We all enjoy going to spas but it's always nice to speak to those who creates the spaces that we frequent. Many know that Lia Schorr is known for her facials and that she has written books on the subject and has dedicated most of her life to this. Last week, I took a moment to find out more about her and to hear what inspired her to create not only the salon but the institute that also bares her name. Her interview was candid and an inspiration to anyone that has a focus and a dream that they want to put into action.

Lia Schorr opened her Day Spa in the 80's with $500. She spent 7 years in a kibbutz in Israel and it was being in this space that really allowed her to connect with makeup and skincare as she didn't feel that she was pretty but she knew she could contribute to other's beauty routines which became the overall passion. She realized that in the US that she could pioneer this portion of the industry by endorsing skincare services for men and women. At the time, these services were considered something that those who were affluent enjoyed as it was a luxury. But Lia's mission was that using proper ingredients with education and skincare would allow her to have high standards with great services for optimal treatments while making everything affordable and available.

Over the past 10 years, more spas opened with services and the industry was not only competitive but there were various gimmicks running throughout it as well. Due to the recession, it created an equalizing effect where those spas that were truly good at what they did were able to survive while those that weren't faded from the competition. Lia found that her common sense approach and focusing on the basics allowed her to survive and to create a trust building system as she "doesn't promise what she can't deliver". In addition, with the success of her business, she retains a dominant presence by being in charge of all aspects of the business and found that even she climbed her own ladder in order to understand what it takes to make her business run.

Her success is not only in providing amazing services that are affordable and attainable but in also giving back, 20 years ago, she created her own institute where she teaches others so that they can certified and she continues to teach the importance of self discipline, providing opportunities and being driven in order to advance. Students that have the need and interest, are able to train with Lia and to learn the craft that she pioneered. Walking through her spa and institute, it's easy to see her influence within every part of her world.

Of course, you can't talk to a beauty expert without finding out what they think the keys are to maintaining great skin. Lia believes that living a good lifestyle (getting enough sleep, reducing your stress, getting exercise, eating well), have great relationships with friends and family, good values and loving what you do - allow you to look fab! We always need to make sure that the negatives of baggage, anger, etc are kicked out and that we should smile and laugh at ourselves as well.