The ability to spread well-being and good to the world is the reason Jessica Timberlake, owner of Jessica L. Timberlake Consulting and executive spa director of Circle Wellness, got into the spa industry. From her start as a locker room attendant at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, to working her way up to being on the ISPA Board of Directors, Timberlake has touched all points of wellness throughout her career. WellSpa 360 sat down with the industry vet to discuss the transformative powers of Watsu and the exciting potential for integrating wellness tech and AI into spa services without losing the power of human touch.
The ability to spread well-being and good to the world is the reason Jessica Timberlake, owner of Jessica L. Timberlake Consulting and executive spa director of Circle Wellness, got into the spa industry. From her start as a locker room attendant at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, to working her way up to being on the ISPA Board of Directors, Timberlake has touched all points of wellness throughout her career. WellSpa 360 sat down with the industry vet to discuss the transformative powers of Watsu and the exciting potential for integrating wellness tech and AI into spa services without losing the power of human touch.
1. What was your first job in spa and wellness?
I worked as a locker room attendant at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott under the tutelage of the iconic Christi Cano. I then moved on to a different resort, but returned several years later as the spa director! This property holds a special place in my heart and always will.
2. What is your favorite memory of your time working in this industry?
I remember being captivated at the first International Spa Association (ISPA) Conference I attended at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. Sitting in an audience of thousands, watching then-Chair Jean Kolb on stage, I felt so inspired to hear from a strong, powerful, smart woman speak to a room of thousands. I was hooked! I'm honored to now serve on the ISPA Board of Directors and see Jean once a year at Board meetings, as she facilitates our annual strategic planning.
3. What do you love about spa and wellness?
The purpose beyond what we do, and the wide range of what we do! From hydrothermal spaces, medspas, destination spas, day spas, resorts and more—no matter the channel, we're bringing good to the world.
4. What new wellness trends do you find most exciting?
I'm really intrigued by the integration of tech and artificial intelligence into the wellness space. I believe we can bring these technological advances into spas to solve problems, while allowing more space for human-to-human connection.
5. What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
Give my toddler a big hug, kick off my shoes and head into our garden. I love rediscovering the world through his eyes, and it's grounding to play in the earth, delighting in the small wonders of the world, like ants and flower buds ready to bloom.
6. What’s your favorite wellness treatment to receive?
Though it's rare to find, and I've only had it once, my favorite wellness treatment is Watsu. The complete weightlessness and gentle swoosh of the water felt like I was being reborn, in a way. I'm also a big believer in reiki, though you have to have a deep, trusting connection with your practitioner.
Related: Reiki: Your All-in-One Tool for Energy Healing and Protection
7. What’s your greatest accomplishment?
Rather than point to one specific accomplishment, I'd say it's following my heart and trusting myself no matter what the decision may be. It's safe to say everyone's life is full of big challenges, but I've weathered sibling loss, moving to a new country, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolisms, postpartum depression, career shifts and divorce. Along the way, I'm proud of how I've remained steadfast to my inner compass.
8. What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the industry?
Network, network, network. Our industry is full of incredibly smart people just waiting to share their knowledge with you, and who don't want you to make the same mistakes they did!
9. What’s one thing you can’t leave the house without?
My water bottle—I drink three liters a day!
10. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV, particularly the Real Housewives (any franchise, really).
11. Who or what inspires you?
After attending the ISPA Conference in Phoenix earlier this year and listening to Suneel Gupta, I purchased his book Everyday Dharma. I devoured it. I've been integrating the lessons into my daily life and I've been happier, more motivated and more creative. Through accessing small moments of my dharma, I've started pursuing my fine art photography again, which was very much on pause these last few years.
12. How do you practice self-care?
I have a morning routine. I wake up at 6 a.m., meditate in bed, then make an espresso and step outside to journal on the porch. Having this quiet time to myself is essential to my mental well-being and it really sets up my day peacefully. It's not always possible with a toddler, so I aim for 80% of the time!
13. What is on your bucket list?
Two big bucket list items. The first is to run a marathon every decade of my life, and the second is to get my Ph.D. I don't care how old I'll be!
14. What's on the horizon for you professionally?
I have a really exciting project with a company called Circle Wellness. We've created the world's first private, automated thermal spa in Vancouver, British Columbia. I've never seen anything like this in the spa industry, so it's cool to be part of something so innovative.
