One business, two passions
Marni Beninger has found ways to combine her interests and strengths into a thriving spa and wellness business
1 of 3Marni Beninger is the owner of Mountain Water Spa and Wellness. — Photo courtesy Marni Beninger
2 of 3The Mountain Waters Spa and Wellness is located in Nelson, B.C. — Photo courtesy Marni Beninger
3 of 3Mountain Waters Spa and Wellness offers massage and other holistic services as well as traditional spa treatments. — Photo courtesy Marni Beninger
When Marni Beninger originally took a job at a spa in Calgary, her education and passion was for tourism and event management. However, she quickly fell in love with the health and wellness aspect of her new industry as well. Now, after moving back home to Nelson, B.C., and buying Mountain Waters Spa and Wellness, she’s found a way to meld her two passions.
Mountain Waters Spa offers more than facials and waxing. With 30 employees, the business also offers acupuncture, registered massage and yoga. Even traditional spa services take on a more holistic approach. For example, manicures and pedicures involve some reflexology.
“I love the wellness aspect of it,” said Beninger. “I’m not a practitioner, so I don’t do any of that work, but I definitely enable all my staff and we make sure we have the highest qualified staff. I love that in the industry that we can make that difference.
“The other part that I love is that by working in this industry I can bring new awareness to the community as well . . . I love going to the trainings and learning new things and bringing back new ideas and finding new ways to help our community . . . It’s definitely going more towards that full feel-good health side of things, as opposed to just the beauty aspect.”
Beninger said that she’s really expanded her management skills by owning the spa. She’s nearly tripled the number of staff in four years of ownership and knows that skilled and happy staff will build the business for her. Working with staff on ideas is Beninger’s favourite part of the work week—and something she’s utilizing as she works towards more event planning. In April of 2014 the spa will host a wellness conference and has started producing a mini wellness magazine.
“It’s kind of an exciting time,” said Beninger. “I love this industry, but I definitely have a passion for events and things, so (I’ve enjoyed) getting back into that and using different talents in my team. It’s really exciting to see my staff expand past just what they’re in the spa to do.”
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