Eric Savage
WHAT MADE YOU THINK a career in spa and wellness might be right for you and did you initially consider a different career path ? ERIC : I made a dramatic shift from a 30-year career in automotive retail to spa and wellness . In truth , it ’ s less dramatic than it looks , but it certainly is different ! Most notable to me is the fact that the spa and wellness industry aligns itself much more closely to my core philosophy of being in the “ life improvement business ,” and the people in this industry are more attuned to this ideal .
PLEASE SHARE A PERSONAL WELLNESS tip or ritual that keeps you balanced and energized in your busy schedule .
ERIC : I spend more time at a desk than I would prefer , and on days where it ’ s way too much time , I will set my timer for 60-minute intervals to break for a few sets of squats . It ’ s remarkable to me how quickly everything changes when I do that ... my heart rate increases , my computer-bleary eyes see better , my focus gets sharper and it actually feels like my brain gets bigger !
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVORITE WAY to unwind and practice mindfulness after a long day of work ?
ERIC : My meditation occurs at the keyboard of a piano . I ’ m a classically trained pianist and I can bring anything to keys that is demanding to be worked or released . It ’ s kind of amazing how a little Chopin or Beethoven can make the greatest of worries in my life feel so small .
Jessica Wadley
WHAT MADE YOU THINK a career in spa and wellness might be right for you and did you initially consider a different career path ? JESSICA : Back in the ‘ 90s , I worked at the trendiest salon and spa in San Diego while I was studying for my business management degree . I absolutely enjoyed every aspect of it , from working with the 65 hairstylists and 150-plus therapists to earning a 10 percent retail commission , which really helped me pay for my college expenses . And the rest , as they say , is history !
PLEASE SHARE A PERSONAL WELLNESS tip or ritual that keeps you balanced and energized in your busy schedule . JESSICA : I try to keep my circadian rhythm straight with lots of sleep and water . I rest without fail each Saturday including a complete digital detox to prevent travel burnout . Recently , I began working with a personal trainer to focus on skeletal muscle and functional mobility . Two nourishing meals a day for me with no snacking is a real energy booster and also conducive to my travel schedule .
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVORITE WAY to unwind and practice mindfulness after a long day of work ? JESSICA : Hip-hop , burlesque and jazz / fun dance classes are my favorite go-to ! Nothing like being mindful to Rhianna or Beyonce ! n
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
If you are interested in serving on the ISPA Board of Directors , a call for candidates will be announced to all ISPA members in January 2025 .
ISPA WOULD LIKE TO THANK outgoing Secretary / Treasurer Michelle Adams Somerville and former board member Dawn MacLellan for their service on the ISPA Board of Directors .
Michelle Adams Somerville
Dawn MacLellan
APRIL / MAY 2024 n PULSE 67