Jaclyn Mendoza, 24, an architecture graduate of UST, finds herself working for their relatively new, family-owned Bluewater Day Spa. Located in Southgate Bldg., Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, this is the very first franchise outlet of Bluewater Day Spa -- a relaxation and pampering hub nestled at the heart of metro.

Owner Joseph Mendoza (father of Jaclyn) said it was originally a barbershop that he wanted to put up; but his daughters who will be handling the business might not be able to relate with such male-based venture. Daughter Jaclyn, on the other hand, has always dreamt of running a spa even during her college days. "It was me and my barkada’s dream to own a spa. Architecture kasi is medyo stressful and we thought spas can be very relaxing. I personally love going to the spa, that’s why during Christmas, that’s what I usually ask for as a Christmas gift from my sisters. A spa gift check."

That dream, and the family’s affinity for spas inspired the Mendozas to get a franchise from Bluewater Day Spa.

It was probably fate when Mr. Joseph Mendoza came across a newspaper article about franchising in Bluewater Day Spa. He read it, and on his way to the airport to pick up his daughter, who just came from abroad, dropped by at World Trade Center where there’s an on-going franchising expo.

This was where Mr. Mendoza met Bluewater Day Spa’s executives who enlightened him about getting a franchise.

The rest is history, as Mendoza found himself opening his dream spa, come December of 2006. Asked why he chose to put up a spa, Mendoza answers "I can compare a spa with mineral water. Few years back, who would have thought that bottled water will click?

Now it becomes part of everybody’s lifestyle. It’s like a spa. Sooner or later, it becomes part of you. Now, that’s good business."

And it is. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are big days for most of their customers. And their best seller? "Swedish massage and traditional Filipino hilot." says Jaclyn. She adds, "Usually moms, dads, and yuppies would go here. It’s really a 247 business. I would go home, have dinner at 10pm, and while eating, I’d still talk to my dad about the business. Iba talaga pag family ang nagaasikaso. We’re really hands on. My dad even brings in water and laundry if he can."

In the morning, Jaclyn would check the rooms, turn on the aircon, monitor the sales, go to the bank, tally the treatment record, and think of ways on how to improve the business. As an architect, Jaclyn had a say in redesigning some parts of the spa. "I had to switch the position of the toilet and the spa area. I keep on doing researches too, and asking help from friends on how to improve our business."

Right now, Jaclyn handles 13 people which include the HR, Accounting, and Management. And she’s getting the hang of it. As Mr. Joseph Mendoza puts it, Bluewater Day Spa has so much promise; having established a name amidst a sea of relatively new spa outlets. And with endorsers like Toni Gonzaga and Brad Turvey, he knows that Bluewater Day Spa will definitely go far.

Merchandising and PR materials are readily available. All staff are professionally trained. Therapists have to undergo at least 2 months professional training and they have to be knowledgeable on all services — from massages to facials to pedis to manicures, to body treatments. Supplies, equipment, and materials (like aromatherapy oil and facial creams) are continuously monitored for quality. It’s a total package for a business that’s seen to thrive in a bustling, relaxation-avid city.

Originally just a dream, Jaclyn Mendoza is finally living what was once just a college whim. Her family’s Bluwater Day Spa franchise has definitely become an inspiration for her and her family to make Filipino’s busy lifestyle a bit more relaxing and yes, pampering. Managing the business is in itself a treat for dreamers like her. And with her family’s unconditional support for the newly started venture, Bluewater Day Spa will definitely inspire more people to start living their dreams as well.