Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammy Pahel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tammy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

The defining moment in my career was during my tenure at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in Pennsylvania, where I transitioned from Retail Buyer & Director to Spa Director. As my first job in hospitality, I was hired as Retail Buyer & Director of three of the resort’s retail stores. The Spa Boutique was high-end and very successful due to the fact that we were just 3 hours away from big cities like Washington DC and Baltimore with clothing taxes. After a few years, the owners, Mrs. Dotty Hardy and her daughter Maggie Hardy, believed I should be their next spa director – but I didn’t even know what spa director did! Mrs. Hardy saw potential in me and promised I would fit right into the role. Due to my lack of experience, I hesitated, but we agreed on a trial year – if I liked it, I would remain Spa Director, and if I didn’t, I would return to Retail Buyer & Director. After a year of growth and learning curves, Maggie approached me one morning and said: “It’s 365 days later and it’s 11am. What’s your decision?” We shook hands, and that was the beginning of a 30-year career. If I’ve learned anything from that experience, it’s to always say yes to opportunities, even if you think you’re not good enough. By taking a chance on myself, I discovered a role that I thrive in and am truly passionate about.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My biggest inspirations are my parents, as they were both entrepreneurs at 30 years old. I was raised in a family business, and throughout my childhood was a waitress, lifeguard, horseback riding trail guide, cook, and landscaper. Then in 1989, I joined the spa industry at Nemacolin Woodlands and worked there for 7.5 years.

I am most proud of the work I have completed at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. The spa industry has had the same revenue lines for 30 years: hair, nails, massages, facials, body treatments and fitness (Personal Training). However, during the pandemic, I met a handful of global technology companies and was able to launch touchless wellness treatments and contactless experiences, allowing our residents, local guests, and hotel guests to have wellness experiences without a physical person. At first, guests and residents 55 and over were nervous to return to the traditional spa services due to Covid. But in July 2020 we offered seven different touchless experiences, and as of May 2022 we’re now offering seventeen touchless wellness experiences to address sleeplessness, muscle & pain recovery, weight loss, stress, anxiety & pain management. I had the idea to create a showroom for touchless wellness technology and a “Shop at Home” wellness page on our website, which is now evolving into a much larger e-commerce platform, launching Q3 of 2022. At Carillon I also added Health & Wellness offerings such as: Integrative Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, Mental & Family Health Options, Strategic Life Coach offerings.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Fearlessness, Passion, and Curiosity. I believe I’ve been successful because I’m not afraid to take risks and am always interested in learning more about my industry, whether it be new technology, strategies, or potential partnerships. Also, creating a great team with the same wellness vision, being the voice of wellness to your community, being authentic and true to yourself, being open-minded to learning new ideas, and participating in wellness conferences to expand your knowledge of trends and everchanging technologies. At the end of the day, my greatest asset is my intense passion for spa and wellness. I genuinely love what I do, and strive to make Carillon Miami better everyday.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What sets me apart in the industry is that I’m constantly engaged and value evolution within the spa, wellness, and hospitality industries. I’m always looking for new product developments and relationships within the industry, and am an active participant in industry events and avid speaker on spa and wellness panels. Additionally, I’m a proud member of Global Wellness Summit, Global Wellness Ambassador, Global Wellness Initiatives: Sleep Well Research, International Spa Association, Miami Beach Chamber, Miami Dade College Virtual Hospitality Conference, Greater Miami Beach Hotel Association/SHC Sustainable & Wellness Council, Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber, South Florida Country Club Association Annual Conference, Florida Spa Association, and Southeast Spa Wellness Association.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carillonhotel.com/en/
• Instagram: @CarillonHotel
• Facebook: @CarillonHotel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-carillon-hotel-&-spa/
• Twitter: @CarillonHotel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihWTpCCrvBI_zJcEH3jG7w
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carillon-miami-wellness-resort-miami

Image Credits
Courtesy of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort