New Esthetics School in Asheville

Wow! It looks like lots of people are looking for a school. I work in Asheville, North Carolina managing spas. I heard about a new school opening called Privai Academy and their website looks amazing!

Maybe check it out. Hope this is helpful for all of you looking to get into a new career. The spa world is fantastic, and in this economy, we all need a little de-stress, so you'll have job security!

spakelly in Asheville, North Carolina said: Wow! It looks like lots of people are looking for a school. I work in Asheville, North Carolina managing spas. I heard about a new school opening called Privai Academy and their website looks amazing!

Maybe check it out. Hope this is helpful for all of you looking to get into a new career. The spa world is fantastic, and in this economy, we all need a little de-stress, so you'll have job security!

are you joking? there are no jobs in the field as it is, do you really want to add to that? the school is a scam too.

If you don't think there are jobs for estheticians out there...

Perhaps you should check out spajobs.com or experienceispa.com to see the esthetician positions that are open. Professional, well trained estheticians are certainly in demand. A positive attitude is an important attribute as well.

Regarding Privai Academy, the school is not a scam. I have seen it myself and it is beautiful and in full swing with over 20 students. I toured the facility and was very impressed. Perhaps it warrants more research on your part before declaring it a scam.

They have mastered the craft of if it looks like a duck, it walks like a duck and it sounds like a duck........ oh then it must be a duck. I believe from what I have been told and experienced that they started out with a vision (maybe not the best) but they have grown too fast and lost sight of what the beauty profession is. They aren't honest, they don't care about the individual, they believe in stepping on who ever they need to, to get where ever it is they are going and the co-founders have been lucky enough to hire people that unfortunately have believed what they are selling and hopefully won't be left hanging when they decide they are done with them. They are hanging on by a thread.

So what have you been told? And what have you experienced? I'm really curious. I don't understand the duck reference though, can you explain that one? My personal experience in life it that I should find out stuff for myself because what I need to take away from something will most certainly not be the same as what another is looking for. I take others advise objectively and ask more questions like what WERE you told,and who told you, and was YOUR experience? Then I go check it out myself. I'm curious about Privai and will go check them out myself. I've never been into the beauty profession but I'm lovin the stuff that happens when I get a facial and I want to know more. Don't they have it where the students give practice facials? Has anyone else been here or know about it?

I believe I stated what I was told and what I experienced. They started out with a vision (again maybe not the best) and by growing too fast they lost that vision. In my experience with them, they are not honest, they don't care about the individuals that work for them, they only care about what they can get out of them, they will step on who ever they need to to get to where they belive they are going and their only concern is how they appear to companies in the industry that might buy what they are selling(hence the, if it looks like a duck, it walks like a duck and it sounds like a duck.... then it must be a duck statement. You can substitute successful spa owner for duck or spa industry leaders what ever you'd like). Maybe it will work, maybe it won't, that is not for me to say. I don't wish for anyone to fail, but this forum is for people to share their knowledge and in the end we all have to make decisions for ourselves. Please find out for yourself, do your research, and talk to people in our town that are in the beauty industry who have dealt with them and make your own opinion. This opinion just happens to be mine. Good luck and I wish you all the best

I am resonding to the negative comments regarding Privai Academy.I am one of the Esthetics Instructors at Privai Academy.I, along with others, helped put this curriculum together with alot of hard work and attention to details to make this school superceed all the other esthetic schools put together. Because of my hard earned knowledge and tremendous passion for this industry, and experience in the treatment room, this curriculum developed into a school with superior excellence.

I would put any of these student up against licensed estheticians and their knowledge. They will tell you themselves that they "came out of this school as fighter jet pilot estheticians not puddle hopper pilot estheticians."

Yes all new schools opening are going to have hicupps, that is part of growing and getting better. At least we are trying really hard to improve. Isn't that part of striving for excellence? I know from my personal experience just how devoted and caring the owners are. They truly are devoted to the industry and making it better.

The school is far from a scam, I just graduated from Privai a couple months ago and I have my license! Two fellow students in my class were going to a community college and left it, losing a majority of their credit hours in order to come to Privai when it opened it's doors. It's a fast paced school but you learn so much and not only are you well prepared to pass your state boards, you are prepared to market yourself to employers and perform treatments that you might not have been exposed to in a community college. It's just a whole other level of education. You feel it the moment you walk into the beautiful clinic.

The owners of Privai also own several spas in the area (like Spa-theology and Suraj) and manage several others (including the petite spas at The Inn on Biltmore Estate and the Bohemian). This makes for a great way to get job placement if you go to Privai! Every time I came in contact with the owners, they were always very supportive, energetic and caring.

Don't expose yourself to those negative energy blog comments from people we don't even know. lol It's easy to find out for yourself.

If you have any questions about Privai, just call them or visit their website (privaiacademy.com. Ben Clark is the student coordinator. He's been through the program himself and can tell you all about the school.

