Spa Talk with Teresa Torres

Meet Teresa Torres, the spa corporate director for Secrets Spas by Pevonia and a 13-year industry veteran.

What was the path that led you into the spa industry?

I developed a fascination for beauty at a very young age. I always loved cosmetics, beautycare products, and clothes because of its power to make us look, and more importantly, feel beautiful. Eventually, I saw the potential to tie it to business. In high school, I sold beauty products easily to my friends, and somehow, I always knew I would end up with a career in the beauty and wellness industry.

What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?

A happy customer, or better said ‘a satisfied guest’ is both the most challenging and rewarding part of my job. Each guest is different with specific needs and personal expectations. Understanding the uniqueness of each guest and aligning their needs and expectations with our excellence-driven ethos, services, and offerings is always the rather complex goal. But as we achieve this goal, guest satisfaction magically translates into the best reward we can receive—and that justifies all the intense, mindful, and detailed efforts involved.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

The results my team continues to deliver day after day and the personal passion they put into their work to achieve these results. I could not do it without them.

What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?

The ongoing evolution and innovations in this industry—wellbeing and beauty continuously fuel exceptional ideas and trends. The industry is full of passion and very experienced individuals who strive to continuously innovate on all fronts (products, treatments, infrastructure, etc). In my opinion, this makes our industry one of the most dynamic and exciting industries in the world.

Where do you think the industry is heading? 

Spas are becoming increasingly familiar and ubiquitous. They are more readily incorporated in people’s busy and stressful lives as part of a wellness lifestyle rather than the previous ‘pampering’ perception. A growing demand is attracting all kinds of investors and entrepreneurs who want to benefit from the opportunity. But the rapid growth in this sector can easily compromise quality and professionalism, so I believe service authenticity and quality will become critical differentiators in the industry and keys to long-term success.

What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?

With all of the innovation taking place within the industry, we can have favorite ingredients every year and even every season. But there are ingredients (or elements) that I believe are fundamental to our wellbeing and sometimes overlooked or underestimated for their benefits. One of them is pure water; a properly hydrated body is the basis for having healthy skin. And pure water can be used in so many diverse and exciting ways in this industry. It is after all the true foundation of the spa industry.

What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?

I would have to say my current position because it exposes me to a diverse number of situations and challenges that offer valuable experience, profound insight, and the best practices we can leverage across our corporate network. I am blessed to combine this experience for future planning as well as existing business.

If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?

I genuinely love what I do, and there is truly nothing else I would rather do.

How would you sum up your personal philosophy?

Life only gives you the challenges and opportunities you can handle, and nothing is impossible. 

How do you like to spend your time away from work?

I love running, shopping, and going to the movies, and I truly enjoy travel, especially when it involves discovering new places.

What are your three greatest priorities in life?

My greatest priorities in life are faith, my personal life, and my professional life—in that order and very intricately balanced to ensure not only my happiness, but the happiness of those around me.

What’s the best advice you’ve received? 

To approach life and all that is placed within your reach with passion and love—nothing else counts.