Spa Talk With Taniesha Boursiquot of Waldorf Astoria Spa Atlanta Buckhead

Meet Taniesha Boursiquot, director of spa and wellness at Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, who has been in the spa and hospitality industry for seven years. 

Photo credit: Taniesha Boursiquot

What was the path that led you into the spa industry?  

I originally started as key hairstylist and makeup artist, which eventually transitioned into esthetician, then full specialist, and now director of spa and wellness.

What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?  

The spa industry continues to evolve. It is constantly changing and that in itself can be challenging, but the growth is rewarding, especially when a guest experiences that knowledge and passion.

What is your proudest accomplishment?  

The present! Six or seven years ago, I wouldn’t have thought that I would be a director of a spa, let alone at the Waldorf Astoria in Buckhead Atlanta!

What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?  

My passion for spa began to grow when I realized that spa isn’t just a luxury, but it is preventative care on so many levels.

Where do you think the industry is heading?   

Now that we have grasped the idea of wellness and experiences, spa is more than servicing a guest need on the table. But now, we are seeking ways to make a life-changing impact through overall wellness.

What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?  

Hyaluronic acid will forever by my best friend! For one, it’s a naturally occurring substance in the body, so our body recognizes and welcomes it. And maintaining moisture and hydration, which are two different things, solves many issues for skin. 

What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career? 

I strongly believe that because of my career path, it has allowed me to connect with the teams that I’ve had the honor to work with. They trust my knowledge, so they also trust the vision because I lead with them in mind first. Happy team, even happier guest.

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? 

My career has been nothing short of a blessing. I have had many great mentors and leaders that saw my potential and nurtured it. One of my strongest characteristics is that I learned how to adapt, find my strengths and weaknesses, and approach them head-on. 

If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?  

I would be an educator in the spa industry. 

How would you sum up your personal philosophy?  

Life will always be challenging, give grace and be graceful. Many solutions in life simply take patience and kindness, to others and most importantly, to ourselves.

How do you like to spend your time away from work?  

The most honest answer to this would be, that I think about work. However, I am intentional about balance; so I rest and spend time creating memories with my family.

What are your three greatest priorities in life?  

Faith – Health – Family. Faith has brought me to this very moment, health has carried me, and family has supported me along the way.

What’s the best advice you’ve received? 

Steward what you have and where you are well. Although this was recent, I will never forget it. To me, it requires you to be present, consistent, and appreciative of where you are and what you have.