Meet Chelsea Durrant, spa leader and director at LifeSpa at Life Time (Miami), who has 9 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I always loved self-care and beauty as far back as I can remember. I have videos at 5/6 years old with my mom's Maybelline and Revlon makeup pretending to be on a commercial. What really sealed the deal was my junior year in college when I had a huge weight loss transformation (60 lbs) that really changed my entire life. After this, I knew I wanted to be a part of the wellness industry. I am a very passionate person and need to be in a field that I 200% believe in. I am an advocate of preventative, holistic health over the 'treated'/big pharma approach. I actually left the medical world (I have my bachelor's degree in biology) to pursue the holistic wellness field.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
The most challenging would be selling such a 'luxury' in today's financially tight world. Wellness, beauty, spa are all things considered an added luxury and not a necessity to live. Although challenging at times, it is also highly rewarding to see members and guests start their journey, remain consistent, and see how it has changed their lives. It is really cool to watch a healthy habit develop within someone right before your eyes. And to know you had an influence on it, is just the cherry on top! The most rewarding is helping people achieve a healthier, happier life.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
How can I choose one? Here are my top 3: 1. Breaking financial records with every spa I have led from where it used to perform prior to me taking leadership; 2. When my employees tell me 'I can't wait to go to work', 'work is my happy place', and 'work is my escape'; and 3. Being chosen to grand open new locations and being one of the top leaders in my regions/nations. Here's another: 4. Winning the 'Excellence in Healing & Fitness' award with my Life Time The Falls leadership team.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
How it never stops developing. For someone who hates the mundane, and 'same old, same old,' it is invigorating to see the continuous development and modernization of the field. I am also very surprised at how much this approach to wellbeing has skyrocketed in our country in the last 5 or so years, in particular since COVID. People are making wellbeing a priority more and more each day and that is so inspiring.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
I think the industry is headed toward a more transparent space. I think people will continue to find more and more room in their budget for healthier, preventative approaches to wellbeing. We are being more cognizant of our health and longevity of life.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Hyaluronic acid for sure! Give me ALLLL the hydration!
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
Sales/marketing and group/event coordinating. Doing each of these niche-focused positions for spas really played a huge role in who I am as a leader, spa director, executive, etc. It not only shows in the financials, but in the energy and dynamic of the team and community we are within. I truly believe these positions are the true ingredients to be being in top performing categories on a continuous basis.
Was there a time you had to make a decision in your career that ended up changing your destiny?
Leaving the hotel spa industry. I was in that world for almost a decade – the entirety of my career thus far, up until Sept 2023 when I made the transition to Life Time – a membership-based country club. I wanted to be a part of a community and grow relationships with guests and members over time. The transactional dynamic of the hotel spa industry grew very old to me, and I was craving connection. I didn't want to just 'run a spa,' I wanted to represent a space where people can escape to, time and time again, on a daily basis. It's not a vacation, it's a lifestyle. Life Time's mantra "The Healthy Way of Life' beyond stuck with me and I knew I wanted to make it home. It encompasses total wellbeing, on a daily basis, making it a lifestyle, instead of a fad. Although the hotel industry was comfortable to me, and it was bittersweet to leave that realm, I am so happy I took the leap! I am challenged more than ever in the LifeSpa dynamic and space, and with that have already broken some records.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
Probably fashion! I love presentation on all ends. I'm also a born and raised New Yorker, so it's in my blood!
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
The Law of Attraction – where your thoughts create vibrations, and your thinking generates a frequency that attracts things with the same energy to you. 'Like attracts like.'
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
Doing yoga, being in nature, gardening, meditating, cooking, spending time with family and friends, crystal shopping, tarot card pulling, thrifting, or of course, going to the spa.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
Internal peace, wealth through health, making sure I always find the positive in any situation.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
It was a quote – 'What is a good man but a bad man's teacher? What is a bad man but a good man's job?" - Tao Te Ching