Meet Chloe Jones, spa manager at The Spa at Marriott Harbor Beach Resort (Fort Lauderdale, FL), who has 8 years of experience in the spa and hospitality industry.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I began my hospitality journey about 8 years ago, holding several roles within food and beverage discipline. I decided to pursue my passion for the hospitality industry and graduated from University of Central Florida’s Rosen School for Hospitality. Following graduation, I was accepted into Marriott’s Voyage program at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. My leadership journey started at Harbor Beach in the rooms division where I was able to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in front office and housekeeping operations. I was then tasked with providing additional leadership coverage in the spa. It is there where I discovered her passion for spa and wellness.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
The most challenging part is definitely making everyone happy all the time! As a businesswomen and visionary, I sometimes have to make decisions the staff does not understand. It is also challenging to find and retain qualified staff. The most rewarding aspect is seeing guests' positive experiences. That's what keeps us coming back to work every day. I love it when guests comment that they have been to spas all over the world, and this was the best experience they've ever had. Nothing is more rewarding than that.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being promoted to direct spa operations for one of the best companies to work for.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
Massage HAS changed many lives, and in an effort to dispel the skepticism surrounding my past thoughts on massage, I have had the honor to witness the craft provided, change other lives, as well. Whether it's drastically lessening migraines, reducing stress, pain relief, improved circulation, or something as simple as “scheduled” alone time.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
It is my hope that people will look to massage and the spa experience as a necessity, not a luxury. Now, more than ever, people need to take care of themselves and be nurtured. Spa-goers are very savvy now. They are looking for new, exiting treatments that are not offered by their therapist at home.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Hyaluronic acid, the ability to “reverse” or stop aging. Hyaluronic acid is the key to the fountain of youth.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
I have shown passion for health and wellness my whole life. I emulated a healthy lifestyle regardless of the occupation I was currently in. I spent years promoting nutritional energy drinks and cultivating a marketing team to cater to different demographics. With pursuing a career in spa, I had no idea I was able to deepen my passion for wellness and allow myself to share that with guests or clients.
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?
With having a food and beverage background, I never saw myself working in a spa and programming fitness classes. Now I have realized how thankful I am for the switch and how I could never see myself doing anything else. I'm so happy I took a chance on myself to get me where I am.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
I would be a world-traveling journalist reporting on the ins and outs of each country.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time enjoying an outdoor activity, whether it's rollerblading near the beach, yoga under a nice shady tree, or even a casual walk to a healthy lunch.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
*Good health
*Family and relationships
*Confidence, self-investment, and self-improvement
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
View every person you meet as a door that may lead you to a new opportunity.