Greetings!

       It is such a blessing and privilege for me to wake up on August 1st on the beautiful island of Bermuda. It has been so nice to reflect on this past year looking out on the beautiful ocean during my family vacation with my husband and two children. There has been so many accomplishments made this past year in my personal and professional life that I am so grateful for.This family vacation in Bermuda has enabled me to take a deep breath, reflect, and not let this week pass me by too quickly.

       The summer months have flown by due to the changes recently made at Allure Spa. During the past two and a half months, Allure Spa has been extremely busy updating both the decor of the salon and spa, and also introducing a new hair line, Davines, and a new skin care line, France Laure. 

       The Allure Spa staff has been exceptional during this transition time, and also in their intense training and certification of the new lines. I am so blessed to have an amazing staff that values teamwork and innovation in their field.

       When I retun from my trip, my life will return to a busy routine in my work and family life. I always get anxious in the month of August because as a parent, we get ready for our children to return to school, and with this will come the inevitable preparation of every mother's busy schedule. My son Christian will return to Gordon College for his sophomore year, and Silas will return to Cardinal Spellman. However, I do admit I look forward to the cooler mornings in the months to come.

       It amazes me how quickly time passes by. In August I am reminded of my Mother. I can't believe this month makes it 20 years since her passing. I celebrate her life, by sharing stories to my children on vacation about her unselfish love she had shown to her family and friends. She was truly an inspiration in my life and I feel as if she has guided me in all my mission work with Friends of the World Charitable Trust.

       The last two and a half years, I have been involved in mission work overseas in Bangladesh. It has been an exciting adventure for my staff and myself to share and teach our knowledge of skin and hair care to young women who are willing to learn in Bangladesh. I will always have a special place in my heart for Bangladesh.

       During my reflection in Bermuda, I realize what an accomplishment it truly was. I also realize that if I can achieve something so far away, I can also accomplish a great deal right in our own backyard. There is such a need here in our local community.

        I owe a great deal of my success to this country; especially the local community where I house my business. As we wrap
up the final preparations for our trip to Bangladesh, Allure Spa will be having a Cut-a-thon on Sunday August 26th! The funds will help us wrap up our last and final trip to Bangladesh. Molly, Susan, Keleigh and myself will take our final journey there this upcoming September. We are so thankful to have this opportunity.
       I look forward to the preparation and future work that will be done through Friends of the World Charitable Trust in our local community. I am so excited for the pursuit of all our ideas and dreams, and to be able to share them with you!

God Bless,

Sandra Ishmael