One of the great things about the beauty industry, is that while people do change jobs and responsibilities, they very seldom change industries. When I met Jenny Stafford she was leading the development of education and training at Universal Companies, and it was a pleasure to work with her. When it was time for her to make a move, she started working with Spa Standard, a new company whose mission is to elevate the wellness industry by bringing professionals together, creating continuing education, and opening a forum for conversations. She invited me to create content on Alchimie, and we are once again working beautifully together. I couldn’t help but want to know more about the company’s CEO, Kelly Maack.
AP: What city were you born in? KM: Kingston, PA.
AP: What city to do you live in? KM: Glen Mills, PA.
AP: What is your middle name? KM: Ann.
AP: What is your astrological sign? KM: Sagittarius.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? KM: My degree is in Exercise Science & Health Promotion and I worked for many years as a wellness professional/personal trainer before moving into the spa industry.
AP: What is your most prized possession? KM: My family.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? KM: My husband. With a toddler and 2 babies on the way, quiet time together doesn’t happen often…
AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. KM:. Simple, classic, sleek.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? KM: Diamonds.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? KM: I make sure to take off my makeup and wash my face every single night. No excuses!
AP: What fragrance do you wear? KM: None.
AP: Botox or not? KM: Botox!
AP: Hair color: natural or not? KM: Not.
AP: What do you do for exercise? KM: Since I’m 8 months pregnant with twins, just walking up the steps is exercise! But typically, I’m a runner.
AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? KM: Cheese, berries, almond milk.
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? KM: Red wine.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? KM: That’s very difficult for me. I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work. I don’t really separate the two. My work is part of my life.
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. KM: Love Yourself (Justin Beiber), Used to Love You (Gwen Stefani), Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran).
AP: What book are you reading right now? KM: When You’re Expecting Twins: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy.
AP: Quote to live by. KM: “Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking” by JC Wells.
AP: What is your worst pet peeve? KM: When people don’t pay attention to details.
AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? KM: 6:30am, and I try to sleep 8 hours.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? KM: Making guests look and feel their best.
AP: Least favorite thing. KM: Guests that complain only because that want to get something for free.
AP: Who is your mentor? KM: I have two: Rick Maack, Dr. Seema Patel.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. KM: Don’t be too hard on yourself, and choose a mentor and learn as much as you can from her/him.
