Profitability

Plan for Profit: Setting 2026 Goals That Deliver 

Profit doesn’t happen by accident—it’s planned. This approach helps you turn your 2026 vision into clear, actionable goals by aligning revenue, expenses, and operational decisions. With regular check-ins and smart adjustments, you can stay in control and drive consistent, sustainable profitability all year long.

1

Start With Your Breakeven 
  • Calculate your breakeven point.
  • This tells you the minimum revenue needed to cover expenses before profit begins.

2

Define Desired Profit Margin
  • Decide on a target margin (e.g., 15–20% net profit).
  • Add this margin to your breakeven revenue to set your profitability goal.

3

Translate Into Service & Membership Goals

Set revenue goals for items like:  

  • Service Sales: Factor in Utilization & Capacity - Use provider utilization rates to set realistic goals and recruit providers to high demand schedule times.
  • Membership EFT
  • Retail Sales
  • Gift Cards

4

Set Expense goals
  • Identify expense opportunities utilizing ProfitKeeper location set comparisons - Partner with your FBC for best comparison set. 
  • Set expense goals around items like:  Linens, Retail, Consumables, Labor
  • Set operational goals around items like:  Refunds, Waived Fees, Discounts

5

Review MoM Performance
  • Adjust for seasonality, and promotions, ETC.

Technology

Holiday Security Reminder

Be vigilant with your emails: Watch out for any suspicious or unexpected emails, especially those that ask for personal information or prompt you to click on unfamiliar links. Phishing attempts tend to increase during the holiday season, so stay alert!

Secure your devices: Ensure that all your devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, have the latest security updates and patches installed. This will help protect against any vulnerabilities.

Only shop from trusted retailer websites: When making online purchases, ensure that you are using reputable and secure retailer websites to avoid falling victim to scams or fraud.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL REMINDER

This is a friendly reminder that if you plan to travel outside the country, please follow the instructions below prior to your departure.

To continue using your Microsoft account outside the United States or Canada you must download a VPN app on your mobile device or laptop.  

There’s plenty of free apps on the market currently, Hand and Stone Technology recommends:

NordVPN 
     Instructions for NordVPN 
Surf Shark VPN 
     Instructions for Surf Shark VPN 
Express VPN 
     Instructions for Express VPN 

Once you decide on a platform, you will create an account and set your location to the United States or Canada.  

Then you can continue using your Microsoft account as normal.  

If you are already traveling or experience sign-in issues abroad, contact IT Support. Thank you for helping us maintain secure and uninterrupted access for all users.

Service & Product

A New Era of LED at Hand and Stone

Following a successful pilot across 35 Hand & Stone spas nationwide, LightStim is launching at Hand & Stone. This marks the next evolution of our LED innovation, building on the introduction of handheld LED devices in 2015. Nearly a decade later, we are elevating this optional service with hands-free, FDA-cleared LightStim technology that seamlessly integrates clinically proven light therapy into the core facial experience. 

As the leader in professional LED, LightStim delivers enhanced, visible results across a wide range of skin concerns while offering a premium, results-driven upgrade guests can see and feel. Please review the KPIs to support your decision to optionally implement LightStim, increase LED sales, and further elevate the guest experience and overall value. 

Additional launch details will be shared during the upcoming webinars. Franchise owners, managers, and estheticians are encouraged to attend.

  • Owner & Manager Webinar: January 9th @12pm EST | 9am PST:Register Here
  • Esthetician Webinar: January 16th @12pm EST | 9am PST:Register Here
Review LightStim KPIs

Dermalogica Portfolio Updates Beginning 2026

Dermalogica has shared an update outlining select product phase-outs and updates beginning in 2026, supporting ongoing portfolio refinement and future innovation.

Key highlights include a limited number of product discontinuations with recommended substitutions, updated run-out timelines for select items, and a packaging and formula update for Super Rich Repair Cream in Q2 2026 with minimal performance impact. Smart Response Serum Jumbo will remain active following prior review.

Spa leaders are encouraged to review the full details and plan inventory accordingly as we prepare for upcoming innovations.

Learn more

Lead Massage Therapist Refresher Webinar

This webinar is designed for newly appointed Leads as well as those who have been in the role for some time. If your spa currently has only a “trainer,” you’re welcome to join, too. We encourage all questions and aim to provide guidance and support throughout the session.

Register here

Vendor Updates

Neveskin™ Insurance Coverage Clarification

When Neveskin was previously branded as Cryoskin, estheticians were often required to secure additional coverage because of its association with cryotherapy. However, Neveskin™ is not a cryotherapy service, so that type of specialized coverage is no longer needed, but as always you should check with your carrier to confirm coverage of all services. Review the attached PDF for further FAQ
LEARN MORE

Spa Growth

Erin & Jon Dent acquire MI Novi spa with plans to open a second location in 2026

Jon brings extensive experience as a corporate professional in the automotive industry, while Erin is a dedicated and passionate licensed esthetician currently working at a local spa. For the past five years, Erin has dreamed of owning her own spa, and together, they are turning that dream into reality.

Their shared passion for the wellness industry, the Hand & Stone brand, and building strong teams is evident. Jon & Erin are thrilled to begin this new chapter, combining their skills and enthusiasm to create a thriving business.

Erin Powell opens first spa in Nolensville, TN

Hand & Stone Member Turned Owner Redefines Relaxation in Nolensville with the Brand’s First Franchise Offering Side-by-Side Facials

learn more