I was saddened to hear such negativity today. My mother once said "Believe nothing of what you hear....Now, I know why. Obviously, someone is disgruntled for whatever reason and you know - you can't please everyone all the time. I have been consulting for Privai for almost 2 years. While EVERY business has bumps in the road, the one thing I can give these woman credit for is the willingness to listen and grow from experience. I have committed to writing an amazing massage curriculum for a future program and I have over 20 years experience and I am incredibly dedicated to this field. I would never want a program that was not the BEST. When I was asked to write the program The first thing I said was NO! i do not want to be a part of these slam them out programs that teach nothing . I am in the healing arts, a "profession", passionate and dedicated. These woman gave me carte blance to write an incredible program soon to exceed the expectations of others. I have seen them work hard to obtain credability. I have been to the esthetics classes, I have received their treatments - the setting is EXTREMELY professional. The instructor Debra Andersen is dedicated and loves her students. I was impressed with the students level of professionalism, which is lacking in MANY places/schools. I was even asked to come in and present a class on touch. I'm on the road in Kansas City right now teaching continuing education. I am successful with my classes and don't need to be affiliated with a school. I choose to raise the standards and honor the opportunity to work along with Privai to raise the bar. As for a duck - just let it roll off your back ladies of Privai. Visit Privai, talk to the instructors, and the students, check out the curriculum.
Angry person who started this I am sorry your experience was not what you expected or thought. If you ever go into business for yourself, I hope that you have no glitches or bumps in your road and I hope people never talk about you.

My experience with the Privai Academy was purely professional. From the momnt I walked in the door until my being escorted out by the manager and thanked again and again for helping with a massage program at the school, everything was professionally done.

I am sorry that things have not worked out for some. It is impossible to please everyone. From what I saw this business is right on target with a strong program and I would be happy to work with them again.

Mike Hinkle - World Massage Festival Founder

I do not know what evoked this post, but I have had extremely positive experiences with Priva1 Academy. The setting, personnel, professionalism exceeds that of most of the schools i have ever associated with. Over the years,I learned from my practice, [which I saw 80 to 100 new patients a month], you can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please them all - all of the time.

Sincerely,
Mitchell R. Mosher, DPM, LMBT
NCBTMB Provider# 450752-08

This blog is a great opportunity to share personal experiences, insights and opinions. I am very glad it's here for all of us to use, so I MUST share my personal experiences in response to clarify quality and integrity.

I have known one of the owners since 2003 and have seen firsthand myself just how much it matters both that everyone receive the best quality and thought out experience that we can deliver. I can cross my heart on it that she is genuine and really cares about everything she does and every person she interacts with. She works tirelessly and is dedicated to building success for everyone around her. I can absolutely say the very same for the other owner who I have known since 2006. Both are real people who truly madly deeply love the spa world and education and want to deliver the very best possible. So I have been with this company since it's near beginning and have the continual opportunity to contribute to it DAILY. That's why I am here. I love everything about this company and the team of the best people in the world who I work side by side with.

Continued.....

.....Privai Academy attracts the best instructors and support staff who are each obsessed with providing superior education. This is the beginning of a shift in the standard for education in esthetics. Even our state board inspector has praised the students, the school, the quality, and the board license exam test results of our graduated students. After taking their boards every student has said they were over prepared for the test, and feel so totally confident now that they can get a job and know what to do. How many graduates of schools are saying that after their boards? I want every person who reads this to know that all of the staff of not only this school but the whole company are dedicated to the best experience for each other, our guests, and the students. Feedback from the inaugural class provided opportunity for us to strengthen our program and any good company like us, listens, acts, and grows. I invite “Sorry to Say” to contact me directly to share her thoughts and to support the development of a program that has supported her in becoming a licensed esthetician. I would be happy to listen! Not only do the owners care about the individuals, the entire company cares. And no one is hanging on by a thread. We started planning Privai Academy two and a half years ago, completed over a hundred-page business plan and obtained financing to build a beautiful facility in the middle of a recession. This is how solid their business is, and how much we all have planned for the future. Privai Academy is already obtaining national recognition, which only allows better exposure and employability for all graduates. I am honored to be part of a company that has helped me grow personally, professionally, and taught me how to help others achieve their dreams.

Darinda Davis, Director of Education, Privai Academy, Asheville, NC

sorry to say in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: They have mastered the craft of if it looks like a duck, it walks like a duck and it sounds like a duck........ oh then it must be a duck. I believe from what I have been told and experienced that they started out with a vision (maybe not the best) but they have grown too fast and lost sight of what the beauty profession is. They aren't honest, they don't care about the individual, they believe in stepping on who ever they need to, to get where ever it is they are going and the co-founders have been lucky enough to hire people that unfortunately have believed what they are selling and hopefully won't be left hanging when they decide they are done with them. They are hanging on by a thread.

