Advisors  |  Terry Herman

The experience should be transformative, engaging all of the senses, elevating the self to greater realms of awareness, possibility, acceptance, appreciation and purpose . the self receives, but must also give .
Terry Herman

The first time Terry Herman experienced the world of spa was in 1988. At that time, she had a key position at a Fortune 500 company. A two-pack a day smoker and her life in turmoil with significant stress, Terry decided to take a week-long vacation to decompress, much to the displeasure of her superiors.

In 1988, there were very few locations in the United States where individuals could seek refuge, unwind and recharge without a physician's intervention. Terry's decision to take one week of her four week earned vacation and go to a destination spa (for what Terry's superiors would deem frivolous and non-essential reasons) became a challenge at work, despite Terry's rationale that taking time off was beneficial to her health and optimal performance, and therefore a necessity. These were concepts not fully appreciated as yet, by employers, by the media or the general population. A prevailing mentality, at that time, was that it was counter-intuitive taking a vacation to recover from something as innocuous as stress.

The weeklong program at the destination spa was dedicated to behavior modification and lifestyle workshops, restorative spa treatments (all of which Terry had never experienced prior to this vacation), fitness, nutrition, guided imagery and introspection. It was an experience that also emboldened Terry to seek and try the unknown.

In retrospect, that decision probably saved Terry's life. Within less than two years, Terry's employment was severed, but she also stopped her addictive smoking habit. Terry began to refocus her energies on developing and exploring other creative aspects, immersing herself into an adventure of self-discovery.

Terry became circumspect, analytical, and inquisitive beyond her wildest imagination, journeying into the unknown. She would develop her talents of writing, speaking and consulting, culling from her past accomplishments. As Terry journeyed, she found a passion for the spa industry. That first spa experience was a transformative one and she wanted to share the experience with others.

Terry's passion for and dedication to the spa industry has materialized in various ways. Terry has written extensively about issues related to spa that include business, management, operations, public relations, marketing and sales, customer care, products, treatments, design, trends, music, wellness and other relevancies. Terry's articles have appeared in print and digital formats, in both consumer and trade publications. Publications often interview and solicit Terry's input on spa related topics. Terry has conducted a national media tour, involving more than twenty live interviews on topics like at-home spa-ing, stress and time management, interior design, sensory engagement and impact, music and aromatherapy.

In addition to writing and reviewing, Terry is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. Her business and management background includes Fortune 500, as well as spa, legal, education, municipality, and the performing arts. Terry continues to be a featured speaker at business conferences and workshops, with credits including serving with distinction on numerous governing, advisory and editorial boards. Another part of Terry's creativity includes being an accomplished vocal musician where she continues performing in solo and ensemble venues.

Terry holds two United States copyright registrations for her extensively researched and authored Glossary of Spa Terminologies. Terry has a Baccalaureate in General Studies, with graduate study in the disciplines of Management Science and Business Administration. Terry's article blog, Terry's Spa and Beauty Blog further demonstrates her industry passion and expertise.

While Terry's successes are many, she views her challenges as new opportunities to discover, explore and move forward. If you don't believe in yourself, don't expect others to believe in you. Terry's journey continues, and continues to evolve .