" Listen, learn, share your knowledge and welcome the education others offer. That’ s what makes this association strong."
" Listen, learn, share your knowledge and welcome the education others offer. That’ s what makes this association strong."
immediate— I knew this was a group I wanted to be part of. Dr. Andrew Weil spoke, and hearing his perspective on where the industry was going was enlightening. Everyone was eager to share their experiences to help one another.
Pulse: In one word or phrase, how has ISPA shaped your career? JK: It made it explode.
Pulse: What does the ISPA community mean to you personally? JK: It’ s a family that fights for you.
Pulse: Favorite ISPA tradition still alive today? JK: ISPA’ s ability to continue putting on Conferences year after year. Delivering education, networking and exposure to products of today and tomorrow isn’ t easy, yet ISPA makes it happen.
Evolution of the spa industry
Pulse: How has ISPA balanced spa tradition with innovation? JK: By blending long-tenured leaders with newer voices, just as we blend emerging technologies with timeless practices. Often what feels“ new” is really rediscovered knowledge presented in fresh ways.
Pulse: What industry shifts has ISPA best prepared members for? JK: The rapid evolution of technology. ISPA has ensured companies bring forward ideas and solutions the industry hasn’ t seen before, always keeping us future-minded.
Pulse: What moments have signaled new eras for spas? JK: Times of tragedy— 9 / 11, Covid, economic downturns. Those moments showed the resilience of ISPA and the spa community. Each time, we pulled together and took the next leap forward in caring for humanity.
Leadership and Service
Pulse: You worked to ensure ISPA’ s fiscal solvency. Why was creating a reserve fund such a milestone? JK: Early on, ISPA was operating out of a shoebox— living check to check. That’ s just what young organizations do. A reserve fund meant stability. Without it, the association could never have delivered the level of education and support it did during Covid. With it, we could survive and serve.
Pulse: How did it feel to receive the Dedicated Contributor Award in 2018? JK: Phenomenal. It was one of those moments where you pause and feel grateful that others recognized your contributions. It was an honor not only to receive it, but to celebrate with others who have given so much to our industry.
Looking Ahead
Pulse: What’ s your best advice for the next generation of spa leaders? JK: Be humble. The minute you stop, you’ re no longer a leader. Spa is about caring for humanity— it’ s not about being the whole show. Let your team shine and bring you ideas. You know who can teach you the most in the spa? The locker room attendant— the one who hears all the guests talking, and therefore knows more than anyone else about what’ s really happening.
Pulse: What role should ISPA play in the future of the industry? JK: Continue doing what it does best— bringing people together and sharing knowledge. Education and networking are the lifeblood of this community.
Final Thoughts
Pulse: What do you want readers to know about your ISPA journey? JK: It has been an honor to be part of ISPA. My hope is that when people get involved, they take time to see what it really is— a family. Listen, learn, share your knowledge and welcome the education others offer. That’ s what makes this association strong. n
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