A celebrated entrepreneur, China Wong is the founder and owner of SALON SPA W.
What is your educational background, and how long have you been practicing?
After graduating from Iowa State University, I began my career in the finance industry. As a client of up-scale Chicago salons and spas, I was mesmerized by the innovative environments, skilled service providers, and superb customer experience. I aspired to join their ranks and attended the prestigious Aveda Institute Chicago. Following completion of my program, I had the opportunity to work at the internationally renowned Van Michael Salon in Atlanta, Georgia. I eventually returned to downtown Chicago as an educator and department lead for a large salon and spa. After honing my skills in some of the most competitive markets in the country, I opened Salon Spa W in 2005 to bring my experiences, education, and up-scale service to Des Moines.
My client list is extensive and has included Barack Obama, Arianna Huffington, supermodel Emme, Michele Norris, and NFL cheerleaders, to name a few.
Why is your Ultraceuticals your ultimate professional go-to, and how has it helped you become one of the best professionals in the industry?
We have been in business for 18 years and have had the honor of receiving some exciting awards, like being named one of the Top 100 Salon & Spas in the United States by Elle Magazine and receiving industry recognition from Salon Today Magazine as one of the Top 200 Salons for 10 years in a row. Bringing in Ultraceuticals helped our spa flourish and do just as well as thr other parts of our business. Empowering our professionals with products and services with proven, personal, and powerful results made all the difference!
Why did you choose Ultraceuticals, and how did you find out about them?
After years of trying countless over-the-counter products and pharmaceutical topicals for my acne and rosacea, an industry friend recommended Ultraceuticals. After just one month of a simple four product regimen, I saw major improvements in my skin. I was so excited by my results that I started purchasing products for co-workers, friends, and clients to try. I was shipping the products from Australia, but I quickly realized, I needed to find a way to get these products to all of our clients in the United States. The rest is history!
How do you stay educated with Ultraceuticals?
The access to global education resources from leading experts in clinical research and skin science with Ultraceuticals is extraordinary. Our best education experience was the Ultraceuticals Global Beyond Business conference in Sydney, Australia. Skin professionals from around the world gathered for top-notch education, motivation, and celebration. It included interactive research and development experiences, wellness initiatives, the latest in skin science, breakthroughs in skin care services and some great fun.
How do you promote yourself and the brand?
Our nearly 1,600 Google reviews and 5-star rating, combined with a strong SEO strategy, drive our new business development. We feature skin success stories with amazing before and after images on our social media channels, web profiles, websites, in print, and throughout our space on digital screens. One of our most successful initiatives features before and after images of our staff showcasing their Real Visible Results with Ultraceuticals. Our clients were thrilled to see images of people they knew personally, building confidence and increasing purchasing.
Besides working with the brand, what else has helped you become one of the best?
Our commitment to developing top professionals has been key to our success. We combine significant career development opportunities through technical and business education, financial fitness, self-development, wellness initiatives, and benchmarking. This includes everything from hosting staff wellness events with massages, manicures, and pedicures to team yoga, rock climbing, river tubing, running or walking races, and training seminars. My greatest professional joy comes from seeing our team thrive in their careers and lives – a high tide floats all boats.
How do you give back to the industry or community?
SALON SPA W and our incredible team members provide volunteer and financial support to over 100 charitable causes. Each year, we create and sponsor programs that provide services to combat homelessness, help children, support women, and preserve our environment. Two of our most significant initiatives have touched the lives of over 5,000 members of our community – our seven year-long initiative to provide haircuts and grooming services to people experiencing homelessness and our nine year-long programming to host and support mentoring programs for children.
China’s Must-Have Products
Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum Mild
Ultra DNA³ Complex Recovery Night Cream
Ultra Granule-C Microfoliant
Ultra Brightening Foaming Cleanser
@salonspaw
salonspaw.com
(515) 280-5358