We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Pratt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

COVID! That was a stressful year, to say the least. After being forced to close down for multiple months, not knowing when we could reopen, or how we would do that in this industry. It was very disheartening and overwhelming. When we got the okay to slowly start reopening, I was then struck with being forced to move the business’s location. This was so overwhelming. I felt like I was starting from scratch, all over again, not knowing if clients would be willing to follow to new location. I had to step out of my comfort zone, and had to start looking for a realtor in hopes to find a nearby location. This meant having to go through a new build out with contractors, architects, and all the permits required to do so. When I initially purchased the spa, it was already existing, and was easily adjusted to. There the sleepless nights began again, working 18 hour days in hopes to rebuild the establishment I previously had running successfully.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am originally from Minnesota. I moved to Florida when I was 13 years old. I was never raised or pushed to go to college. After high school, I immediately went to barber school. I was then a hairdresser for ten years, I’ve always enjoyed the health and beauty industry. I was a regional coordinator for Lancome cosmetics. then a regional sales manager for Conair. I decided I wanted to stop traveling and always had a dream to own my own spa. I never would ‘ve thought it was possible because financially I wasn’t capable, until one day, someone close to my family decided to help make my dream come true and offered me a personal loan. After scraping everything I could, the day I signed the papers for the spa, I only had $500 to my name. It was officially do-or-die time! I had no choice but to make this work!

The services we offer are massages, skin care, infrared saunas and body roll shapers. We carry Grande Lash products, local retail products such as Image skincare, candles and soaps from Sweet Soap Confections.

Our motto is “You don’t have to be wealthy to be healthy”. We offer affordable luxury so everyone is able to take care of their health and beauty without breaking the bank, yet still being in a luxurious environment to feel pampered and special.

What I’m most proud of is the winning of multiple awards, Best of the Bay, Best of the City, Best of South Tampa, multiple years in a row.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being a small business owner, I love physically being in and running the building myself. Clients witness me running the front desk, answering calls, making appointments, keeping up with laundry and back-of-the-house duties. Being in the spa myself makes the clients feel like a part of this family owned business. I ask for constant advice from clients, open to business suggestions and personal and professional advice and opinions are always welcomed! People have witnessed my hard work. Word of mouth spread like wild fire, friends of friends recommended my place because of the pricing as well as the continued success of the business. This encouraged the push for local awards! Best of the Bay, Best of Tampa have all been ones I strive to win! I thank all my clients and friends that have truly helped build my business’ reputation.

Any advice for managing a team?

I am an owner that is very hands-on with my employees. I encourage opinions from my staff as well. I am not a “my way or the highway” mind set. I want to make this place as comfortable as if it was their own, and to take pride in our work environment. I try to accommodate their personal schedules, and allow them to choose their work schedule, as well as personal and professional business moves to further anyone’s career path! Being there for them professionally and personally helps make it that family environment. This is a very light-hearted atmosphere. I want everyone feeling proud to be a part of this team. Anything needed is immediately taken care of. None of my employees should hate coming to work, I make sure that’s the case!

Contact Info:

• Website: essentialssouthtampa.com
• Instagram: @essentialssouthtampa
• Facebook: Essentials of South Tampa
• Twitter: Kelly Pratt
• Yelp: Essentials South Tampa Day Spa

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Sara Herrera