What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I took my first role as an esthetician and later as assistant manager at La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa in New York City, opening the first La Prairie spa in the U.S. in 2002. After spending time as a spa director for Setai Hotel in South Beach, FL, and the Aqua Star Babor Beauty Spa at The Beverly Hilton in California, I wanted to continue working with staff, empowering them to exceed guest expectations. My experience as a regional manager for Frederic Fekkai strengthened my understanding in implementing new business processes.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of working in the spa industry?
Our relationships are the most rewarding. We are an industry full of amazingly brilliant, talented, caring, and creative people. Most challenging is not straying too far from my original vision and still thinking outside the box with creative marketing ideas.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Opening facilities and growing businesses, although the one thing that makes me most proud is when I have former employees come back to thank me for helping them grow in their own careers.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
Do what you love, work really hard, and follow your dreams, because you only live once. What’s the best advice you’ve received? Learn new things every day.