Theresa Clements is the director of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Spa.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
She supervises a staff of 60 employees and coordinates over 2,000 appointments a week. She also works with Dr. John Harris, a cosmetic surgeon, and Dr. David Harvey, a dermatologist, to train spa employees in spotting skin disorders and potential skin cancer.
WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPAS TODAY?
“The trends have changed drastically. Only three percent of spas focused on weight loss. The focus in today’s spas is stress release, nurturing the mind, soul and body. It is paying attention to your body and how it relates to everything you say and do. It’s mission is to assist in finding a balance in life.”
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT SPA SERVICES?
“Actually. I have two that I deal with daily. First, there are still some people who think that spa services are a luxury, but in today’s fast-paced world it has become a necessity to develop or maintain a sense of balance. Also, there is no magic pill. We can provide the atmosphere and the professional technicians but you have to change your state of mind. You can receive 200 percent additional benefit to any service if you enjoy the moment and sensations and forget about picking up the dry cleaning.”
HOW HAS SEPT. 11 AFFECTED SPA BUSINESS?
“Although you would expect the opposite, spa business has actually increased. People are looking for a place to relax and de-stress. It is one of the few places you can actually calm down.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
“Stay connected to the changes in your industries. Strive to stay ahead of the curve and stay focused on your goals.”
WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER A SUCCESSFUL SPA VISIT?
“Our goal, and my personal mission, is to ‘wow’ everyone that walks in our doors. We want to exceed their expectations and schedule an appointment for them the next week.
ANY BAD HABITS?
“Impatience. It’s tough when you can see the goal and it takes time and patience to get there.”
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
“A green Volkswagen, it was known as the Green Terror.”
ANY PET PEEVES?
“Impatience with those who don’t share the same level of commitment.”
ANY REGRETS?
“No regrets. I believe the only regrets in life are the things you don’t try.”
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST SPA SERVICE?
“One massage and I was hooked. It had a calming effect on me and made me feel like a million bucks.”
FAVORITES
“Shawshank Redemption” tops her favorite movie list. “If you have a determined goal in mind, it can be achieved through persistence and dedication.” Drawing and exercise also fill some of her free time. “I love to draw; I always have a pad handy. I love to exercise with my friends and share with them what I’ve learned about exercising over the years.”
WHEN DINING OUT
“Maybe I am a little biased but the food in the Surf Club at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is out of this world.”
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
She worked as a dental assistant while during college.
THE ONE CHORE YOU HATED GROWING UP
“Vacuuming . . . still hate it.”
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST UNDERRATED VIRTUE?
“Old fashioned kindness. We all tend to forget how one word or act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s day.”
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
“No question, my two incredible kids, Kristen and Craig. Being a single mom and working full-time is more of a challenge than anyone can imagine. The kids understood that and we were a team from the
beginning.”