I agree with you completely. Thanks for posting.

this whole post and its responses are strange - quite honestly i have never heard of a doctor going online into an indeed.com forum into the jobs section and more specifically the esthetician section and into a post titled "New Esthetics School in Asheville" to talk about how great a school - was he searching the esthetician forums in his spare time? And the post is from somebody who is "managing spas" -nobody manages more than one spa. This is all weird. And how did whoever Mr. Mike Hinkle - World Massage Festival Founder get into this forum - was he looking for an esthetician job? So strange. I have no ties to this post but I just find it all weird and remember people when u read posts about school make sure u heard it from the horses mouth otherwise anybody could be posting stuff on here.

Kris in Bloomfield, perhaps you don't understand why all these people responded because you aren't apart of this organization. Many of these professionals have presented classes, guest speakers and healing arts events participants. Privai offers many opportunities! And yes people can manage and oversee more than one spa. Not weird at all and I can attest it is all legitimate because I also consult for the company on a regular basis.

sorry to say in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: They have mastered the craft of if it looks like a duck, it walks like a duck and it sounds like a duck........ oh then it must be a duck. I believe from what I have been told and experienced that they started out with a vision (maybe not the best) but they have grown too fast and lost sight of what the beauty profession is. They aren't honest, they don't care about the individual, they believe in stepping on who ever they need to, to get where ever it is they are going and the co-founders have been lucky enough to hire people that unfortunately have believed what they are selling and hopefully won't be left hanging when they decide they are done with them. They are hanging on by a thread.

Wow, you do know them very very very well!!! They must have sent an emergency email for responses, but they only got 2 people that rely on them for their livelihood. The others like Gloria, are class presenters, guest speakers and event participants. This website states that the average esthetician makes $37,000 a year, can anyone working for this company say they are making that?? They like to say they are setting the standard and sure they are if they are setting it low so the people working for them can bearly make it. Like sorry to say said they aren't honest, and I will add, just not very nice. To Debra and Darinda I hope they are paying you what your worth and if not go somewhere you can make a living and live the life that made the beauty profession sooooo great to be in.

P.S. Their Suraj Website states that Suraj is a Privai concept salon that hand selects their estheticians who have been meticulously trained by Privai. lol is that why their esthetician graduated from Blue Ridge CC.... I guess if you pay $5500 for an esthetic license you really don't want to make $8.50 an hour and jump through all the hoops for them. People are finally realizing what and who they are!!!

Privai Academy offers world class education in a state of the art facility. The instructors are phenomenal and the program is second to none. I work for the company that owns Privai in their spas and I make an average of $30-$50 per treatment that I provide. If I chose to work full time I would make more than $37,000 per year. The company is so positive that it weeds out people who can't handle it. Sounds like sorry to say got fired or something? I am proud of Privai and proud of the company I work for. (Oh and I have been here for over a year - so I am not in a honeymoon phase). If this is who I think it is writing in, everything is so much better now that you are gone! ;)

I am proud of Privai and of all of the staff at the school and the spas. $8.50 does sound low, but the commission and gratuity is not being included in that statement so it's truly not accurate for actual income. DO a pay rate comparison for other places on spajobs.com. You have to see the whole picture to make a fact based comparison. I know estheticians who DO make that much and MORE!! And the owners, well I know them personally as I stated above and they have integrity and I experience every day.

And we do have guest speakers, continuing education and community classes since we are an education center, and we have three esthestics instructors.

And having more than one spa/salon/location allows more employment for therapists. It is totally possible. This is a dynamic and diverse company, with opportunities for its employees.

SO again I do invite Sorry and Rstarr and Seriously to contact me and speak personally. I can be contacted through the privai.com website.

WOW, this is ridiculous! The original posts were about the owners and their motives, ethics, and eagerness to open a school and other spas, moving too quickly too fast. It was about their honesty, trustworthiness and integrity, not solely about Privai Academy. Nowhere in any of these responses has this issue TRUELY been addressed. Sure they may work tirelessly and be dedicated to their job, but where will that get them if in the long run their employees don't like or trust them? Sure the school is beautiful, they create very beautiful spaces, but that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It doesn't matter that they have the best and brightest employees and staff if they don't pay them well or treat them right. They may think this forum will degrade their name, but it won't, soon people will forget about this. What will degrade their name is the continued actions they take and the choices they make every day... that has a much longer lasting effect, one they won't be able to fix with emergency emails.

Unbelievable, You are correct that this is rediculous and people will forget about this posting. Someone feels they as an individual have not been treated right or payed well. There are individuals in all walks of life who will feel this way. And this particular person will move on to be happier elsewhere. I hope and wish them the very best in their ability to be treated as they need and payed as they feel they deserve. And when they operate their own business can do the same for those who will like and trust them in return.

