Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (March 15, 2023) — Five of the major national massage brands — Hand & Stone®, Elements Massage®, Massage Heights®, Woodhouse™ and Spavia — have come together to form the National Association of Spa Franchises (NASF), a group committed to enhancing current safety procedures in the massage and spa industry. 

As a crucial first step in its mission, the NASF launched the Employment Verification System (EVS), a program that for the first time will allow participating businesses the ability to capture and share important information about service providers who were separated from a spa for breach of safety protocols. 

“Since launching last summer, we have already seen more than 10,000 searches across all the brands, said Cindy Meiskin, president of NASF and Chief Experience Officer at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. “We are pleased that the EVS is working. The safety of our staff and guests is of utmost concern, and we hope that the launch of the NASF and the use of the EVS will serve as a deterrent to inappropriate behavior across all of our participating spas.” 

The EVS is powered by Crimcheck, a DISA Company, which provides comprehensive employment background screening solutions including criminal record checks, verification services, drug testing, and occupational health services. This service allows for unlimited access to the EVS, providing individually owned spas with additional protection when hiring new therapists. Through the EVS, franchisees who join the system can screen candidates and process background checks, with easy-to-read results that allow them to hire therapists with confidence.

“Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) believes the client experience is paramount,” said Les Sweeney, President of ABMP. “The new Employment Verification System sounds like the appropriate next step to help improve the safety standards for bodyworkers and—most importantly—their clients.”

Franchise and multi-unit companies interested in joining the NASF and learning more about the EVS can contact Cindy Meiskin at info@nationalassociationofspafranchises.com  or visit https://nationalassociationofspafranchises.com/ for more information.

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About NASF

The National Association of Spa Franchises (NASF) is an organization dedicated to enhancing current safety procedures in the spa and massage industry. Launched in 2022, NASF created the Employment Verification System (EVS) which captures information on service providers who were separated from a spa for breach of safety protocols. NASF was designed to fill the gaps in the current government regulations when it comes to licensure and the EVS, powered by Crimcheck, will help add that extra layer of protection. For more information visit https://nationalassociationofspafranchises.com/. 

About Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa®

Hand & Stone is a 550-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring affordable, luxury spa services to all. Launched in 2004, the company now has locations across 35 states and Canada. Hand & Stone offers its signature hot stone massage, along with other high-quality professional massage services such as Swedish, Himalayan Salt, Sports, Deep Tissue, Oncology and Prenatal. Guests can also visit the spa to enjoy best-in-class facial treatments performed by licensed estheticians. These feature top-of-the-line products backed by science, including Dermalogica and ClarityRx Clinical Skin Care. A wide range of services are available for women, men and teens and are tailored to each individual’s needs or skin concerns. The fastest-growing spa franchise in the country, Hand & Stone has been named No. 1 in the spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2023, 2021 and 2020 and was ranked No. 8 on Forbes’ Best Franchises to Buy list in the high investment category. For more information, visit www.handandstonefranchise.com.  

About Elements Massage®

The Elements Massage® brand is one of the nation’s premier massage therapy brands, with nearly 250 independently-owned locations across the U.S. and Canada. The brand differentiates itself by providing consumers with a highly-customized and therapeutic massage through its industry-leading membership program, the Elements Wellness Program™. Members at each studio benefit from a highly-rated massage service on a month-to-month basis. As a high-growth franchise brand, Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC offers franchise ownership opportunities in select territories across the country. To learn more, visit www.elementsmassage.com. Elements Massage® is a registered trademark owned by Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC. Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated.

About Massage Heights®

Massage Heights, a family-owned massage and skincare wellness franchise, started in 2004 and has grown to 120+ Retreats throughout North America. Dedicated to elevating the lives of others, the health and wellness franchise provides personalized wellness treatment options through professional, affordable, resort-quality therapeutic massage and skincare services. For more information about Massage Heights and its franchise opportunities, please visit MassageHeightsFranchise.com.

About Woodhouse™ Spa

Founded in Victoria, Texas in 2001, Woodhouse Spa provides each guest with a tranquil, transformational environment that’s both memorable and healthful. From beginning to end, dedicated spa teams ensure that each visit enhances the guest’s well-being. With more than 75 spas across the country, guests of Woodhouse Spa are guaranteed the same high-quality signature services and luxurious experience regardless of location. For more information, please visit www.woodhousespas.com.

About Spavia

At Spavia, we deliver a luxurious spa experience at an affordable price. Our Spavia locations provide a variety of massage treatments, skin care treatments, body wraps, waxing, lash extensions, make-up, and an opportunity to celebrate with a spalebration™ — all in a relaxing and tranquil setting. Our spa boutique provides products for home-care regimens and beautiful selections for gift giving.

The first Spavia opened in 2005 in Denver, Co, with a mission of making a positive difference in the world, one guest at a time. In late 2021, Spavia opened its 52nd location, with an additional 40 locations under development. The 52 spas are currently open in 23 states.

If you are interested in opening a Spavia franchise please visit  https://spaviafranchise.com/.

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