Innovation

At the heart of Well Daze’s innovation is their focus on operating an environmentally sustainable business, specifically in their commitment to using products and practices that protect the environment (SDG 13). Hours upon hours of research are conducted by the Aimee and her team, to find both local and global suppliers that share their environmental sustainability beliefs, ensuring that Well Daze can stand behind their products and services. This innovative approach sets Well Daze apart from other wellness and massage studios, since their commitment to their community’s sustainability is as integral to their company’s mission as achieving profitability (SDG 11).

Even in instances when a supplier outside of Canada is required, Aimee conducts a stringent vetting process, using resources such as the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), to ensure that foreign businesses they use incorporate practices that align with their core environmental sustainability mission (SDG 12). Recently, Well Daze expanded their product line offering to include eco-friendly cork massage balls. During the vetting process, Aimee discovered that some potential suppliers were engaging in greenwashing, falsely claiming that their products were eco-friendly. As a result of her stringency and commitment to responsibly sourcing her business’ products, Aimee found a family-owned business in Portugal that sustainably harvested cork products.

Inspiration

Aimee Sutton draws inspiration from her deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Her experiences growing up in a beach town, where she witnessed the impact of pollution firsthand, shaped her morals and values. During an interview with Aimee, she stated, “I grew up in a beach town seeing garbage on the road drives me nuts… I do want to make the planet that nice place for myself and my kids, and I think being a business owner, I get to have maybe a little bit more impact than the average person”. This personal connection to the environment has fuelled her passion for sustainability.

Aimee emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility, saying, “I don’t see anything getting better if everybody doesn’t start making it important to them… it has to be something that everybody does to some capacity to make a difference.”. This belief drives her to source eco-friendly products and support local businesses, as she recognizes the significant impact these choices can have on her community and the planet.

Additionally, Aimee finds motivation in global initiatives like the Paris Agreement, stating, “When I saw the Paris Agreement, the UN (United Nations) goals, I was like, oh, that makes so much sense… think globally, act locally”. This perspective reinforces her commitment to sustainable practices and her desire to inspire other businesses to follow suit. Ultimately, Aimee Sutton’s inspiration stems from a blend of personal experiences, a sense of responsibility, and a vision for a healthier, more sustainable future for her family, her clients, her employees, and the environment.

Overall impact

The overall impact of Well Daze's sustainability initiatives is clear through the immediate benefits to health and safety. By choosing to use cleaning agents that are free from harmful chemicals, the studio has significantly reduced chemical exposure, creating a safer environment for both their clients and employees. This commitment to using eco-friendly products has not only enhanced the well-being of customers but also it has developed a culture of mindfulness among their team. As employees become more aware of Well Daze’s environmental impact, they have also become empowered to make conscious choices in their daily practices, leading to immediate improvements in the clinic's environmental footprint. This approach creates a sense of responsibility and pride within the team, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment in their work.

In addition to these immediate benefits, Well Daze's sustainability initiatives have a broader, long-term impact on their community and the local economy. By prioritizing partnerships with local businesses and sourcing products that align with their values, Well Daze has strengthened community ties and stimulated the local economy. This collaborative approach not only inspires other businesses to adopt similar sustainable practices but also encourages a collective commitment to environmental and social responsibility. As Well Daze continues to demonstrate that sustainability is achievable through small, consistent actions, it highlights how local efforts can directly contribute to global initiatives, such as the UN's SDGs. 

Business benefit

Well Daze’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment has benefited their business by contributing to sustained growth and success. By sourcing their products from local suppliers and using organic, chemical-free cleaning agents, the company has garnered a supportive customer base with similar beliefs regarding sustainability. This has not only helped to build brand loyalty, but it has also expanded their market reach, appealing to consumers who value businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the growth that Well Daze has experienced because of these initiatives has led to the development of their online store. Well Daze is now equipped to reach a larger customer base, which could contribute to further growth and success.

Well Daze has also significantly benefited from building strong relationships with other businesses, particularly those that share the same commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. By working with local suppliers and partners with a like-minded focus on sustainability, Well Daze has not only increased and enhanced their product offerings, but also strengthened their community ties. These relationships have created a network of support that encourages innovation. As Well Daze continues to grow, they have the potential to inspire other local businesses to adopt a sustainable, eco-friendly practices, positively impacting their community. This can help Well Daze continue to grow a strong and positive reputation, within the wellness and massage therapy industry.

Social and environmental benefit

A core component of Well Daze’s operations is sourcing products locally – a practice that directly supports SDG 11, which focuses on creating safe and sustainable urban spaces. By choosing to work with businesses in their community, Well Daze has reduced its carbon footprint from transportation emissions, while simultaneously stimulating their local economy. Aimee emphasizes this, stating, “I think it’s really important as a business owner that I’m involved in the community and support other businesses around me”. Well Daze currently purchases their cleaning supplies from a local manufacturer in Fergus, Ontario.

Aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Well Daze is committed to using and selling organic, chemical-free products that are safe for both their customers and the environment. Prioritizing products free from harmful chemicals not only promotes a healthier lifestyle, but it also reduces chemical pollution that can contaminate water, soil, and wildlife. One example of this would be a muscle cream sold by Well Daze, that is free from parabens. Well Daze is offering a safe, eco-friendly alternative to conventional products, that often contain ingredients that are harmful to both your health and the environment.

Well Daze demonstrates their dedication to climate action through their commitment to using reuseable products, aligning with SDG 13: Climate Action. By integrating reuseable products into their daily operations, Well Daze has significantly reduced their waste levels. Aimee asserts, “It might be a little bit more at the end of the day, but it’s an investment in our future… I think it offsets the costs when you’re using like non-disposable hand towels and stuff like that”. By using reusable hand towels, instead of paper towels, Well Daze estimates that they have saved around 110kg of carbon waste each year.

Interview

Aimee Sutton, Owner, Registered Massage Therapist, Certificate Infant Massage Trainer