Darinda Davis, Director of Education. Privai Academy. Last posting on this subject.

MY GOODNESS! I have read this post for the last few months and it seems that this company has not just treated one person badly, it seems they have treated alot of people badly. I have spoken with one of my friends that live in Asheville and work in this industry and I asked him about this "Spatheology, Suraj, the Spa at the Bohemenain, apparently the Spa at the Biltmore and this Privai Academy" and He said they have one of the worst reputations around for treating the people that work for them like crap! He said that he would move before he would ever work for one of them. It is funny if you really read all these posts Darinda admits in one of them how little they pay, but tries to fluff over it with how long she has worked for them and the fact that she obviously relies on them for HER career. It is sad, but the beauty of it is there are people in Asheville who do care about their employees and have been in business soooo much longer then just a few years!!! I hope they told the truth about their last posting on this subject.

Privai Academy was developed to elevate the level of education available in Asheville, NC. Privai Academy provides training for estheticians and massage therapists seeking to enter the industry. We have a 100% pass rate and are honored to be providing high level education. After my brother died of cancer , I dedicated myself to the healing arts, obtaining my massage license and eventually becoming a spa director and now owner after seeing the positive impact and healing power of the healing arts. I have worked in the spa industry now for nine years. As one of the owners of Privai Academy, if anyone has any questions about our education, operations, or compensation models of our spas, I welcome fact finding and direct communication. My direct email is ilana@ismspa.com.

I have worked for this company for a few years and everything that is being said is true. They walk all over their employees. Your only useful to them if you are making them money or doing some other task for them. They don't even pay a living wage for Asheville, and sweet talk you into thinking that you can make enough with tips and commission(and then they put you on call and your expected to sit by the phone all day with no pay!)! If you are going to work for this company, the best way to do it is to go in and do your job and leave. Don't get sucked into the "management" side of operations. Don't get sucked in to how great they think they are. Work at one of the properties where you don't have to deal with the owners on a regular basis. If you go in knowing what to expect, it is a tolerable place to work...for a while. Word is getting out about them and eventually there will come a day when they won't be able to hire decent staff in this town. They need to understand that people in this industry DO talk and the talk about them is NOT good!! P.S. I no longer work for the company and it feels great to be able to say this stuff where others may be able to benefit from it! If your thinking about working for this company, think long and hard about it!

WOW! in Asheville, North Carolina said: I have worked for this company for a few years and everything that is being said is true. They walk all over their employees. Your only useful to them if you are making them money or doing some other task for them. They don't even pay a living wage for Asheville, and sweet talk you into thinking that you can make enough with tips and commission(and then they put you on call and your expected to sit by the phone all day with no pay!)! If you are going to work for this company, the best way to do it is to go in and do your job and leave. Don't get sucked into the "management" side of operations. Don't get sucked in to how great they think they are. Work at one of the properties where you don't have to deal with the owners on a regular basis. If you go in knowing what to expect, it is a tolerable place to work...for a while. Word is getting out about them and eventually there will come a day when they won't be able to hire decent staff in this town. They need to understand that people in this industry DO talk and the talk about them is NOT good!! P.S. I no longer work for the company and it feels great to be able to say this stuff where others may be able to benefit from it! If your thinking about working for this company, think long and hard about it!

I agree!!!! these people are looking to lower and control the pay for all spa employees by changing the traditional commission pay to a very low hourly rate, and try to make employees feel "grateful" about it. They also have hired cosmetologists to do nail and hair services while they claim to only hand pick their estheticians, and nail staff from the "best." truth is they own a skin school which poses as something above average, then they themselves use cosmetologists so they can do double-duty, and pay less. If their school is so great why are their former students not all working in spas? Why do they hire outside of the licensing to get staff cheap. sad.

be smart in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: I agree!!!! these people are looking to lower and control the pay for all spa employees by changing the traditional commission pay to a very low hourly rate, and try to make employees feel "grateful" about it. They also have hired cosmetologists to do nail and hair services while they claim to only hand pick their estheticians, and nail staff from the "best." truth is they own a skin school which poses as something above average, then they themselves use cosmetologists so they can do double-duty, and pay less. If their school is so great why are their former students not all working in spas? Why do they hire outside of the licensing to get staff cheap. sad.

too bad they don't practice what they preach! I would not work for a company which owns a school for skin care and then turns around and uses cosmetologists who have a very limited training in facials, etc. to do services in their so-called, "up-scale spas." If you spend double the amount to attend their privia academy, you should be doubly educated over those attending blue ridge, or the ab tech. schools, but not so. On talking to several of the former students, they feel ripped-off and that they did not get a premium education as promised. They seem to make many empty promises, to get people signed up, then forget it. the other thing is that the owners and their staff is on this blog being defensive, and making "advertisements" rather than spending time making positive changes.

spakelly in Asheville, North Carolina said: Wow! It looks like lots of people are looking for a school. I work in Asheville, North Carolina managing spas. I heard about a new school opening called Privai Academy and their website looks amazing!

