[HAWAII AT WORK]
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Massage career
has right feelUH anthropology student
Rosalyn Payen faces crossroads
as she pursues her degreeI am a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, working toward my degree in anthropology and women's studies. But lately, I also have been considering acquiring a massage therapist license; and I totally blame it on my job.
I am a spa attendant at the new Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa at Ala Moana Center, and I just love nurturing people and seeing them de-stress right before my eyes. It's a great feeling knowing I am a part of that.
My tasks are simple, but an important part of the spa experience. When I arrive in the morning, I start by brewing our special tea, filling a basket with fresh fruits, and checking all of the spa areas to make sure everything is perfect. Most people forget they are in a busy, bustling shopping mall once they walk into our spa area, and I take pride in creating that ambience. I turn on the eucalyptus steam in the men's and women's dressing areas, place essential oils in an aroma diffuser, turn on the sound system to play relaxing music, and finally, dim the lights for the perfect final touch. Every detail is important. My hope each day is that all of our guests arrive expecting their massage, facial or other spa service, but are pleasantly surprised by all of these extra little details.
As each of our guests arrives, I lead them to the dressing area and ask them to place their belongings in one of our wooden lockers and change into spa robes. I guide each of our guests into our relaxation area, offer them tea or water with fruit, and give them a foot bath and foot massage. I take them through a "sensory journey" to choose just the right essential oil from one of the four key elements that appeals to them. I really enjoy seeing their surprise at these extra pleasures before they even start their spa service, and I take great satisfaction in watching them let go of their cares as they let all the pampering attention embrace them. I am getting them ready to fully appreciate and unwind before their spa service, which is especially important when they come rushing in from work or other appointments.
I am happy to see more and more people taking the time to really nurture themselves -- both men and women. It shouldn't be a once-in-a-while luxury, but something everyone does to balance their hectic, stress-filled lives.
With my own schedule of school and work, I try to do the same. I'll take time out to surf and spend time with my fiance, and working at Aveda affords me the opportunity to get my fair share of facials and massages.
Hawaii At Work features tells what people do for a living in their own words. Send submissions to: business@starbulletin.com.
