How many years have you been involved in the spa industry?Over 20 years
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I was studying human potential in college and ended up in massage school never having had a massage before in my life! I was impressed with how transformative quality bodywork can be that I got licensed as a massage therapist and started my own private practice specializing in Physical Integration. With additional studies I was certified as a holistic health educator, an aromatherapist and an Ayurvedic Practitioner. In the 80’s I ran my own clinic, Bodywise, the Center for Relaxation and Rejuvenation. Eventually I felt the need to reach more people and so I started training spa therapists in these various healing modalities. This ultimately led to the development of my spa therapy line of professional and home spa products.
What is your favorite place in the whole world?
What a great question. I might have to say Telluride Colorado. The mountains are so spectacular there- probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth to me. I get physically strong hiking those mountains above 10,000 feet and I feel so alive to be surrounded by Nature in such a Big way.
If you could have any profession in the world, other than what you do now, what would you be?
Leading Women’s Retreats and perhaps some for Men too.
What is your motto or concept that you live by?
Everything in Moderation..I truly believe this...and.... “it all adds up...it’s cumulative”- whether it is destructive or supportive behavior- it is cumulative. So what we do really matters.
What is your most treasured possession?
Probably the TARA brand that I’ve built over the last 15 years and all that has been created within it to express values and philosophy of Living Wellness and to support individuals to nourish themselves and cultivate relationship with Self, self knowing, self love.
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
Truthfully it is my Ayurvedic Bindi Herbal Body Rejuvenation. I think you get the best bang for your buck and it is the most multifaceted experience with body mask, exfoliation, aromatherapy, massage, mini face, steam therapy....Honestly, honestly if I have to pick just one treatment this is it! I swear by it for rebalancing the energy and truly rejuvenating the body.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Of course I have to say my son Jake- raising him as a single parent after losing my Husband Mark to a brain tumor. That’s number one.Number 2 is the 80 mile 8 day trek as the only female, with 15 scouts and Dads in Tehipite Valley (rattlesnake infested where only 50 people a year pass through this Wilderness area in the Sierras) and I slept alone under the stars without a tent.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Letting go of attachment
Care to share any details on family life; i.e. spouse, partner, children, pets?
I thrive being active in Nature.I raise my son Jake on my own, as mentioned above. I lost my husband Mark to an aggressive brain tumor and we never had the opportunity to build our life and family together. 15 years later, I am so proud of my son and how is becoming. He has so much of Mark in his blood and it is demonstrated in the most amazing ways through gestures and dance moves and even the way he flicks his fingers after eating chips!
Tell us two things about yourself we don’t know.
Hot springs are my most sacred retreat. I believe there are many religions but Truth is Universal.