Maybe check it out. Hope this is helpful for all of you looking to get into a new career. The spa world is fantastic, and in this economy, we all need a little de-stress, so you'll have job security!

HELLO, nice try at advertising your own biz. how ridiculous sounding! P.S. real people don't speak this way..try being real and truthful, and maybe someone will believe you.

Gloria Coppola, Curriculum Developer in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Kris in Bloomfield, perhaps you don't understand why all these people responded because you aren't apart of this organization. Many of these professionals have presented classes, guest speakers and healing arts events participants. Privai offers many opportunities! And yes people can manage and oversee more than one spa. Not weird at all and I can attest it is all legitimate because I also consult for the company on a regular basis.

if you dont mind working pro bono in a bad economy and then seeing your hard work and research making its way to their(your) latest and greatest idea.. then perhaps this compnay is for you!! best of luck, your going to need it.

unbelievable said: WOW, this is ridiculous! The original posts were about the owners and their motives, ethics, and eagerness to open a school and other spas, moving too quickly too fast. It was about their honesty, trustworthiness and integrity, not solely about Privai Academy. Nowhere in any of these responses has this issue TRUELY been addressed. Sure they may work tirelessly and be dedicated to their job, but where will that get them if in the long run their employees don't like or trust them? Sure the school is beautiful, they create very beautiful spaces, but that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It doesn't matter that they have the best and brightest employees and staff if they don't pay them well or treat them right. They may think this forum will degrade their name, but it won't, soon people will forget about this. What will degrade their name is the continued actions they take and the choices they make every day... that has a much longer lasting effect, one they won't be able to fix with emergency emails.

Thank you for this insight, i will pass along this information to all of my friends and associates in the spa/wellness community, and maybe we can avoid being mistreated by those who profess a dedication to the healing arts and the businesses surrounding them. appreciate your candor!

Mike Hinkle in Roaring River, North Carolina said: My experience with the Privai Academy was purely professional. From the momnt I walked in the door until my being escorted out by the manager and thanked again and again for helping with a massage program at the school, everything was professionally done.

I am sorry that things have not worked out for some. It is impossible to please everyone. From what I saw this business is right on target with a strong program and I would be happy to work with them again.

Mike Hinkle - World Massage Festival Founder

Are you on this site looking for an esthetics job? what is your motivation? smacks of dishonest favoritism for the company. strange.

CreateYourFuture in Asheville, North Carolina said: If you don't think there are jobs for estheticians out there...

Perhaps you should check out spajobs.com or experienceispa.com to see the esthetician positions that are open. Professional, well trained estheticians are certainly in demand. A positive attitude is an important attribute as well.

Regarding Privai Academy, the school is not a scam. I have seen it myself and it is beautiful and in full swing with over 20 students. I toured the facility and was very impressed. Perhaps it warrants more research on your part before declaring it a scam.

havent seen many jobs in asheville lately, maybe these other sites, in other cities have opportunities, but that requires re-locating. the school is double the cost of those others in the area and since the teacher at privai came from blue ridge, what makes her any better? are all the students gainfully working for the spas owned by this company? what a crazy situation. the company does not have a good reputation, and i think caution is very good advice.

loveofskincare in charlotte, North Carolina said: MY GOODNESS! I have read this post for the last few months and it seems that this company has not just treated one person badly, it seems they have treated alot of people badly. I have spoken with one of my friends that live in Asheville and work in this industry and I asked him about this "Spatheology, Suraj, the Spa at the Bohemenain, apparently the Spa at the Biltmore and this Privai Academy" and He said they have one of the worst reputations around for treating the people that work for them like crap! He said that he would move before he would ever work for one of them. It is funny if you really read all these posts Darinda admits in one of them how little they pay, but tries to fluff over it with how long she has worked for them and the fact that she obviously relies on them for HER career. It is sad, but the beauty of it is there are people in Asheville who do care about their employees and have been in business soooo much longer then just a few years!!! I hope they told the truth about their last posting on this subject.

thank you for this valuable inside insight! i think you have truly hit this on the head. these people seem to be simply up-holding their own points of view and interests for the company. very defensive and negative for a group touting their adherence to "integrity, honor, and Positive attitude." Interesting. thank you for maintaining an alternative to this attempt at disolving standards of service and pay in the spa/salon industry. My hat is off to you.

quack quack in Fletcher, North Carolina said: So what have you been told? And what have you experienced? I'm really curious. I don't understand the duck reference though, can you explain that one? My personal experience in life it that I should find out stuff for myself because what I need to take away from something will most certainly not be the same as what another is looking for. I take others advisebjectively and ask more questions like what WERE you told,and who told you, and was YOUR experience? Then I go check it out myself. I'm curious about Privai and will go check them out myself. I've never been into the beauty profession but I'm lovin the stuff that happens when I get a facial and I want to know more. Don't they have it where the students give practice facials? Has anyone else been here or know about it?

