How long have you been involved with the Green Spa Network (GSN), and what is your role in it today?
I’ve been involved with GSN for three years as a Board Member, but as a fan since it’s beginning 12 years ago. I currently serve as the Vice President of the Board and the Interim Executive Director.
What is your hope for the future of GSN?
My hope is that GSN can create a strong impact in the spa and wellness industry to move towards sustainable, eco-friendly, and regenerative practices in our businesses. I hope that GSN will be the go-to source for information, resources, and events that lead towards a greater understanding and experience of a healthy world.
“I am fascinated by the unifying experiences between people, what brings us together through our differences, and what are the underlying, common secrets to living a well life.”
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I founded a Wellness Consulting company based in Mexico and serving the Americas. We develop, operate, and supply spas and wellness projects that are rooted in holistic and sustainable values. Our specialty is developing signature programs with a cultural identity, local and natural heritage, and international standards.
You started out as an anthropologjst. How does that influence your work today?
Fundamentally, I am an anthropologist. I am also a therapist, a consultant, a business owner, and a mom—but what I’ve been doing for the past twenty-five years is deeply rooted in my anthropology studies. I am fascinated by the unifying experiences between people, what brings us together through our differences, and what are the underlying, common secrets to living a well life.
Early on in my career, I lived in the rainforest of Costa Rica doing community development work. It was there that I saw firsthand the vibrancy of nature, I learned first the deep connection between people and the environment and experienced how symbiotic our relationship is. People thrive in natural environments, there is a deep connection between our own consciousness. We can bring the essence and wisdom of nature to our work in wellness.
To learn more about the Green Spa Network:
• What Will Be Your One Thing?
• Reflections on the Green Spa Network with Roberto Arjona
• Get to Your Essence at GSN Congress
Mary Bemis
A pioneering voice in spa and wellness journalism, Mary Bemis has spent four decades chronicling, championing, and helping shape the modern spa industry. As Founder and Editorial Director of Insider’s Guide to Spas, she brings a distinctive editorial perspective informed by a career that has helped define the language and landscape of spa media. Mary launched American Spa magazine in 1997, co-founded Organic Spa, and helped launch Luxury SpaFinder and NewBeauty. Her industry leadership extends to board service with ISPA, NYSPA, and WSPA, the latter two organizations she helped establish. She has also served as Special Advisor to the Balneology Association of North America. Today, she serves as Special Advisor to Global Wellness Day and sits on the board of the International Sauna Aid Foundation. Recognized among Medika Life’s Top 30 Influential Voices Transforming Wellness, Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award, an inaugural Folio Top Women in Media honoree, and an American Spa Wonder Woman of Wellness. Her mission remains as steadfast as ever: to keep spa culture alive and relevant, honor its roots, challenge its shortcomings, and inspire an industry to live up to its promise.
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