Charlene Florian

Charlene Florian, chief creative officer of skincare brand Kerstin Florian International, has died after a battle with cancer. Charlene was the daughter of Kerstin Florian, the founder of the company, and had worked at Kerstin Florian for more than twenty years.

The company issued a statement saying Florian died peacefully, surrounded by her family and close friends.

“She was a shining light within the industry leading the path for a healthy, more natural lifestyle touching everyone she encountered with positivity, kindness and joy,” the statement said. “A charismatic executive with the Kerstin Florian team, a source of inspiration and knowledge to our partners globally, Charlene was a force of positive energy who embodied the Kerstin Florian brand.

“Charlene was an inspirational and vibrant global thought leader who worked passionately alongside her mom Kerstin to build and grow the Kerstin Florian brand and share their philosophy and passion for wellness and health with the spa industry and beyond. She truly loved her industry and the close knit, extended Kerstin Florian family she was fortunate to work with for over two decades.

“Charlene was first and foremost a proud mother and daughter as well as a lover of life, nature, travel adventures, a true friend, an avid student and teacher and firm believer in the power of love and following her heart and intuition.

“We will forever miss her – her light and legacy lives on in her children and the beautiful products she created with love…”

The company said in lieu of flowers, a charitable donation can be made to Cancer Research Institute.

This marks the latest sad chapter for the spa industry in recent months, following the loss of both Geraldine Howard, co-founder of Aromatherapy Associates, and Lori Hutchinson, founder and co-owner of California, US-based Hutchinson Consulting, who both died earlier this year.

Industry friends and associations have paid their respects on social media, with many posting their memories of Florian, as well as their shock at yet another industry loss.