Dragonfly's Georgie Yam

What initially brought you to Shanghai?

While I am originally from Hong Kong, I came to Shanghai as a consultant for a German hair-care product line in 2001. My background lies in the hair salon industry having studied at the Vidal Sassoon School in London and prior to this running several hair and beauty salons for about 10 years in Singapore.

How did the idea to set up Dragonfly come about?

Basically, massage has been around for a few thousand years in China. While we had focused on spas in hotels in Singapore, in China I noticed there were different types of spas. There were five star hotel spas or self standing massage places which were RMB 30 to 40 for a massage. The latter were non-branded, offered no hygiene and sometimes there were rats running around. I wanted to design a place that was not typically Chinese, but not very Western, so I came up with this type of fusion style of massage with an Asian type of technique with Chinese influence, set in the backdrop of very contemporary decor.

Are most of your customers foreigners?

When we first started, our primary customers were Westerners, international travellers and Asian travellers. I think this is a very nice match and whereas we initially anticipated a 10 per cent Chinese customer base, it is now about 40 per cent and these are generally the global Chinese who look for more privacy than what a general Chinese massage place offers.

Are massages really good for your health, or simply a relaxing indulgence?

Going for a massage is a form of keeping fit in China. It’s an important way of staying active through improved blood circulation, both mentally and physically. You can say it’s a form of passive exercise, especially when it includes stretching, to keep you young while giving you a lot of positive energy. In the wellbeing business, it’s all about balance: how to balance your diet, how to balance your own strength at times, how to give back energy to your body. The more you care about this, the younger you look and the longer you will live. Of course mental thinking also helps you stay young, but it should be combined with physical exercise and massage.

What would your ideal spa day consist of?

I enjoy massages a lot, so in my weekly routine I go for a massage at least two or three times. In the beginning stage, I had to be a tester to test all my staff after they received training, but it was really crazy to be going for a massage every day for four to five hours when you cannot relax since you must notice any mistakes and whether procedures are followed. I have really given up on testing about two years ago, but I enjoy it at least two to three times a week.

What is your favourite Dragonfly treatment? 

My favourite is still the aromatherapy massage. Our aroma oil massage aids relaxation, lets a person get a good rest and is especially good for those who are very active (which I am). My mind is constantly active, so a good aromatherapy massage actually helps my whole body and mind relax.

What are some other things you do to relax and unwind?

I enjoy going to the flower markets and junk shops that have junk furniture from over China. I like to go there, dig out a few pieces and get them to restore, then put them in one of the spas. The transformation of a piece is beautiful and it’s also about being mindful through recycling, while having an appreciation for the higher quality in older wooden furniture seen in the workmanship. For me to switch off, besides massage I like to go to furniture malls. When I step into a furniture mall I am so relaxed. It is better than having a bottle of wine for me. I can just switch off and look at furniture while just imagining how to place all these things.

You recently organised a cocktail competition where many bartenders competed to create a ‘Dragonfly’ cocktail. What do cocktails have to do with spas?

Our customers are conscious about their lifestyle choices. I want to start something that makes people remember us. So imagine if a cocktail is started; this cocktail could be in Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea in some of the top end restaurants and bars. They would have the concoction and a glass of Dragonfly cocktail can be ordered, both for people to remember and to spike people’s curiosity about where the cocktail is from. "Ah, it’s from China, Dragonfly’s spa." We are not encouraging people to drink, but this drink is very calming, very soothing and especially good for those who like to socialise, but who don’t wish to drink too much, rather just freshen up.

What are some of your other interests?

If I had more time I would like to have a pet shop because I love animals. I think a lot of animals are quite badly treated in China. We as human beings should show more respect and care for animals. My daughter is studying to be a vet, so I hope that when she graduates she can come to start a clinic for those who can’t take good care of their animals. I picked up a stray dog the first year when I arrived in Shanghai. For five days she had been running outside my shop and we gave her some food at lunchtime, but she was so scared of people. She’s been with me for about six years now and she’s become such a beautiful and happy dog.

Web: www.dragonfly.com.cn