Get to know Peggy Wynne Borgman; artist, spa owner, esthetician, author, consultant, teacher, and all-round whiz.
How many years have you been involved in the spa/hospitality industry?
If I'm permitted to count my first work as a color consultant in the early 80's, I've been at this for 29 years!
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I have a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, and that background, combined with the Carol Jackson book "Color Me Beautiful," gave me a start as a color analyst and makeup consultant. I then decided to get an esthetician's license so I could be a professional makeup artist. I fell in love with skincare, and opened Preston Wynne Spa in 1984.
What is your favorite place in the whole world?
Right now I'm torn between two destinations for my 50th birthday in October - Paris, or Kona. Venice is also hard to beat. But Big Sur is probably my favorite, and it's not far from where I live in Santa Cruz. I'm an outdoor girl at heart.
If you could have any profession in the world, other than what you do now, what would you be?
I'm so fortunate because in my work I get to combine many professions; author, artist, spa designer, teacher. I really couldn't pick just one, and be happy. The profession I most envy right now is that of student. I'd love to have time to get my MBA.
What is your motto or concept that you live by?
Make everything the best it can be, whether you're fixing a sandwich for lunch or creating a new spa. I'm an optimizer. I try to figure out how to get the most joy out of every experience, no matter how mundane.
What is your most treasured possession?
I'd have to say my home. My husband and I are extremely lucky to live in such a rejuvenating place.
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
Watsu, watsu, watsu. Just hard to find.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Seeing how my company has positively influenced the lives and careers of many wonderful people.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to have more follow-through. I'd like to get more things done. I'm great at starting things! Finishing? Much harder.
Care to share any details on family life; i.e. spouse, partner, children, pets?
I have an amazing husband, Mark, two gorgeous grandchildren, 18 months and 4 years old, and three beautiful step-daughters who have turned into adults before my eyes. We also love animals, and have adopted 2 roost-ruling cats, Mookie and Jingle, and a wonderful dog named Lily (who is perfect with roost-ruling cats).
Tell us two things about yourself we don’t know.
My favorite hobby is dry masonry. Give me two tons of rocks and I'll stay happy for hours. Also, I can do a very credible imitation of a horse whinny. They even answer me (but I don't know what I'm saying).