, who and what would it be?
A: One person that I’ve always been inspired by is Giuliana Rancic. She is an Italian American Broadcaster like myself but she has been through so much and has had the strength to share it with the world…from her marriage and having breast cancer to infertility and having a baby through a surrogate. I would ask her how she did it, while never losing herself or her career.
FACT! Using Planet Beach Slim Capsule, Members Say You CAN!
At Planet Beach, we’re always looking for ways to help our members look and feel good about themselves. The Slim Capsule has definitely made its mark in the spa industry and I suspect it will continue to be one of the most popular services we offer!
So what is a Slim Capsule, you ask? Picture a futuristic, space-age type capsule with a door sort of like the Back to the Future Delorean…cool I know!
Planet Beach Slim Capsule
Once inside of the capsule, the magic begins!
Just like a traditional sauna, the device heats up the body’s core temperature so you can benefit from weight management benefits both during your session AND after!
UNLIKE a traditional sauna, your face remains outside of the heated compartment with a cooling air fan keeping you comfortable throughout the session.
To enhance your results and experience increased benefits, apply our special Planet Beach Body products prior to the session and wear a sauna suit to help your body reach optimal temperatures.
The first Slim Capsule session will get to about 150 degrees. In following sessions, the temperature is increased until your body reaches 175 degrees, which believe it or not is not uncomfortable because your head remains outside of the unit. Each session lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes and includes LED light technology, dry heat, massage, ionizing air, and aromatherapy. Couple that with some relaxing spa music and you’re in for a treat!
Relax AND slim and smooth your body…who would have thought the combination could exist!
Our customers have seen amazing results with the Slim Capsule including reducing the appearance of cellulite, stress relief, weight loss and so much more!
With our 1st Quarter Weight Management campaign in full swing, now is a great time to try this service and some of our other Weight Management services. You can choose three weight management sessions now for ONLY $39!
To find a spa nearest you, click HERE!
To read more about the Slim Capsule, click HERE!
Make sure you follow us on Facebook for weight management tips!
Weight Management spa services and products can help you on your way to a leaner, tighter physique.
New Year ‘get healthy, get fit’ resolutions are in full swing and we are rising to the occasion once again with our popular BODY campaign running now until the end of March. Planet Beach weight management services and products are the perfect complement to any fitness regime, helping you tighten and tone those stubborn areas. 
Our special promotion offers non-members a chance to try out Planet Beach services prior to joining so they can experience the amazing benefits of a Planet Beach membership. For a limited time, customers can try three weight management services that may include the Slim Capsule, Saunatox and customer favorite, Hydration Station for a one time fee of $39. These services can help you lose inches, burn calories, rid the body of toxins and so much more.
To learn more about this special promotion, click HERE!
Make sure you find us on Facebook for tips on getting healthy and fit this new year!
To find a spa nearest you, click HERE!