Meet Shana Ominsky, spa director of LakeHouse Spa at Lake Austin Spa Resort (TX), who has been in the spa and hospitality industry for 25 years as a spa director at various locations prior to joining LakeHouse Spa, such as The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (CA); The Fairmont Spa at Claremont Club & Spa (Berkeley, CA), Spa Montage at Montage Deer Valley (Park City, UT), and The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula New York.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
After college in New York, I decided to take a break before joining the workforce. I moved to Aspen, CO, to ski for a season. I was made aware that if you work in a hotel that one of the perks was that you get a free ski pass for the season. So, I applied to the Ritz-Carton, now the St. Regis, and before I knew it, I was on the road to a career in hospitality.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
Having been in some of the most sought-after properties, there is always a chance that owners and management can change. I luckily have never been displaced, but it can be stressful but also very exciting and an extremely fun process.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I’m proud of the influence that I have had on people’s career paths. Nothing gives me greater joy that helping facilitate someone’s path to success.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
How many people in the industry I know. The spa community is always growing but it feels like a family that you have grown up with. Each year when I go to the ISPA conference, I feel like I am going to see friends and family.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
The industry is steamrolling forward as usual. I would have to say that you see constant innovation and concepts. I do believe that quality of service is the most important to guests. I am a bit old school that way, but rendering supreme service is the foundation for anything that may come up in the future.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
This is a decade-old skincare product, but I am obsessed with vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid. I have used a product by SkinCeuticals for close to 20 years alongside a good sunscreen.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
When I got to the executive level, I realized that my experience and expertise was really valuable, and people listen to what I have to say and contribute. It is an outstanding feeling when people consider you an expert in your field.
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?
The most significant was when I had to choose to move away from a place that I thought I would retire. The pandemic put many of us in that position. There were so many unusual situations that occurred for professionals, and I was one of them, in it. I was scared, and questioned if I had it in me to continue with my career knowing that I needed to move. When I finally got out of my head and pulled the trigger, it was by far the best decision for my life, I did not want to give up. I landed in a place that I have always wanted to be.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
I really like to refurbish old furniture and I love interior design. It’s just a hobby, but if I could make it a career in another life, I would.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
Be kind and thoughtful in life and at work. That works for me.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
I love to ski, hike, and am an avid hot yogi. I enjoy breaking bread with friends and family.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
Don’t take things so seriously, laugh, and love.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Listen and be genuine.