i have been there, and trust me, it isn't that great to have a student facial. their "spa" is staffed by those with little training, and who are paying to be there. So, the school is making money on student tuition plus the money on services. why should people go to one of the local spas if your student clinic is soooo great, and you not only don't pay them, they pay you??? a good set-up... if you aren't one of the students being used.

seriously in Fletcher, North Carolina said: Wow, you do know them very very very well!!! They must have sent an emergency email for responses, but they only got 2 people that rely on them for their livelihood. The others like Gloria, are class presenters, guest speakers and event participants. This website states that the average esthetician makes $37,000 a year, can anyone working for this company say they are making that?? They like to say they are setting the standard and sure they are if they are setting it low so the people working for them can bearly make it. Like sorry to say said they aren't honest, and I will add, just not very nice. To Debra and Darinda I hope they are paying you what your worth and if not go somewhere you can make a living and live the life that made the beauty profession sooooo great to be in.

P.S. Their Suraj Website states that Suraj is a Privai concept salon that hand selects their estheticians who have been meticulously trained by Privai. lol is that why their esthetician graduated from Blue Ridge CC.... I guess if you pay $5500 for an esthetic license you really don't want to make $8.50 an hour and jump through all the hoops for them. People are finally realizing what and who they are!!!

I for one am so glad there is a forum in which to dispell some of the misconceptions regarding this company. As a former employee, I, as well as many others are realizing that the owners truly have very little regard for the people that they employ. I have realized that they really care about much less than fattening their own pockets and creating an "empire" while stepping on the little ones and their big ideas who made it all possible.ifeel like I narrowly escaped with my integrity, but I did. For the people who strive truly to achieve the excellence in this lovely city,I assure you there still are compnaies that that pay you for mandatory meetings that do not last til 10 pm on your day off, and they might even provide pizza or

used in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: i have been there, and trust me, it isn't that great to have a student facial. their "spa" is staffed by those with little training, and who are paying to be there. So, the school is making money on student tuition plus the money on services. why should people go to one of the local spas if your student clinic is soooo great, and you not only don't pay them, they pay you??? a good set-up... if you aren't one of the students being used.

Also, lunch breaks, that which does not exist at the ism companies,Every human (honored or not)deserves a break to eat. At one time, they had some of the most talented technicians in the city, and they lost them to poor pay and worse treatment. truly treacherous owners ,it was eye opening to say the least and very unfortunate. . if you feel like you have been mistreated you must respect yourself and have the courage to finally say enough. The owners would have you beleive that they have your best interests at heart, however, you come to fully realize the full extent of the deception involved, you almost feel like you've been in a bad relationship and need healing. in all my years working in the spa industry, this was the saddest, they are not a good representation of honor and kindness..

purely blissful in Asheville, North Carolina said: Privai Academy offers world class education in a state of the art facility. The instructors are phenomenal and the program is second to none. I work for the company that owns Privai in their spas and I make an average of $30-$50 per treatment that I provide. If I chose to work full time I would make more than $37,000 per year. The company is so positive that it weeds out people who can't handle it. Sounds like sorry to say got fired or something? I am proud of Privai and proud of the company I work for. (Oh and I have been here for over a year - so I am not in a honeymoon phase). If this is who I think it is writing in, everything is so much better now that you are gone! ;)

this is a very immature attitude for a company that is supposed to believe in the high road and positive way. if this is who i think it is???? very juvenile and doesn't speak well to representing your company. you should not make assumptions, there are many of us who have been burned, and if you have not, please be careful. the spa community is small in asheville and most of us know each other and do share information and advice.

CreateYourFuture in Asheville, North Carolina said: If you don't think there are jobs for estheticians out there...

Perhaps you should check out spajobs.com or experienceispa.com to see the esthetician positions that are open. Professional, well trained estheticians are certainly in demand. A positive attitude is an important attribute as well.

Regarding Privai Academy, the school is not a scam. I have seen it myself and it is beautiful and in full swing with over 20 students. I toured the facility and was very impressed. Perhaps it warrants more research on your part before declaring it a scam.

