How many years have you been involved with the spa industry?
9 years
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I was a Pilates instructor and started adding estheticians to my location and loved it. I am kind of a skincare nerd. I LOVE the science behind it.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
It is a very healthy industry and I am so lucky to be a part of it—it feels like a slumber party that never ends. What I do never feels like work because I am so passionate about it.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of working in the spa industry?
The most challenging thing is to teach clients to build up their skin and to not constantly strip it away. We also try to educate clients to stay away from some of the lasers and fillers out there. I have seen such nightmares. It takes time to get them to make the transition, but when they do and see amazing results from the products and services we offer, it's truly rewarding. It's also such a pleasure to work in an environment where everyone is happy to be.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I love being able to help someone totally fix and transform her skin, so that she begins to smile and laugh again. Problem areas and issues with the skin can really affect someone's self esteem, so when you are able to provide the solution, it feels great.
What qualities do you look for in your spa staff?
I look for kind, caring, genuine, and smart people to join our team.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
I think that the spa industry is going to become a complete approach to beauty and lifestyle. Realizing that you are what you eat, what you do, and how you live, and that your skin and body are a reflection of all of these things—this will change the perspective on the industry as a whole, in a great way.
What is the strangest client request you’ve fielded?
We once had a booking for five massages all at 11:30 pm and they requested ketchup in the rooms (it ended up being for french fries they were bringing). The four adult children were all wearing Mickey Mouse ears (it was like the twilight zone) and they were all smoking with their mother. This one will be hard to beat.
What new spa treatment would you like to try?
I think I have tried everything that I have wanted to try so far. I travel around the world and always try out any new treatment I see that interests me.
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
I have a facial every week with microcurrent added. I have not had any Botox or fillers yet.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
My favorite skincare ingredient is hyaluronic acid because it helps plump fine lines, but it's hard to choose just one.
Tell us two things about you that we don’t know?
I love to read about electrical current and I love to travel.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
Probably managing at Nordstrom and owning my own clothing company. Both roles taught me a lot and prepared me for what I'm doing now.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
It is not too far off from the spa industry, but I would love to own a hotel.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
Do what you love, work really hard, and follow your dreams because you only live once.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Ninety percent of the things people worry about are not worth worrying about, so just focus on fixing the 10 percent that are. And always be kind to others.