Meet Andrea Soonthornswad | Spa Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Soonthornswad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Over time and with advances in technology, my work life balance has become more of a work life integration. Because of this work life integration that many of us find ourselves in today, it is important to set boundaries for myself and others. During my personal time with family, hiking in the mountains, or practicing yoga, I make a point to set my phone aside and to only respond to emergency texts and emails. The same applies for when I’m at work and receive personal messages. Work life integration is a balancing act and it really comes down to having a strong support system. With a strong support system, I’m able to achieve professional and personal goals. If either are out of balance, then it’s time to pause and to ask for help from those that I can rely on. The pandemic has really put into perspective the domino effect when either work or life become unbalanced, which is why strong relationships are key to making it through the day, week, month, or year.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, as well as being driven to help people. My biggest professional challenge was figuring out where I fit in in the health and wellness industry. It wasn’t until I accepted the position as Spa Director at Jalan Facial Spa that I knew I had made the right decision in my career. My previous experience working in hotel spas also helped pave the way for my future at Jalan. When I was approached to open Jalan from the ground up, I knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime. Jalan opened its doors in December 2016. Prior to opening, I had spent a couple of weeks at our sister company’s spas in Southeast Asia to learn more about their operations and spa services. The biggest take home from my experience in Kuala Lumpur was that I had finally found a company that wanted to invest in me and develop my skills professionally, so that in turn I could do the same for others. Jalan’s mission is to provide an accessible, restorative journey using Eastern-inspired traditions and healing botanicals so that guests leave feeling their best emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Our vision and purpose are to help people see the beauty in life and to inspire all people to nurture and restore the value in themselves. I believe through our spa services, Jalan Journey–a relaxing foot soak and our signature tea, and company culture, that we are able to stay true to our vision, purpose, and mission with every guest and employee that walks through our doors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Red Rocks for a concert, movie, yoga, or just walking around. First Friday on Santa Fe is always a good time–live music, local artists, drinks, great restaurants and food trucks. Coors Field for a baseball game and a visit to Union Station–drinks at Terminal Bar and oysters at Stoic & Genuine. There are so many great restaurants in Denver that it’s hard to choose! SAFTA, Jax Fish House, Watercourse, and Coperta to name a few. A day hike in Boulder followed by a spa day at Jalan Facial Spa is a must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mentor, Cheri Young, for always having my back and supporting me every step of the way. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my family and friends.

Website: www.jalanspa.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jalanspa
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/asoonthornswad
Facebook: facebook.com/jalanspas
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jalan-facial-spa-denver-2

Image Credits
Hanna Kate for Sonder Collective