Lisa Rease has been in the spa and hospitality industry for six years, but has had a cosmetology license for more than 25 years. She most recently was named spa director at Willowbrook Spa at The Lake House on Canandaigua (NY), where she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the spa and its retail store. Prior to this role, Rease served as the spa and retail manager at Spa del Lago at del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo, NY). Learn more about Rease, her path to where she is today, and her thoughts on the future of spa and wellness.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
The path that led me into the spa industry started when I completed my cosmetology license more than 25 years ago. I started as a booth renter and then ventured off to open my own salon. In 2017, I decided to take on a new adventure and play a big role in the planning and opening of Spa del Lago, located in the del Lago Resort & Casino. After six years, I was given the opportunity to join Willowbrook Spa at The Lake House on Canandaigua, as the spa director.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
One of the most challenging parts of being in the spa industry is having a competitive advantage in the market and standing out from the other surrounding spas. The amenities, results-driven treatments and products, and well-experienced therapists are some of the key contributors to a successful spa. While this may be challenging, helping others feel their best is the most rewarding part of being in the spa industry. It is an amazing feeling to see the smiles and hear the gratitude as each client’s spa experience comes to an end.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I am most proud of how quickly I have succeeded in my spa career. It is important to be in an industry that you love, and that is how I got to be where I am today.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
What surprised me the most being in the spa industry is the number of key elements that it takes to be a successful spa. There are so many small details to consider.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
As the population becomes more educated on wellness and understands the importance of it, the spa industry will continue to grow. We will see more technology enhancements coupled with traditional treatments, giving more of an authentic experience and overall happiness.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Retinol and vitamin C are my favorite skincare ingredients. For me, it’s all about cell turnover, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, and those are just a few of the issues these ingredients help treat.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
Most, if not of all, of my working life, I have worked in customer service. I started at a young age waitressing and working retail, and then was a cosmetologist for many years. Excellent customer service is what leads to a successful career in hospitality.
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?
In 2016, I had the challenge of deciding to close my salon and become a spa manager. I had to stop my role of being the service provider and lose the flexibility of working for myself. Although the decision was a tough one, I would not be where I am today in the spa industry, and therefore, I have no regrets.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
If I could work in any other profession in the world, I would be a famous singer and songwriter. This is something I always dreamed of as a little girl. Let’s just say, the world is lucky I chose the spa industry.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
To sum up my personal philosophy, I would quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” We have to remember that we all have our own power to control our destiny. The things that happen to us while doing so are just the small things that make us who we are. Whether the tiny matters are good or bad, we must choose to continue to move forward in the best direction.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
When I am away from work, I love to spend time with my family and watch my children play sports. It is the greatest gift I have been given in my life.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
My three greatest priorities in life are family, happiness, and success. By having those three in life, everything else just comes together.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
One of the greatest pieces of advice I received is to choose happiness in your career and you will continue to experience more success.