Next
Generation
SPA
LEADERS
Jessica Barnett
Resort & Hospitality
Management Student
(Spa Management
Concentration)
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
What’s your definition of a spa leader? A
spa leader is someone who naturally takes
charge and gets the job done; a person
who is innovative and not afraid to think
outside the box. A leader is also someone
who is quick to respond and resolute in
solving problems.
Maria Gagliardi
Master Esthetician
Catherine Hinds
Institute of Esthetics
Woburn, Massachusetts
What or who inspired you to begin a career
in the spa industry? I come from a family
of estheticians. It is something I have
always had my hands in.
What’s your definition of a spa leader?
Someone who sees the big picture and is
not afraid to take control while also being
a part of the team.
T
he young generations of today are tomorrow’s leaders. In
their hands rest the future of the spa industry. By investing
in them today through education and scholarships, the industry
ensures that it sustains a roster of visionaries needed for its
future growth. This is the goal of the Mary Tabacchi
Scholarship—to nurture those with potentials to become the
next generation of spa leaders.
Here, Pulse turns the spotlight on ISPA’s Mary Tabacchi
scholar applicants, including this year’s recipient, Jessica Barnett.
In your own way, how are you contributing
to the spa industry? I contribute by constantly seeking out education and
applying what I learn every chance I get. I
also always keep an open mind and anticipate and value my guests’ needs.
How do you think young people like you can
make an impact on the spa industry? I
think [new graduates] with spa management [degrees] not only offer a [vast]
knowledge in well-rounded management,
but also have fresh ideas.
In your own way, how are you contributing
to the spa industry? By staying on top of
current trends and continuously seeking
education, I am able to take my knowledge and apply it to everyone I touch.
How do you think a career in the spa industry has changed your life? Being in a spa
environment is very therapeutic, it really
makes me happy. When you do something you love, it doesn’t feel like work.
As this year’s Mary Tabacchi scholarship
recipient, how do you plan to give back to
other young spa leaders in the future? I
would love to create a scholarship fund
for future leaders such as the one that was
awarded to me. I believe education is
really the foundation of a great future spa
leader.
How do you envision the spa of tomorrow? I
envision an enchanted, beautiful place
with lush vegetation that will make you
feel like you have entered another world.
ences. I have lists of things that I love that
are fresh and exciting, kind of like nice
little touches.
How do you envision the spa of
tomorrow? I firmly believe that the
medical field is going to join forces with
the spa industry. We are already seeing
this trend in medi-spas. I think it is going
to go further into caring for patients using
therapeutic treatments. I would like to see
spas right inside hospitals.
How do you think young people like you can
make an impact in the spa industry? By
continuing to learn and grow, we can
spread awareness about ideas and experi-
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64 PULSE
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November 2011