Yesterday I spent a good part of the day with the board of the Washington Spa Alliance (WSPA), a DC-based association I am a founding member of whose mission is to “act as a knowledge center, connecting spa professionals in the nation’s greater capital region. WSPA works to promote the exchange and innovation in the field, and to ensure that the highest ideals of spa are met through policy and action.” I loved our meeting, our 2012 planning ideas, our brainstorming. And I particularly loved to be able to spend some time with Sharilyn Abbajay, WSPA’s co-chair, a dear friend of mine, and an industry veteran. During the breaks in our WSPA retreat day, I learned some new things about her…
AP: What city were you born in? SA: Toledo, OH.
AP: What city to do you live in? SA: Lanham, MD, although I feel like I live on an airplane.
AP: What is your middle name? SA: Sue.
AP: What is your astrological sign? SA: Libra.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? SA: Touching people and making them feel special.
AP: Least favorite thing? SA: Too many choices.
AP: What is your most prized possession? SA: My family.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? SA: I’m a Nana… I have two grandsons, 4 and 1.
AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? SA: Yes, A Toy black watch. It’s all plastic, so I never have to take it off, and don’t have to worry about it when I travel.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? SA: Pearls.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? SA: Coco Chanel.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? SA: Hot bath with essential oils. Small indulgences…
AP: What are your three top tips for travel? SA: 1. Drink plenty of water. 2. The night before, use the Alchimie Forever blueberry Kantic Mask, religiously. 3. Pack light. If you forget it, you can always buy it there.
AP: What is your favorite book? SA: The Incredible Journey by British author Sheila Burnford. It teaches your survival, the importance of hope, perseverance, and protecting one another.
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? SA: Fiji water. Per Dr. Pamela Peeke, I swore off alcohol two years ago.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? SA: Sleep. 7 to 8 hours every night.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? SA: I blend the Aveda Shakras with Chanel Number 5. Depending on the day, a bit more of one or a bit more of the other.
AP: Botox or not? SA: Not. Not to say I don’t need it…
AP: Hair color: natural or not? SA: Not.
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. SA: I don’t have an ipod.
AP: Quote to live by. SA: Never take your eye off the ball.
AP: Who is your mentor? SA: I have a lot of mentors… Margory Abbajay, my aunt. She was the first female Vice President of Revlon.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. SA: Stay true to who you are.
