Meet Nikki Severson, director of spa and wellness at Spa Montage Healdsburg (CA), who has more than 25 years of experience in the spa and hospitality industry.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I began my spa industry career by going to cosmetology school right out of high school. I started working at a destination spa shortly after that and started to fall in love with the behind-the-scenes aspect of spa.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
For me, the most rewarding part of the spa industry is being able to see people flourish in their roles and to be able to be a part of their success. The most challenging aspect is that you give a lot of yourself, so you have to remember to also take time to rejuvenate.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is just being a part of my team members’ successes; that is very rewarding to me.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
The thing that has surprised me the most throughout the years is the sense of community in this industry. Now, when I attend events, it is more like a very large family reunion, full of all of the friends I have made through the years.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
The industry seems to be shifting and really pulling in wellness and all aspects of that. We have also seen technology being introduced and that has been exciting to see. I do not think technology will ever replace the human touch; however, it can provide alternatives in the future.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
Positions I have worked in throughout my career that have been most influential are first as a spa director who sits on the property’s executive team and second as a corporate spa director. It is invaluable to be able to have your voice heard by owners and key stakeholders, this is imperative for our spa teams.
Was there a time you had to make a decision in your career that ended up changing your destiny?
There was a point in my career where I had to make a decision that ended up changing my destiny. It was during the pandemic when I was preparing to have our team of therapists come back. During this process, much to my surprise, I was told we would not be allowed to bring any of the therapists back and that we would be hiring all new therapists. I was told they wanted to hire the best of the best, which I replied with, "What if we had the best of the best?" I had a really hard time wrapping my head around this decision and the fact that these people had been waiting in the wings to come back to work and now I had to call and tell them they did not have a job to come back to. This was disheartening and I had both challenged and questioned my boss about this and decisions he had made. In the end, this is what led to us parting ways. I believe everything happens for a reason, and in the end, everything worked out for the best. In my heart I could not work for, nor support a company that would do that to team members. My entire career has been about being a voice for members of my spa team.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
I love working in the spa industry. These are my people!
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
My personal philosophy is this: Take care of your team and they, in turn, will take care of our guests. Everything else will fall into place.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
Hiking, time alone, time with family, and volunteering.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
My son, my mental, and my physical health.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Be sure to have your voice heard.