Here at The Buff Day Spa, we love to celebrate our fabulous team members and their achievements. When deciding who we would spotlight, we knew it had to be none other than our very own Assistant Spa Manager, Tanisha. She has been with us since 2018, and has progressed her career at The Buff Day Spa from the role of Receptionist to Assistant Spa Manager. We sat down with her to get to know more about her journey at The Buff Day Spa, and what the future holds for her.
Tanisha, tell us about how you came to join The Buff Day Spa team?
I finished college in the summer of 2018, I spent a few months working in Penneys where I had worked through college. I applied for a couple of jobs in Dublin as I wanted to work in the city center. I had a call from Eileen who explained that there was an opening for a receptionist and would I be interested? I said I would be happy to start as a receptionist and gain experience. She asked me a few questions and asked when I would be available to interview, and we set a time for later that day.
And how did the interview go?
It was a totally different experience! I was welcomed by two receptionists and asked to take a seat. Sinead, our Spa Manager came to meet me, introduced herself and showed me around the spa. I still remember the surprise I got when I walked into the relaxation area and saw how huge it was! I always tell this to new clients and therapists when they are surprised by how spacious it is.
Sinead talked me through the role expectations, she told me that they were primarily looking for a receptionist, however, as I am a therapist, they would be happy to train me up to do treatments once I was comfortable in the reception role. I really liked the sound of this, it seemed perfect for me. One thing that really stood out for me in my interview was that Sinead said that this is a really lovely place to work. Coming from a job where everyone was so close knit, I was a bit afraid to start fresh somewhere where I didn’t know anyone, so this made me feel at ease.
Did you have to wait long to find out you got the job?
After the interview when I was on the bus home, Sinead rang me and offered me the job. I was delighted so I accepted.
So what other roles have you had within the spa?
I started out as a receptionist and progressed to the role of receptionist/junior therapist, before being promoted recently to Assistant Spa Manager.
That’s very exciting, congratulations again! Tell me, what is the one thing which has helped you progress so quickly within the spa?
Definitely the training and development opportunities that there are. When I started, I was trained up in reception by the Head Receptionist. It took me a while to get the hang of things, luckily there was always somebody around to help me if I needed it. After Christmas that year I started to train massage with the trainer at the time. The trainer helped me to tweak the massage I had learned in college and turn it into a massage that clients would enjoy and come back for.
In March 2019 I did my Dermalogica 4 Day Live training, after this I started doing facials in the spa and as I became more experienced, I trained in Voya, Super Hair Removal, Peels, Universal Contour Wraps, Venus Freeze and Image. In September 2019 I took part in Spa Manager training where I learned more about how the spa functions become profitable and successful.
What advice would you give to aspiring spa therapists?
When I look back at my journey, I am so grateful that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and start working here. I am exactly where I need to be, doing what I love. As someone with zero experience, fresh out of college I was so lucky to get the chance to work somewhere where the training you receive is phenomenal. So I would say, don’t be afraid to step beyond your comfort zone and go after the opportunities you want, as well as choosing a spa where you will be supported to train and develop throughout your career.
Finally, what does the future hold for you, Tanisha?
I think after this past year, it is very difficult to predict the future! But I will continue to do both Assistant Manager tasks and perform treatments on both regular and new clients. I am so happy to have the opportunity to do both because I love doing treatments and having my regular clients come in to see me. The challenges I face as assistant manager excite me rather than phase me and there is nothing better than seeing your clients achieve the results
they want!
