About – SPA AND WELLNESS ASSOCIATION KENYA (SWAK)

MISSION

SWAK brings together government agencies, spa and wellness operators, educators and professionals, to set and maintain industry standards, encourage education and the sharing of information, to provide invaluable networking opportunities and create a platform for members to channel their voice.

VISION

To support Kenya Wellness Industry in leading standards, education and productivity for future generations.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a platform for the growth of the spa and wellness industry in Kenya
To advocate for the industry and to channel information to the public.
To promote awareness of the spa and wellness industry at grass root, regional, national levels and globally too.
To educate the public about the value and health benefits derived from spa and wellness treatments.
To bring the benefits of ancient African healing rituals and indigenous plants to the fore.
To improve the knowledge, technical skills and professionalism of all spa and wellness industry professionals such as spa owners, managers and directors and therapists.
To establish and maintain professional standards for training, administration, service, safety and product suppliers
To be the voice of the spa and wellness industry in Kenya by providing an active forum for networking and exchange of ideas and information sharing between spa and wellness industry professionals, suppliers, hoteliers and organisations.
To liaise with other government agencies and promote integrated growth

ELECTED COMMITTEE

CHAIR

WINNIE TAYLOR

About Me.

Co- Founder and Steering Committee Member for the Spa and Wellness Association of Kenya (SWAK). Involved in developing the “National Spa and Wellness Standards” in collaboration with the Kenya “Tourism Regulatory Authority” (TRA), the corporate body mandated to regulate the tourism sector in Kenya.

Global Award-winning, CIDESCO and ITEC qualified Health and Skincare Expert, with over a decade of experience in Health, Beauty, and Fitness.

Founder and CEO of Body Evolution By Winnie, a skincare brand, dedicated to providing solutions for the beauty industry by creating skincare products that are scientifically formulated from plant extracts and peptides to normalize, balance, and maintain beautiful skin. And has gotten recognition for 7 awards in Kenya Beauty and Cosmetic Awards 2019 and 2020

Founder of Bywinnie Training Institute, a spa and wellness training school that is International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) approved. Training individuals looking to get into the beauty and wellness industry, as well as those already in the market and are looking to formalize, or advance their skills and get global certification. Has established a mentorship program for the students and those in the industry.

She has also served as a committee member for Spa & Wellness Association Africa (SWAA).

A Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Alumni mentee (CBFW)

SECRETARY

LUCY IMISON

About Me.

“Committed to empower and transform the spa industry in Kenya as a respected profession”

Co-Founder and Steering Committee Member for the Spa and Wellness Association of Kenya (SWAK). Spearheaded the process of registering the Association and establishing the secretariat. Involved in developing the “National Spa and Wellness Standards” in collaboration with the Kenya “Tourism Regulatory Authority” (TRA), the corporate body mandated to regulate the tourism sector in Kenya.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic spear headed the process of developing the Re-opening of spa’s in Kenya guidelines.

Certified in Human Resources- Thames University UK. Higher Diploma in Personnel and Business Administration – Berkshire College UK. Courses -Total quality Control Management and EC Legislation & Personnel (UK), Customer Care Handling & Sales -UK, Spa Operations Procedures by Resense (GNV), Spa Management by Wynne Business (USA)

With over 30 years’ work experience in various Service Industries such as Airline, Hospitality, and in the recent decade Spa Industry.

Founder of “Imison Spa Consultancy” providing spa management services from concept through to pre-opening and daily operations.

Founder of “Foundational Mentorship Solutions” – a program designed to develop capacity, by mentoring individuals to find on –the-job learning solutions for effective spa management.

Served as a representative of the Global Wellness Mentorship Program as the “Country Ambassador” for Kenya, with the Global Wellness Institute, and as a committee member of Spa and Wellness Africa Association in various capacities.

TREASURER

JASNEEL DHANJAL

About Me.

Co – Founder and Steering Committee Member for the Spa and Wellness Association of Kenya (SWAK) where she serves as Treasurer, developed the organisational framework, created a strategic action plan for the industry, and was involved in COVID-19 guidelines for the safe reopening of spas and wellness centres. Also Involved in developing the “National Spa and Wellness Standards” in collaboration with the Kenya “Tourism Regulatory Authority” (TRA), the corporate body mandated to regulate the tourism sector in Kenya.

An innovator and entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Psychology from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the United States International University Nairobi, Kenya.

With over 12 years of experience in business leadership, founder and managing director of Divine Essentials Ltd. This personal care manufacturing business produces premium skincare, body care, spa products, and guest amenities made with high-performance and natural ingredients indigenous to Africa.

Founder and product development director of The Zuri Initiative, a hybrid model of Social Enterprise that combines a social business, a not-for-profit entity, and social capital credits (SoCCs) to empower women by involving them directly in producing and retailing hair-care products. It allows women to enhance their skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and sales.

Founder and director of the Africa Spa Awards, which recognises excellence in the spa industry and links clients with the best available service providers, treatments, and facilities in Africa.

As a spa consultant and trainer, she offers comprehensive spa and wellness advisory services to hotel operators and spa developers. Developing spa concepts, themes, treatment menus, and protocols that reflect the client’s environment, establishment, local wellness practices, target market, and indigenous ingredients.
Has served in various roles within the Spa & Wellness Association of Africa (SWAA), including Executive Chairperson for Kenya, Regional Co-Chair for East African Countries, Board Director, and Board Adviser.

MEMBER / LEGAL ADVISOR

ALFRIDA BOINETT

About Me.

Destiny: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be”

Co – Founder and Steering Committee Member for the Spa and Wellness Association of Kenya (SWAK). Legal Adviser of the Association, and oversees all the legal requirements and compliance of the of the Association. Spearheaded the process of developing the By Laws of the Association.

Holder of Masters of Law (LLM) from University College London, Bar Vocational Course, Law – from University of the West of England ( Qualified Barrister). With 15 years experience of practising Law.

Founder & CEO of Private Collection, an exclusive, privately owned group of luxury boutique hotels and lodges in some of Kenya’s most amazing destinations that promise elegance, luxury and supreme service, with each destination offering discerning guests a wholly authentic expression of its locality.

The Private Collection boasts of four properties across Kenya with more on the horizon. All of them, from Tiwi Beach to The Great Rift Valley, are meant to capture that plush “home away from home” ambience with one caveat: You never have to lift a finger.

With over 10 years experience in the Hospitality Industry where in the recent 4 years of expansion ventured into Wellness Industry. Also done a course in Spa Management.

A member of “Women in Tourism Association”.

Board of Director Geminia Insurance Company Limited.

Whilst interning with OHCHR (office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) (UN), worked in the National Human Rights Institutions Team on the creation of this National Human Rights Commissions in the Member States.

MEMBER – COASTAL REPRESENTATIVE

LUCY KUIBITA

About Me.

Co – Founder and Steering Committee Member for the Spa and Wellness Association of Kenya (SWAK Involved in developing the “National Spa and Wellness Standards” in collaboration with the Kenya “Tourism Regulatory Authority” (TRA), the corporate body mandated to regulate the tourism sector in Kenya.

A Holder of Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and Diploma in Business Management, Certificate in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations – from University of Nairobi and Advance Diploma in Beauty Therapy & Aesthetics (ITEC)

With over 15 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry, starting her career as a therapists and rising to a Regional Spa Manager -Serena Hotels & Lodges E.Africa & Mozambique. A self-motivated, hospitality management professional with proven experience in operations, handling high profile responsibilities and entrepreneurial experience in the leading hotels of the world category hotels in East Africa. Has the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at any given time. Accomplished at managing group of Spas, passionate in training with urge to learn new things while ensuring high standards and quality in luxury customer experience and relations.

Developed marketing strategies to meet the sales budgets in 5 years, Launched new products, services and protocols and achieved the highest scores in the industry rated by leading hotels of the world (LHW).

Oversaw growth in the company leading to expansion and Opening new 3 spas in 4 years.

Training and educating staff in new customer journey, experiences, client’s relations and operating standards.

Served as a Committee Member in Spa and Wellness Africa Association (SWAA).

MEMBER – THERAPIST REPRESENTATIVE

FELISTAS WAMBUI

About Me.

MEMBER – EVENTS COORDINATION

GRACE OGOLLA

About Me.

F.A.Q.

Common questions answered.

How do I become member?

Please visit the membership page and fill in the form to apply.

Your request will be forwarded to the membership committee, and if approved, you will receive communication on how to pay.

OR

Send an email to membership@spawellnessassociationkenya.or.ke. and the we will be in touch with you shortly.

Who should I contact to activate or renew my membership?

Send an email to membership@spawellnessassociationkenya.or.ke. and the memberships administrator will be in touch with you shortly.

What is the official SWAK Networks attendee policy?

Current SWAK members within the spa, student, service provider or educator categories may register to the networks. All resource partners who qualify as a vendor must exhibit or sponsor at the Networks to attend the event.

What are the main differences in the three spa membership types?

Spa Premiere and Premiere Plus members have a special discount fee for the joining employees.

How long is my membership active?

SWAK memberships work on an anniversary cycle, with your membership lasting one full calendar year from the date of joining. Spa members can also make payments in monthly installments.

Who should I contact to update my account information or update the contacts on my account?

Send your email to membership@spawellnessassociationkenya.or.ke. and will receive a response..