Who's behind the brand?


Christian Karch and Jeanette Okwu, two entrepreneurs who share their love for Spas and a lifestyle that comes with it.

Christian R. Karch is a certified designer (master) and has worked himself up in several international design positions. His career brought him to many places of the world, founding his extraordinary international background. From 1976 to 1996 he has worked in the fashion industry in Italy, France, Japan, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Sydney.

In 1997, he took a break from fashion and has spent several years in SE-Asia where he got involved in the spa industry, searching for a new challenge. The stress-relieving environment, luxurious pampering rituals and the benefits of healing treatments proved to be such a contrast to the hustling and bustling world of fashion that Christian decided to make this his new career. He studied the properties of natural remedies; ancient healing methods handed down by generations and acquired detailed knowledge of production procedures in the cosmetic industry. Christian Karch has an excellent sense for design and marketing, especially taking individual geographical and cultural factors into account.

Back in Germany, in 2002 Christian founded the KGM GmbH & Co. KG in Frankfurt, to be closer to the export markets in Europe for his growing business. In 2005 the label dhyana SPA was formally established and registered as a trademark in 2006.

Jeanette Okwu studied French and Russian Literature and has a background in TV journalism. Although journalism brought her to New York in 1997 that was not what she had in mind for herself. To fulfill an old dream of hers she opened up a boutique and launched the Jeanette Lang label in trendy Soho making custom designed clothes for New York’s Socialites and Celebrities, producing two collections per year. Her eclectic designs resulted in a number of articles in national and international magazines and interviews on TV and radio. She was also nominated for the “Rising Star Award” by Fashion Group International and selected by Gen Art for the “Pucker Designer Tour” to give six designers the opportunity for national exposure in various cities in the United States. Among others Jeanette designed dresses for celebrities for the 73rd Annual Academy Awards, the Sex and the City premier party 2001 and outfitted main cast of “Will and Grace” (NBC).

In the aftermath of September 11th she had to close her boutique. But her expertise in the luxury market led her to work as a consultant for several European luxury labels for the American market. Companies she worked with include among others Mercedes AMG, La Prairie, Juvena International, Marlies Moeller Beauty Hair Care.

So, how did the two meet? Through a mutual friend, knowing that both Christian and Jeanette shared an affinity for the Asian spa culture and its related lifestyle. And surely enough they hit it off. Both are bringing a broad network knowing all relevant procurement and sales channels to make dhyana Spa a desired product line in the U.S. and Europe.