Meet Rachel Patane, spa manager of Spa Pechanga at Pechanga Resort Casino (Temecula, CA), who started working in the hospitality industry in her early 20s.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
While working various positions in the hotel division, I grew to learn more about spa management and operations. I’ve always loved visiting spas on my days off, and was fascinated to learn all the hard work behind the scenes that goes into making an amazing spa experience.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
Working in the spa industry is incredibly rewarding. We are in the business of helping our guests feel good, improve their health, and we leave them looking good, too, when it comes to them getting nail, hair, or facial services. I think we encounter the same challenges any other part of the tourism and hospitality sector does with occasional team member turnover, adapting to change, and being able to quickly respond to new trends if need be.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family. Raising two amazing kids who are now in college is my proudest accomplishment.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry? Fast-changing trends! I’ve learned how important it is to stay engaged and ahead of the curve.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
There’s so much more emphasis now following the pandemic on self-care and taking time out for one’s self. We’ve seen an increase in guests where one spouse would go to the spa while the other golfed or spent time in the casino or slept in. Now, both spouses make time for spa treatments. I see the industry needing more massage therapists, estheticians, and other licensed, professional spa workers in the years ahead as the self-care trend isn’t a trend anymore.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Vitamin C! I love the brightening effect. Hyaluronic acid is also great for anti-aging and the plumping effect.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
While I’ve learned so much from every role I’ve had in the hospitality industry, one of the most influential was my experience as front office manager. As the first and last stop for the guest in the hotel check-in, check-out process, working front office gave me the vantage point to refine all aspects of an excellent guest experience.
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?
When my children were young, I made the decision to go part-time at work to spend more time with them. My time raising my children was incredibly valuable and I wouldn’t change a thing. I returned to working full-time eight years later, armed with a new appreciation for Pechanga and the hospitality industry.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
Traveling nurse. I have a tremendous respect for nurses, and I love to travel!
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
I strive to always follow the Golden Rule. Always treat others the way you would like to be treated.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
I love visiting spas to both unwind and stay ahead of fast moving trends in the industry. I also love golf, traveling to Hawaii, and, most of all, spending time with my family.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
Family, faith, and balance.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The best work advice I’ve received is to know your team’s jobs. Ask questions and don’t be too proud to jump in and get your hands dirty. Create a team who are best at different things and get them all on the same page to be unstoppable.