clients...stay tuned!
We love hearing the stories behind our favourite day spas and hearing from the therapists who work in them. Recently we had the honour of interviewing one of the most inspiring women in the Australian spa industry, Stephanie Shepherd.
What is your philosophy on health and wellbeing?
I believe finding a good balance in life, love and business is how one can achieve overall health and wellbeing. Loving what you do is also very important. To be successful in ones field you need to be passionate and committed. Success doesn't come overnight. It often takes years of hard work and dedication.
You started with just a two room salon and now you have four amazing spas under the Stephanie's brand, what is your top tip for success?
We have four amazing spas, all in iconic destinations of Queensland. Stephanies Spa Retreat at Sofitel, our Urban Spa Bulimba, a Mountain Spa at Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge and Vineyard and our Ocean Spa at Noosa. My top tips for success are positivity and persistence. One also needs to remain grounded and true to oneself. My spa philosophy has been the same since my humble two room beauty salon days.
Each of your spas has such a unique location what made you choose each one?
Each location has unique aspects and my spa philosophy's have been adapted around the various surroundings. The spa retreat has distinct French influences as a result of the Sofitel heritage, our Bulimba spa is very urban and hip, our mountain spa focuses on a lot of organic and nature based treatments and our Noosa spa is influenced by water features, due to it¹s Noosa location and proximity to the ocean.
You have designed a range of signature body products used in your signaturetreatments, do you have plans to retail your products online?
We have plans for further development within this area. Our signature treatments are always very popular so I¹m looking forward to creating unique products for our clients too.
What achievement in your career are you most proud of?
I¹ve worked in the spa arena for 26 years, successfully running my own spas for 18 years; so I am very proud of this. I think the fact that I am still immensely passionate about my chosen career path all these years later is my most proud achievement clearly I chose the right path. I was born to create spa journey¹s. I love finding ways to constantly improve and adapt my spa offerings for our clients. Achieving steady growth in a highly competitive industry is also a proud achievement of mine, and a blessing.
Who or what inspires you in the spa and wellness industry?
Seeing our industry develop and grow within Australia is exciting. I love travelling overseas and exploring international spa innovations. I try to frequent the USA each year to attend spa conferences and explore the new treatments and products on the international market I particularly love New York. It is always very encouraging and helps me creatively. There are so many hard working spa owners in Australia, and all of them are inspiration to the industry.
What do you think makes a day spa stand out from the crowd as being special?
Staying true to your business beliefs and following professional and ethical standards for your guests and team.
If you could only have one spa treatment for the rest of your life what would it be?
Foot Rituals! The exotic soul ritual offered at our spas is amazing. You feel like you have new souls...and topping it off with a fabulous Butter London polish makes you look and feel like a million bucks.
What is your 'cannot live' without spa product?
Aromatherapy and heated towels. Simple but highly effective 'must have' spa products!
Apart from Stephanie's spas where is the most luxurious spa that you have ever visited?
I¹ve been privileged enough to have visited some of the worlds most amazing spas. The Willow Stream in Banff Canada, many luxury Parisian Hotel spas and the Banyan Tree Spa in Thailand.
What's next for Stephanie's spas?
Stephanies Luxury Spa Group is always growing, adapting and creating for our clients...stay tuned!
Thanks to the fabulous Stephanie for taking time out to share her spa success secrets with us!
