Joanne Liuzzo, born in Portland , Maine , spent her childhood on the Island of Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy , Canada , where her family roots began. Whereas island living started her path of a healthy lifestyle, ocean-side living brought fish as the main dish and seaweed for snacks. The method of travel was walking; tobacco and alcohol were non-existent. Living on the small island, sharing and giving were a way of life necessary for survival. The best advice was given by her grandfather: “You can have anything you want in life. It depends how much you want it and what you are willing to sacrifice to achieve it.”
Her teens brought her to city life in Cleveland , Ohio . Finishing her high school years, finances did not provide for college, so job searching began. Her first experience was a bath house offering sulfur baths for the relief of pain. Using sulfur steam, hot towel application and massage by a mechanical device, she cared for those seeking relief. On the horizon, fitness centers opened in Cleveland – Slenderella and Silhouette. Being healthy and fit, she trained and became a trainee teaching mat exercise classes and equipment use. She realized in life that she would need a license and have a career. Being creative and artistic, modeling was looked upon, but was not affordable. The love of design and creativity brought her to cosmetology school where modeling hair styles in competition gave her confidence and style. Striving to be the best and to be a leader was her goal from early on.
Marrying a man with the same ideals, their future began in the beauty field. She gave birth to an only child and continued her career. Purchasing old buildings, the creating and designing of salons began. A large century building, a hotel from 1840, would allow space to provide all the services with which she had experience. Under one roof, a beauty mall was created – with exercise, skin, body, hair, and nail care.
The first spa was born in Cleveland . With this came many television appearances, seminars, demonstrations, and the need for guests to stay. A hotel and restaurant were added along with other buildings renovated, totaling seven spas, two hotels, an Inn in Canada , and three restaurants. The growth included purchasing apartments, single housing, and office buildings and land surrounding the properties for future expansion.
Recognition nationally and internationally with many awards was granted, including Bazaar, Spa Magazine, Shape, Mademoiselle, and Conde Nast ’s list of the top ten U.S. spas and Day Spa ’s # 1 Day Spa . Ongoing travel and study keep her on the cutting edge, always first, always a leader. Recognition inside the spa business awarded her the Rainmaker in Cleveland , for women in business who make a difference.
Continuing to be a leader in the spa industry, Joanne joined hands with an affiliation of the medical field, a health spa facility, and also contracts with Cleveland Clinic, University, and Akron General hospitals. Med Spa was born, adding complimentary alternative medicine. With stress so prominent, the need for meditation, yoga, and an environment for solitude led to the development of the Sanctuary, for mind, body, and spirit, catering to groups, corporate meetings, and spa parties. The Sanctuary and Med Spa have now combined their efforts to bring health and wellness to their guests.
Joanne’s energy, spirit, her goal to be the best, with knowledge, experience, and dedication, have brought and bring respect, recognition, where thousands seeking a healthy lifestyle find solitude while feeling and looking great. With her experience and under her guidance, the staff of four hundred and the countless guests count on and depend on her expertise daily.
Her business motto is: Time. The time to eat is when one is hungry. The time to sleep is when one is tired. The time to relax is when one’s job is done. Time should not be watched, but embraced.
Being a role model in the industry, success has been achieved through dedication, long hours, honesty, caring, understanding, giving, and integrity. Joanne has trained her managers and staff to follow the path, when opportunity knocks, open the door.
For further information please email: info@Marios-spa.com
THIS PROFILE HAS BEEN SUBMITTED BY THIS MONTH’S SPA PERSON AND IS BEING PRESENTED AS GIVEN TO THE DSA. STATEMENTS AND CLAIMS MADE DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE DAY SPA ASSOCIATION AND WE DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS.