Until all of the properties owned and operated by this company hire only licensed estheticians who have attended this school, it is not a valid argument. they have cosmetologists doing skincare to save money, while saying that they provide "world-class services" and believe in the "integrity" of the esthetic profession...which is it? Not exactly in keeping with owning a school for skin care professionals! If there are sooo many jobs why are there no jobs posted here? Are all of the privia graduating students employed in the spa field? Is the school full each time it is offered, and if so, coupled with the others (blueridge and ab tech) in the area, do the future students stand a chance of working in a town of this size, with a handfull of spas? these are the important questions. The school may be attractive, but the instruction is by no means "world class", nor are the products. As someone who has attended a true world class school, this "academy" will need to come a long way to reach that lofty goal.

quack quack in Fletcher, North Carolina said: So what have you been told? And what have you experienced? I'm really curious. I don't understand the duck reference though, can you explain that one? My personal experience in life it that I should find out stuff for myself because what I need to take away from something will most certainly not be the same as what another is looking for. I take others advise objectively and ask more questions like what WERE you told,and who told you, and was YOUR experience? Then I go check it out myself. I'm curious about Privai and will go check them out myself. I've never been into the beauty profession but I'm lovin the stuff that happens when I get a facial and I want to know more. Don't they have it where the students give practice facials? Has anyone else been here or know about it?

the duck reference is pretty simple to the rest of us, and to those who choose to not be obtuse. As for the artificial tone of this response, please give it a rest. yep, you are quite transparent, as are these "ads" cloaked as real posts. the blog is not intended as a forum for advertising.

well informed in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: I for one am so glad there is a forum in which to dispell some of the misconceptions regarding this company. As a former employee, I, as well as many others are realizing that the owners truly have very little regard for the people that they employ. I have realized that they really care about much less than fattening their own pockets and creating an "empire" while stepping on the little ones and their big ideas who made it all possible.ifeel like I narrowly escaped with my integrity, but I did. For the people who strive truly to achieve the excellence in this lovely city,I assure you there still are compnaies that that pay you for mandatory meetings that do not last til 10 pm on your day off, and they might even provide pizza or

THANK YOU! let's not be brainwashed!!!

4real in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: this is a very immature attitude for a company that is supposed to believe in the high road and positive way. if this is who i think it is???? very juvenile and doesn't speak well to representing your company. you should not make assumptions, there are many of us who have been burned, and if you have not, please be careful. the spa community is small in asheville and most of us know each other and do share information and advice.

what services are you providing in which you are earning " $30-$50 per treatment???? the ism companies pay hourly now, or so they say, so are you getting this pay per hour? how can you make that sort of money when very few spa services are even priced double that amount (as in, if you rec'd. 50% commission.) it really doesn't add up, so someone mustn't be telling the truth. no big suprise there.

Gloria Coppola, Curriculum Developer in Lenexa, Kansas said: I was saddened to hear such negativity today. My mother once said "Believe nothing of what you hear....Now, I know why. Obviously, someone is disgruntled for whatever reason and you know - you can't please everyone all the time. I have been consulting for Privai for almost 2 years. While EVERY business has bumps in the road, the one thing I can give these woman credit for is the willingness to listen and grow from experience. I have committed to writing an amazing massage curriculum for a future program and I have over 20 years experience and I am incredibly dedicated to this field. I would never want a program that was not the BEST. When I was asked to write the program The first thing I said was NO! i do not want to be a part of these slam them out programs that teach nothing . I am in the healing arts, a "profession", passionate and dedicated. These woman gave me carte blance to write an incredible program soon to exceed the expectations of others. I have seen them work hard to obtain credability. I have been to the esthetics classes, I have received their treatments - the setting is EXTREMELY professional. The instructor Debra Andersen is dedicated and loves her students. I was impressed with the students level of professionalism, which is lacking in MANY places/schools. I was even asked to come in and present a class on touch. I'm on the road in Kansas City right now teaching continuing education. I am successful with my classes and don't need to be affiliated with a school. I choose to raise the standards and honor the opportunity to work along with Privai to raise the bar. As for a duck - just let it roll off your back ladies of Privai. Visit Privai, talk to the instructors, and the students, check out the curriculum.
Angry person who started this I am sorry your experience was not what you expected or thought. If you ever go into business for yourself, I hope that you have no glitches or b

I am bailing out on this diatribe. You all have a great time
Dr. Mosher, aka Mitchell

I'm bailing too. Truthtelling if you have something to address with me, call me. The rest of you I truly wish you all much success. Now go put this much effort into marketing yourself so you become successful. Time to move onward. Good night.

I am not looking for a job in this industry but I can tell you that I spend alot of money at the spa each month. I have been to Suraj and was a customer for a quite some time. After a while I noticed many changes and they weren't good. Customer service was horrible! When you spend several hundred dollars a month to get pampered, you expect more! Several times I was given little freebies like a pat on the head when something went wrong. All my people (nail tech, hair stylist and estician) were miserable and several were let go for ridiculous and made up reasons. They each told me the same story of how they were treated.

I am happy to say that they have each moved on and so have I. I now go to a salon where I feel pampered and can relax! Thank God that nightmare is over!

Darinda Davis, Privai Academy in Fletcher, North Carolina said: I am proud of Privai and of all of the staff at the school and the spas. $8.50 does sound low, but the commission and gratuity is not being included in that statement so it's truly not accurate for actual income. DO a pay rate comparison for other places on spajobs.com. You have to see the whole picture to make a fact based comparison. I know estheticians who DO make that much and MORE!! And the owners, well I know them personally as I stated above and they have integrity and I experience every day.

