Meet Adrienne Willis, spa director at Spa Fjör at Hotel Viking (Newport, RI), who started her career working in salons in 2004, but moved over to the spa and hospitality industry in 2010.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I was working as a hairstylist for 6 years when I got a part-time position within a hotel that had a spa. I was able to transfer over into the spa full-time after a few months and I haven't looked back since!
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
Navigating our way through the COVID-19 pandemic to keep everyone safe while also meeting the incredible demand for wellness and spa therapies has both been the most challenging and rewarding. After a very stressful lockdown period, it's nice to be there for our guests who needed that extra care in their lives.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I really pride myself in my ability to connect with my team. I know that any success I may have in my career is always there because of the team I have with me. Connecting with them and cultivating a caring and honest relationship has always allowed me to generate success in my industry.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
The number of new treatments and technology that is developed so often is incredible. There is always something new to learn!
Where do you think the industry is heading?
The world has been focusing more on the importance of self-care in our lives, which has only pushed every part of our industry to create more innovative products. From new skincare tools and products to new ways to heal our bodies, the demand for all of these innovations is rapidly growing so that in another 10-15 years, spas may look completely different from how they are imagined now.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Hands down, vitamin C is my favorite ingredient because of all of its benefits. I can never get enough!
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
Being behind the chair in a salon and then moving into more of an admin role at the start of my career has really given me the experience I feel is necessary to fully understand what our spa industry feels is most important, not only to our guests but to staff and what makes them happy and engaged while at work.
Was there a time you had to make a decision in your career that ended up changing your destiny? How did you handle that challenge and what was your thought process?
Early on in my spa career, I was given the choice to go back to being in salons or fully commit to my hospitality career and move across the country to California. I had never lived outside of my home state of Texas at that point so moving alone across the country was a bit intimidating. I loved my time in hotel spas and was not ready to let that go, so I decided to leave my comfort zone and take the plunge! That really opened up myself to so many different possibilities around the world in this career. It has allowed me to live in some of the most beautiful places and meet so many fascinating people from all over the world.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
I have always been drawn to careers that allow me to help and care for others. I have also always had an interest in psychology. If I wasn't in the spa, I could definitely see myself in a role that helps care for people's mental health.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
If you can first care for yourself, then you are sufficiently equipped to help and care for those around you.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
I am new to the New England area but my partner is from here. We spend a lot of our free time together exploring all of his favorite areas and taking in the history that surrounds you here. Being so close to the ocean is also a huge bonus, as I love to spend time on the water.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
I am currently expecting my first child so they've quickly become my first priority. My other two priorities would be the health and wellness of my close friends and family as well as myself. I truly believe that if you can first take care of your own needs then you will be in the best position to help others with the greatest amount of effort.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I have ever received is to remember to slow down. Do not be quick to judge or assume in any given situation. Take a moment to take a step back and look at the whole picture. We do our best work when we are not in a rush.