Meet director of wellness Avigale LaGrasse, who finds the most challenging aspect of the industry to be the competition.
How many years have you been involved in the spa and hospitality industry?
I have been in the spa and hospitality industry for 14 years.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I started in the fitness industry and gravitated toward massage because it was a great combination for all my clients. As soon as I became a licensed massage therapist, I began working in resort spas as a fitness trainer and massage therapist. I eventually became a spa director, where I’m able to use all my expertise to enhance offerings in my spas.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of working in the spa industry?
The spa and hospitality industries are booming, and making sure our spa is unique and up to date on trends always keeps us on our toes. The most rewarding part is the people, the endless spa products, and the ambience we get to work in every day.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
I think the industry is expanding to more than just spa. Wellness programming with fitness, nutrition, and spa is allowing spas to customize to what their customer is looking to do.
What is the strangest client request you’ve fielded?
The strangest request I have ever encountered was Brazilians for men.
What is the most bizarre treatment you’ve experienced?
Micro skin needling was the most bizarre treatment I have experienced, particularly because I am afraid of needles. The thought of a bunch of needles puncturing tiny holes into the skin is mind blowing. The point of the service is to allow products to penetrate deeper into your skin with microneedling.
What new spa treatment would you like to try?
I would like to try the new saltwater flotation experience in the pods and in the larger versions of the pod. I hear many great health benefits for your mind and body and am intrigued to try it myself.
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
My go-to spa treatment would be a 90-minute facial with an awesome facial massage.
Tell us two things about yourself we don’t know.
I love to design clothing and jewelry and am a mother of three children.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
I would be a fashion designer or public relation and marketing representative.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
Enjoy every moment of your life, and don’t waste any of it on negativity.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Work to live not live to work. I work very hard at not making work my life.