Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Prescott.
Charlotte, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My mom worked in the Beauty/Spa world so I grew up immersed in the industry, working summer jobs in renowned, luxury spas and winter breaks on cruise ships. Yet despite those early experiences, I never planned to pursue a career within spa or hospitality. I studied international business and languages, so upon graduation I accepted a job based on the opportunity to travel overseas and explore international business ventures; by chance the opportunity was with a medical spa company.
Based in London and Barcelona, this opportunity afforded me travel throughout all of Europe and parts of South Africa. After three years, I had clearly been bitten by the bug and knew I loved the industry, however, I did crave establishing some roots closer to my immediate family and friends back in the States.
In 2000, despite placing “roots” Stateside, my suitcase was regularly packed as my role of VP of Sales & Marketing for Aromatherapy Associates Inc. took me all over North American, the Caribbean, Mexico and even parts of Asia, partnering and servicing some of the most impressive resorts and spas all around the world. Six years later, that craving for roots surfaced again, but this time in the desire to have my own spa team. My role at the time had me working in several spas a week, which allowed for creativity and kept every day new, but I truly desired living and breathing an operation from top to bottom and start to finish (if there is such).
In 2007, I transitioned into spa operations opening the Spa Chakra location in the Conrad Hotel in Brickell, Miami. Shortly after, I joined the opening team of Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach where I served as the Director of Spa & Fitness for five years. For the last five years, I have been at the Biltmore Hotel as the Director of Spa, Fitness & Retail.
I am truly blessed and honored to have worked with many great leaders in this industry and for very special companies. I proudly serve as the Chair of the Board for the Florida Spa Association largely due to my desire to give back to so many who have mentored me throughout my career and, of course, to keep challenging myself to learn and develop more…which has become my career long craving.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The hospitality industry has not been immune to some of the economic challenges that the world has experienced due to natural disasters and national and global market changes. We opened Canyon Ranch in the fall of 2008 at one of the most trying economic times. In recent years, Florida has struggled with Zika and hurricanes. As business operators, we are always reviewing history, forecasting the future, and managing the present. I embrace all of this as part of the process rather than struggles along the way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Biltmore Hotel – what should we know?
The Biltmore Hotel is a national historic landmark and an icon in Miami. Immersed in the Coral Gables neighborhood, so many residents think of the hotel as an extension of their home, enjoying the outlets and offerings on property as much as our hotel guests do. We truly are a local community institution as much as we are a hotel.
The Biltmore is also known as a place to celebrate, whether it be a wedding, birthday, anniversary, mothers’ day, Easter, the occasions are endless. It’s an honor to be part of these special occasions and collaborate with others who are so passionate about hospitality to make these events so memorable for our guests.
I oversee the Spa, Fitness and Retail Departments on property. In this capacity, my team and I have the opportunity to partake in these special celebrations, but the day to day interactions with our guests are as meaningful for us. In recent years, my departments have been instrumental in launching and presenting wellness programs for our guests and members to enjoy. There is perhaps nothing more rewarding than playing a part or having the opportunity to witness the positive impact these programs can have on an individual’s personal wellness.
I love that our locals and guests think of the Biltmore as the place to mark a celebration. I hope as we present more and more wellness offerings at the Biltmore, so that our guests also come to think of us as a resource for them in this arena also.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As I mentioned, I grew up in the spa industry watching my mom’s professional successes and the grace in how she balanced a career and raised three children at the same time. It was her example that made me never question that I would be a working mom. Although we all struggle with the right balance of work and home, her example is reassurance that even when it feels work-life pulls you from your home-life, your example to your children and family can still be a positive impact.
In my years at Aromatherapy Associates, I was fortunate to work countless days alongside co-founder Geraldine Howard. Geraldine is recognized worldwide in the industry for the talents she had as an aromatherapist. She was particular, decisive, and committed in her practice. But I appreciated that she not only embraced the expertise and input of others but encouraged that involvement fostering an inclusive company culture where we all shared in the passion and successes.
In recent years, I am grateful for the lessons I am learning from my younger employees and the upcoming professionals entering the industry. I plan to work in this industry for many years to come and hold on to that “craving” to develop myself further. These fresh new professionals are challenging and developing me further not only as their leader, but also their colleague.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave
- Website: www.thebiltmorehotel.com
- Phone: 3054951261
- Email: charlottep@biltmorehotel.com
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