Meet Linda Higgs, director of spa and wellness at Zenova Spa & Wellness at Pier Sixty-Six (Fort Lauderdale, FL), who has nearly 30 years of experience in the spa and hospitality industry. She started as a catering sales manager, then a director of sales and marketing, until finally becoming a spa director 20 years ago. Prior to Zenova Spa & Wellness, Higgs worked as the spa director at The Spa at Shula’s (Hialeah, FL) and The Spa at Auberge at Auberge Beach Residences & Spa (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Learn more about Higgs, her path to where she is today, and her thoughts on the future of spa and wellness.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
The hotel where I previously served as director of sales built a new spa and asked me to come back and join the company as the spa director. I didn’t know much about spa management, so I joined a spa association and quickly learned as much as I could about the industry from like-minded spa leaders, which was truly enriching.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
The rewarding part is knowing that you are building an experience that is truly beneficial to a wellness lifestyle. The challenging part is the seasonality. I love a good challenge, and finding ways to balance the seasonal spikes is exciting to me.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
The passion that our team has for their craft.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
I think we will continue to see more holistic wellness, power aging, and longevity as a lifestyle. It will be viewed less as an indulgence and more as a great goal for living.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Bioactive ingredients like niacinamide. I love a nutritional approach to skincare.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
Sales has taught me that when you network, you always learn something new from everyone you speak with.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
I think it would be fun to be a travel advisor. I love the hospitality industry.
How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
To look at all sides of a situation and not just see things through your perspective.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
The beach, cooking, traveling, and creating great memories with family and friends.
What are your three greatest priorities in life?
Family, kindness, and wellness.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
My father taught me that if you like something, own it and don’t depend on the opinion of others. Form your own internal confidence.