Meet The Mentor - Peigin Crowley
This week I am speaking to Peigin Crowley, Founder of Ground Wellbeing
I first met Peigin over five years ago in a stuffy office in Mayfair. Chatting about male grooming, her energy and welcoming personality as well as expansive knowledge was obvious and since then I have been lucky enough to work with her on projects and call on her for advice and mentoring. She’s one of the reasons I am now a spa consultant and she still gives me advice and time freely.
Having spent over 20 years in the spa and wellness industry, Peigín's contribution to all facets of spa and wellness can be seen and felt throughout our sector. She has mastered an innovative and engaging style of development and design that creates a fluid path to transformative experiences and intuitive wellness. ⠀
Carving out a reputation as someone who delivers seamless experiential spaces in authentic, luxurious environments - Peigín has stood at the forefront of the wellness evolution for the majority of her career. Her portfolio of five-star, award-winning properties include Adare Manor, The Cliff House Hotel, The Merrion, Mount Juliet and The Old Head of Kinsale. Seriously check them out.
Best piece of advice you were ever given?
Win or learn.
Never give up.
Where there’s a will.
I believe there is always a way, and that the obstacles are the fun part – never take them personally, they make you stronger... Move to the left or the right, always move FORWARD, no matter the pace. I always visualise the river and how it flows around the rocks.
What is your perception of spas and do you feel the perception of beauty therapists need to change?
I feel our industry is in a strong transitional phase, we are moving away from the business of luxury spas, pampering treatments and indulgent me time. People are seeing wellness/wellbeing/selfcare as a necessary component to a balanced lifestyle. Therapist skills are moving into a recognised health arena – where massage and reflexology treatments are subsidised/part paid by health care packages. We need to nurture and up -skill our therapists, educate them to treat cancer/dementia sufferers, empower them to lead guests on de-stress/detox/weight-loss programmes. Pay them properly, give incremental pay for the number of years of experience.
Best kept secret spa & which treatment would you pick and why?
I love The Floating Spa at Monkey Island Estate because it is so unusual and clever – building treatment rooms into a beautiful navy barge. My favourite treatment is The MOSS Garden Herbs & Magic Peat treatment. A delicious wake-up call for the entire body and face. An exfoliation of milled iris root gently works to reveal baby fresh skin and prepares the body for rich hydrating nourishment.
How do you practice wellbeing in your workplace?
I work from home and collect my kids from school most days – it is manic from the outside looking in, but in reality I feel more well now than I ever did in the corporate world. Being a mum has taught me that if I don’t put my own oxygen mask on first – everyone suffers. Carving out a career and being at home with my family is a gift and I am grateful every day (even the crazy ones).
What do you wish you had known before taking your first management role?
How working on all-female teams requires kindness and culture creation, that women work magic when they work together and not compete with each other. This is a life skill and worth believing in!
If you could tell your 18yr old self one thing what would it be?
Relax and be patient – the rewards come to those that work hard. Enjoy the basics, get a good foundation, sometimes it’s not just what you learn but who you meet along the way. When opportunities arise – say yes, learn later. Take calculated risks!
Thank you again Peigin, I hope you have enjoyed reading this weeks Mentor Series.
