How a Philippine SPA Business Plans to Battle MPOX

Name a more iconic duo than the "Taal Volcano eruption threat" and "potential pandemic" in the Philippines. I'll start—lockdowns and Failing Businesses. We Filipinos have seen this before. Here is my 5 step plan to conquer MPOX as a SPA Owner.

Step 1: Buy in the Fear

It just so happens that the first MPOX case here in the Philippines reportedly came from a SPA. Not only that but that SPA (infinity SPA) is from Quezon City. My business is a SPA and where my SPA is located is in Quezon City. How bad can this get?

As the news spread, I realized that there was nothing that I could do. Sh*t happens right? On the day the news broke, MPOX was immediately trending on 'X' (aka Twitter). I wanted Elon Musk to delete all post regarding MPOX but that won't happen.

I refreshed my feed and a new MPOX post. I refreshed again, a new MPOX post, again and again. It just doesn't stop! Then light bulb idea. This is FREE MARKETING.

Step 2: Redirection

Instead of letting the fear consume us, let’s turn this around. The key here is to redirect the narrative. People are already hyper-aware of the situation, so why not be the spa that leads the charge in safety and wellness?

I'll by updating our marketing materials to emphasize our commitment to health and safety. Every post, every ad, and every piece of content we put out highlighted our top-notch sanitization protocols, the use of medical-grade disinfectants, and the rigorous training our staff underwent to ensure everyone’s safety. I want people to know that if they had to choose a SPA, ours was the safest choice in Quezon City.

By the way, I'll make sure not to mention "MPOX" in my socials just to stop the spread of fear.

Step 3: Reassure Your Clients

Next, I needed to reassure our existing clients. We all know that a happy client is the best form of advertising, right? So, I sent out personalized messages to each of our loyal members, explaining the extra steps we were taking to keep them safe.

I'll make sure to include details like contactless check-ins, socially distanced seating, and the option to book private sessions to minimize contact with others.

In these messages, I'm not just selling them on our safety measures—I'm selling them on peace of mind. After all, people come to a spa to relax, and nothing ruins that quicker than worrying about their health.

Step 4: Innovate Your Offerings

MPOX may have caused a lot of stress, but it also presented an opportunity to innovate. With more people working from home and stress levels at an all-time high, I decided to expand our offerings to include stress relief packages, and immune-boosting treatments. All of which are services we're already offering but in a slightly different name.

I looked at what people needed most during this time—relaxation, stress management, and health support—and crafted packages that addressed these needs. Not only am I expecting this to bring in new clients, but it will give our regulars a reason to keep coming back.

Step 5: Monitor and Adapt

Lastly, I know that the situation with MPOX was going to be fluid, just like any other crisis. So, I'll sure to keep an ear to the ground, monitoring the latest news and public sentiment. I'll encouraged feedback from our clients and will make use of it to make real-time adjustments to our operations.

Whether it was tightening our safety protocols or offering more flexible booking options, the goal is to stay ahead of the curve and show our clients that we were proactive, not reactive.

By staying adaptable and putting our clients’ needs first, we won't just survive the MPOX scare—we will come out stronger on the other side.

Final Thoughts:

If there’s one thing to learn from running a SPA during multiple crisis, it’s that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. So, the next time life throws a curveball your way, don’t panic. Instead, pivot, innovate, and show your clients that you’re a business that can be trusted, no matter what.

After all, in the spa business, as in life, it’s not just about the treatments you offer—it’s about the experience you create.