After gaining initial experience in a salon, I made a pivotal move into spa therapy at Fota Island Spa & then The Kingsley Hotel. This shift helped me discover my true passion and set the tone for my future in the Spa & Wellness Industry.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and leaders who have influenced my direction and growth. My former Spa Managers, Melissa Jones and Nicola Myers, played a pivotal role in shaping my early career, instilling in me the values of professionalism, excellence, and client care. Catriona Sheehan, my HR Manager, consistently encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, helping me discover strengths I didn’t know I had and pushing me toward opportunities that expanded my skill set. And finally, Fergal Harte, my General Manager, has been a constant source of support. His belief in my ideas and innovations gave me the confidence to lead with creativity and purpose. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me become the Spa Manager and leader I am today.

My career as a therapist began in 2007 when I enrolled in The Cork College of Commerce to complete my diploma in Beauty Therapy. After a brief period working in a salon, I discovered my true passion for spa therapy and treatments while working at Fota Island Spa and then in 2012 I transferred to The Kingsley Hotel as part of the Fota Collection. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve gained extensive experience in the industry, with over 8 of those years in a senior role.

A typical day as a Spa Manager involves opening the spa, leading a morning team briefing, and ensuring everything is ready for guests. I spend the day overseeing operations, supporting my team, managing bookings, handling guest feedback, and ensuring high standards of service. I also take time for admin tasks like scheduling, stock control, and staff development. By the end of the day, I review performance, check in with the team, and prepare for the next day — all while keeping the guest experience and team wellbeing at the heart of everything.

The main challenges include managing staff schedules, recruitment, maintaining high service standards, handling guest feedback, staying on top of stock and budgets. It’s a demanding role, but with the right support and mindset, it’s incredibly rewarding.

What I love most about my job is the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives - whether it’s helping a guest feel relaxed and renewed, mentoring a team member, or creating a calm, welcoming environment. I thrive on the variety each day brings, the opportunity to lead with compassion, and the constant learning that comes with working in such a dynamic industry. Being able to balance my passion for wellness with my role as a mum makes it even more rewarding

I bring a strong combination of technical expertise, leadership, and emotional intelligence to my role. My hands-on experience as a therapist, paired with advanced qualifications, allows me to support my team with confidence and credibility. I’m highly organized, with strong skills in scheduling, training, and guest service. I’m also passionate about mentoring, fostering a positive team culture, and continuously improving both the guest experience and operational efficiency. My ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly has been key to my success in a busy spa environment.

In school, I studied Biology and Accounting - two subjects that have surprisingly complemented my career in the spa and wellness industry. Biology gave me a strong foundation in understanding the human body, skin, and overall wellness, which has been essential in both treatment delivery and training. Accounting, on the other hand, helped me develop a practical mindset for managing budgets, stock control, and business operations - all key parts of my role as a Spa Manager.

I hold a Diploma in Beauty Therapy from Cork College of Commerce, along with ITEC, CIBTEC, and CIDESCO certifications. I’ve also completed specialist training in Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reiki (Levels 1 & 2), and Clinical Cancer Care. My professional development includes in-house training roles and various Fáilte Ireland courses in customer service, management, and operations.

The most valuable aspects of my education have been the practical and scientific knowledge I gained through my Beauty Therapy diploma and certifications. Studying Biology gave me a strong understanding of the human body and skin, which is essential in delivering safe and effective treatments. My Accounting background has also been incredibly useful for managing budgets, stock, and overall spa operations however I did need to upskill on this after school but together, these subjects have helped me balance hands-on therapy with strong business and leadership skills.

Some of the most rewarding moments in my career include being nominated for Spa Therapist of the Year by The Irish Tatler. A standout highlight was being a finalist in the TPOT Inspirational Leader Awards in London in 2023 - a moment that truly affirmed my leadership journey. More recently, joining the Irish Spa & Beauty Association as the Membership Officer has been incredibly fulfilling, as it’s allowed me to connect with other passionate professionals and contribute to the growth of our industry. Each of these experiences has helped me grow, give back, and stay inspired in my career.

I’m highly driven, compassionate, and adaptable - qualities that have been essential in both client care and team leadership. I have a strong work ethic, a genuine passion for wellness, and a natural ability to connect with people. My calm, solution-focused approach helps me navigate challenges, while my commitment to continuous learning keeps me growing and evolving in this ever-changing industry.

Yes, absolutely. As a busy mum of two daughters, aged 8 and 4, I feel very fortunate to have a career that supports a healthy work-life balance. My role allows me to be present for my family while continuing to grow professionally. This balance wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of my husband and my amazing team - together, we make it work. I also make it a priority to instil a positive work-life balance within my team. I believe that when we feel supported both at work and at home, we thrive - not just as professionals, but as people.

If you're considering a career in spa management, my biggest advice is to be passionate about people - both your clients and your team. This role is about creating a calm, welcoming environment while juggling the fast-paced demands of operations, leadership, and guest care. Be ready to learn constantly, stay adaptable, and lead by example. The industry is ever-evolving, so staying curious and committed to growth will take you far. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of kindness and empathy - they’re at the heart of everything we do.

The three most important personal characteristics for this role are strong leadership, empathy, and adaptability. These qualities help you support your team, connect with clients, and handle the fast-paced nature of spa management.

Absolutely - in this industry, you never stop learning. The spa and wellness world is constantly evolving, with new techniques, treatments, and technologies emerging all the time. I’m committed to staying current through regular training and upskilling, not only to enhance my own knowledge but also to support and inspire my team.

A solid background in beauty or holistic therapy is essential, ideally with hands-on experience in a spa or wellness setting. Experience in customer service, team supervision, and front-of-house operations is also valuable. Roles that involve leadership, training, or stock and budget management help build the skills needed to manage both people and operations effectively.

Spa Manager at The Kingsley Hotel, Cork.