Fresh From The Farm: An Interview with Boldijarre Koronczay

Born and raised in Budapest, Boldijarre Koronczay, president of Eminence Organic Skin Care, recently returned to his roots, giving us an up-close-and-personal look at the city that helped shape his views on beauty and wellness as well as a tour of the Eminence Certified Organic Farm. Here, he shares his thoughts on the farm, Hungarian spas, and more.

Q. How did growing up in Budapest and experiencing the spa culture there shape your views on spa and wellness?

A. In Budapest, receiving facials and skincare treatments is part of regular life and a normal health regimen—it’s not considered a luxury. Taking care of your skin with a professional is a necessity to look and feel your best as part of your overall health. Regardless of your gender, your mother usually takes you to her esthetician when you enter your teenage years to start taking care of your skin, teaching you about good skincare habits. 

Q. How do Hungarian spas differ from their American counterparts?
A.
Spas in Hungary are geared more towards results and are more “task oriented,” versus American spas that focus on relaxation and calming. Hungarian spas are also much more social, as many times multiple people receive simultaneous facials from the same esthetician in the same room. Facial chairs, similar in shape to an American dentist’s chair, are set up side by side. In the States, men and women go to a country club for lunch or a round of golf to socialize, Hungarians go to a spa.

Q. What is your favorite spa in Budapest, and why?

A. Don’t miss Széchenyi Thermal Bath! This spa is the largest thermal bath per square footage in Europe, and it has the most incredible architecture and history. 

Q. What prompted the creation of the Eminence Certified Organic Farm?
A.
Over the years, Eminence Organic Skin Care has had a significant amount of inquiries from people wanting to visit our farms. While Eminence Organics has always had working farms, these farms are hustle and bustle, unable to accommodate wheelchair access or large tour groups. Therefore, Eminence Organics wanted to respond to this demand and make one of our certified organic farms a family-friendly tribute to the Hungarian heritage, celebrate our love for Hungary, and infuse the farm with traditional cultural motifs while providing education about certified organic ingredients. 

Q. What makes it special?

A. It's special, because it allows us to showcase the diversity of our skincare ingredients in one location, even when the ingredients are typically grown for production from all corners of the country. I dream that one day, we’ll be able to host the children from the Eminence Kids Foundation location in Budapest to teach them about organic farming. I hope that what makes this farm special is that children will learn how organic farming can actually help heal the earth and be able to teach that message to their children.

American Spa's executive editor Heather Mikesell got to visit the Eminence Certified Organic Farm recently, where she spoke with Koronczay about the future of organic farming and more.

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