And we do have guest speakers, continuing education and community classes since we are an education center, and we have three esthestics instructors.

And having more than one spa/salon/location allows more employment for therapists. It is totally possible. This is a dynamic and diverse company, with opportunities for its employees.

SO again I do invite Sorry and Rstarr and Seriously to contact me and speak personally. I can be contacted through the privai.com website.

No one cares to talk in person....we tried that, and are not interested in more of the same. just wondering how many times you, personally have to be kicked around and made to feel inferior before you stop promoting this? Darinda, you of all people should know better, we have all seen you treated like a dog, and have felt for you in your humiliation and pain. wish you the best, but do know it doesn't have to be at such a high personal cost. get out and have a life and some fun and don't let this company become your only focus. you deserve much better than all this. good luck.

what kind of blog is this? all about this awfull company and their school and businesses where noone wants to work? can't find a job in town...maybe it has something to do with people owning spas who don't belong in the business? too bad. also there are already more than enough estheticians in asheville. who opens a school for a place that is flooded? are there any good jobs with good people, which pay well? that's the real question.

CreateYourFuture in Asheville, North Carolina said: If you don't think there are jobs for estheticians out there...

Perhaps you should check out spajobs.com or experienceispa.com to see the esthetician positions that are open. Professional, well trained estheticians are certainly in demand. A positive attitude is an important attribute as well.

Regarding Privai Academy, the school is not a scam. I have seen it myself and it is beautiful and in full swing with over 20 students. I toured the facility and was very impressed. Perhaps it warrants more research on your part before declaring it a scam.

I can't resist chiming in on this one....where are those 20 students working? where do you see jobs for asheville? a positive attitude is great, but what most people want is a paycheck along with it. what does it matter if there are alot of people at this school if there is nowhere to work? if they keep coming out of the school at that rate, that will put an extra 60-80 or so estheticians per year, into the already full asheville market! plus there are at least 2 other schools putting on esthetic programs, as well as the cosmetology schools. As for a massage school...seriously??? this place is literally crawling with licensed massage therapists...they're working at coffee shops and lots of other places since they can't make a decent living doing their trade. as for the local spa business, it is way down from all reports and info. I hear from others in the fields, so maybe you shouldn't give people a false impression of the job market in the area. being positive does not mean pretending things are all rosey when there are facts and figures showing the opposite to be true. asheville is not a big city, and as in all fields, a saturation point is obviously here. good luck with those sales!

Gloria Coppola, Curriculum Developer in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Kris in Bloomfield, perhaps you don't understand why all these people responded because you aren't apart of this organization. Many of these professionals have presented classes, guest speakers and healing arts events participants. Privai offers many opportunities! And yes people can manage and oversee more than one spa. Not weird at all and I can attest it is all legitimate because I also consult for the company on a regular basis.

wow, it really seems odd that gloria is singing the praises of a place she so often, and vigorously, complained about. especially after the way she left the first time. they must have really massaged her ego to get her on this blog! it isn't integrity when you know the reality and say something else...it's not healthy, and it's not possitive. I hope all former workers can move on into better environments, and look forward to the true healing needed after a stint in those trenches. also, no need for you to invite a call, just piping in and trying to set the record straight. I have no motive other than helping others beware. hope everyone gets what they have coming to them.

Mike Hinkle in Roaring River, North Carolina said: My experience with the Privai Academy was purely professional. From the momnt I walked in the door until my being escorted out by the manager and thanked again and again for helping with a massage program at the school, everything was professionally done.

I am sorry that things have not worked out for some. It is impossible to please everyone. From what I saw this business is right on target with a strong program and I would be happy to work with them again.

Mike Hinkle - World Massage Festival Founder

do you have jobs to offer?

well informed in Hendersonville, North Carolina said: I for one am so glad there is a forum in which to dispell some of the misconceptions regarding this company. As a former employee, I, as well as many others are realizing that the owners truly have very little regard for the people that they employ. I have realized that they really care about much less than fattening their own pockets and creating an "empire" while stepping on the little ones and their big ideas who made it all possible.ifeel like I narrowly escaped with my integrity, but I did. For the people who strive truly to achieve the excellence in this lovely city,I assure you there still are compnaies that that pay you for mandatory meetings that do not last til 10 pm on your day off, and they might even provide pizza or

How about being asked to clean their dirt-floor basement at suraj, filled with toxic mold, mildew and god-knows what else! no sign of the owners that day either, and no pay! Is this what being honered means? is this what having a positive attitude and integrity is all about? there are vermin and smells of sewage in that basement and they asked their service providing staff to haul out tons of rotting stuff. Last time I was there it smelled of sewage and mildew. be careful!