March is International Women's Month, and to celebrate, we wanted to pay tribute to some of the brightest voices in wellness. We spoke with women in leading roles within wellness for insight into their greatest accomplishments, what women are looking for in their wellness programming in 2024 and what the industry can do to further support women working in wellness.
What is the highlight of your career as a woman in wellness?
-Christina Cabrera, Director of Spa and Fitness, Spa La Quinta: I feel incredibly blessed to work in an industry and for a company that allows me to pursue my passion for wellness by helping people live healthier and fuller lives in many ways. A wellness achievement that I am proud to have implemented is a team member wellness program at La Quinta Resort & Club that is complimentary to all resort staff and offers nutritional, fitness and wellness guidance.
-Georgette Lothian, Director of Spa & Wellness, Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk: I honestly think the highlight of my career is just being able to do something I truly love and have so much passion for. Some people dread going to work everyday, but being able to create unique experiences for guests and being able to turn their bad day/month/year around means everything to me.
-Molly Flora, Retail and Wellness Experience Specialist, Keswick Hall Spa: There have been many highlights so far in my wellness career. From the successful opening of a luxury spa, to launching new wellness experiences and creating long term partnerships. With those highlights, nothing can compare to seeing those you work with succeed. Watching members of the spa team find their passion and meet their goals is incredibly fulfilling. In honor of those women who extended their hand to me, raising me up, I hope that I will be able to continue to do the same for those around me.
What do you think women are looking for in their wellness programming for 2024?
-Cabrera: In 2024, more women are looking for wellness programs that balance mental health with physical and nutritional wellness, not just physical health.
-Lothian: I think women are just looking to have an overall reset, so if we can continue to create a variety of treatments they will continue to come back to try new things. Women need an escape every now and again, and look forward to a spa day that can make them forget about everything outside those walls and truly embrace some ME time.
-Flora: As our wonderful industry continues to evolve, I believe that women will continue to look for inclusiveness in their wellness programming. Value will be found in creating experiences, treatments, and products that consider a wide range of emotional and physical health needs.
Related: Accomplishments and Advice From Women of Color in Wellness
What can the industry do to support women’s careers in wellness and spa business?
-Cabrera: Education and networking events are imperative for women in the wellness industry to share ideas and experiences with other like-minded individuals. Companies both in and outside of the wellness industry can support women in wellness by integrating health, wellness and spa benefits into their team member benefit programs.
-Lothian: I think this industry has some pretty powerful, influential and strong women in it already, and as long as WE all stick together and promote one another we will do great things.
-Flora: The wellness and spa industry should take note of the unique challenges that women face. By creating a supportive environment that includes mentorship, education, and advancement opportunities, our industry can generate conditions that allow women to thrive.
Any advice/tips or final remarks?
-Cabrera: To me, wellness is about having a sound state of mind, body and spirit. It is about being in tune not only with yourself, but also the ability to connect with others and our surroundings both big and small. Wellness is nourishing your body from the inside out with proper nutrition and physical activity. It is also finding harmony with your inner being. Being able to grasp and manage your emotions, having a strong sense of character, and feeding your soul with daily affirmations or having a connection with a higher power. Wellness is living a life of gratitude and making everyday a meaningful one.
-Lothian: In the spa industry, we have the POWER to change peoples lives even if its for just a few hours. This world is so fast pace sometimes, and we can slow it down for our guests whether they are just here for a 50 minute massage or choose to make a full day out of it.
-Flora: As leaders in an industry that is typically female dominant, it is valuable for us to pave the way for the leaders of the future. We need to authentically listen, speak up, and take action to ensure we are creating a community that will support, influence, and advocate for health and well-being of each other.
