How many years have you been involved in the spa/hospitality industry?
I’ve been involved in the beauty industry for 20 years.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I hosted a call-in health radio show “The Health Buzz” on WVOX 1460 AM in New Rochelle, NY. My main responsibilities included interviewing doctors and nutrition experts about health and anti-aging to discover new products that were discussed on the radio. This is how I found GrandeLASH-MD.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
Creating new products that continue to exceed the expectations of Spa owners and directors is most challenging. I continue to be amazed hearing from my loyal clientele about their increased retail sales revenue from the Grande Naturals product line.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment has been starting Grande Naturals with one product, GrandeLASH-MD, and watching it grow into a successful company over the past 5 years.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
The loyalty of my clients has been inspiring and unexpected. They love when I attend training sessions at their spas.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
The high tech world, including social media and mobile phones, has changed the way people work and buy. I use apps via my mobile phone to make appointments and keep up with my busy schedule. The trend is turning high tech, and the spa industry needs to reach clients through this vehicle.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
I use a variety of peptides in all my products. In GrandeLASH-MD there is a proprietary blend of peptides, amino acids, vitamins, plus conditioning ingredients. In GrandeMASCARA and GrandePRIMER, Sympeptide 226EL is used to nourish lashes and prevent breakage.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career? The radio show was most influential to my career. In this position, I had the opportunity to meet a wide array of professionals and learn about anti-aging ingredients.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
If I could be in another industry, I’d be an actress. I love it!
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
My relationships, both personal and business, define me. I always try to live by my word and never forget where I’ve come from or the people who have helped me along the way.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
I am very active and spend time outside of work with friends and family, at the gym, outdoors with my dog, and at the spa getting a massage or facial after traveling for business.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
My three greatest priorities are my children, my business, and keeping my employees happy and motivated.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve been given is “don’t burn your bridges” because you never know who your next boss or associate will be.