Jennifer Findlay Reveals Her Dedication to Wellness Through Core Essence
originally published on luxurious magazine | by sabi phagura
So much work goes on behind the hospitality industry that it is easy to underestimate exactly how much energy and dedication is injected into making every bit of our experience of the hospitality world operate like clockwork.
Sabi Phagura caught up with Jennifer Findlay a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) on how she has expanded her Core Essence business which is dedicated to health and wellbeing globally.
LM: What inspired you to create Core Essence?
Core Essence began as an informal home for various passion projects, always wellness-inspired endeavours that over the years have ranged from supporting new businesses as they open dedicated health facilities, developing and coaching wellness professionals in the delivery of curated spa and wellness programs, and leading holistic travel adventures and spiritually nutritious retreats worldwide. There has been exponential growth in the global wellness industry over the last decade, now a 3.72 trillion-dollar economy*, yet there remains a significant gap in the marketplace. Core Essence is now an expanding business that is committed to delivering wellness-led design, brand concepts and ongoing operational support and management to resorts and communities dedicated to wellness and the health of their people and guests.
LM: What is it about Core Essence that makes it a top developer of wellness and spa concepts worldwide?
We approach each project with the commitment to bringing an innovative brand concept to life and designing a wellness-infused space that allows for the creation of exceptional and unexpected guest experiences.
The early stages of concept and schematic design, as well as the brand development, are heavily research-based. We seek to understand the intricacies of the culture, history, traditions and environment of the region. We are committed to offering a seamless interconnectivity between function and beauty, practicality and creativity, performance and experience.
We always stand in the shoes of the operator – while we are conceptualising our projects from a design and programming perspective, we are also analysing all of the behind the scenes operational nuances in an effort to produce a space that is optimised both for the guests and team members.
LM: What is the most important element for you to incorporate into spas?
Every project has its own story. We have a mindfully crafted process, signature to Core Essence, which we apply to every project, that “journey-maps” the various unique guest experience opportunities. This allows us great insight and ensures we deliver on our commitment to reimagining traditional spa and wellness spaces and offerings while also creating unexpected and exceptional guest experiences. Our design and development processes are intimately intertwined, ensuring that the key touch points are felt in all aspects of the space and programs provided. The end story itself is meant to underscore the underlying ethos and values of the larger vision and mission of the company, strengthening its unique selling position and elevating its place within the market.
LM: What have you found to be the most difficult aspect in your work?
Unfortunately, it is far too common to find spa businesses that are inefficiently and ineffectively operated. These businesses, like any other, require strong leadership, continued advancement and education of team members, a commitment to financial performance, and a fierce understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional service experiences, every time, all the time.
Most early phases of projects are often spent overcoming fears and pain points of owners and operators as you try to instil confidence that spa and wellness businesses are not only great for guests but great for the bottom line as well.
LM: How will the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) help you to develop Core Essence?
ISHC is a wonderful connector. Through the society, we have the great opportunity to build relationships with industry professionals with specialisations and areas of expertise across the hospitality industry that help compliment your unique skill set. We all come together in conversation and in the exchange and generation of ideas to build best next practices and accelerate the growth of our industry.
LM: Describe what guests can expect to experience at one of your spa destinations?
Personalised service that begins pre-arrival, continues through on-site experience, and extends beyond departure into everyday life. We always seek to create programming that impacts physical, emotional and social wellbeing in positive and sustainable ways.
Wellness is always integrated beyond the doors of the spa, in beautiful spaces that calm and delight, into the culture of the resort, the room product and the communal gathering spaces.
We love working with organisations that value thoughtful, experiential travel and sustainable operations that make an impact on the human experience.
LM: Has wellness always played a prominent role in your life? What drove you to it?
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the physical body, the sophistication of our vital organs, the miraculous pulsations of life in a constant rhythm and the fascinating interconnection with the mind. I was a competitive figure skater throughout my teenage years and yoga was introduced to me as a component of our training program. The practice has brought me to a place where I can connect more intimately with myself, in my relationships, and with the world around me. I went on to study health sciences and health psychology in school and continue to be inspired by and committed to integrating wellness into everyday life.
LM: Which is your top recommended wellness destination and why?
I believe as you practice mindfulness and begin to cultivate joy and peace within, you can begin to experience wellness in the most unexpected places.
Watch for incredible growth in the urban market – for example, residential spaces such as condominiums in city centres and extended living centres for care into the later years of life. People are looking to integrate wellness as a lifestyle in their day-to-day lives, not just when they travel.
Emerging wellness destinations are popping up everywhere. I was recently in Austria for the Global Wellness Summit. Now a favourite destination of mine, Austria offers natural thermal springs that were gathering places for people centuries ago. What is old is new again as we turn our attention away from artificial experiences and products and back to the riches of the natural environment.
LM: In your opinion, can wellness and adventure co-exist in travel?
We have the potential to be our most open-minded selves when we are travelling – what better time to expose yourself to new foods, new places and new experiences. For me, adventure is exploration and discovery which are both integral to the cultivation of wellness, well-being and happiness.
LM: What are the benefits of incorporating wellness into one’s everyday life?
The benefits are quite literally infinite! Of course, we are all aware of the good that comes from simply choosing healthy food and incorporating regular exercise into our days. Expanding beyond these more obvious choices, a simple bedtime ritual such as a 10-minute breathing meditation with the use of calming essential oils or choosing to rise in alignment with the sun can help foster a deeper and more restful sleep/wake pattern which can improve everything from our energy levels, to how productive we are at work and to how patient we are with our children. Meaningful, lasting practices and lifestyle commitments inform our attitudes, our habits and become the foundation of our outlook and approach to life.
Every small positive change has the possibility to create a lasting impact!
*Statistic courtesy of the Global Wellness Institute, 2015 Report.
