It's working for Christina Stratton, Co-Founder and CEO of Privai
Asheville, NC
1 child
I think the goal is off. It is a farce for us to expect women to believe that they should be able to successfully “do it all” through chronic multitasking. A better goal is integration.
I think the goal is off. It is a farce for us to expect women to believe that they should be able to successfully “do it all” through chronic multitasking. A better goal is integration. For me the hardest moments are ones where I realize I have done my absolute best, all I can do and yet still, there is no way to win. This happens in marriage, parenting, friendships, caring for my parents, business — all of it. I struggle most on the days when I am reminded of what a control freak I really am, when I don’t make the grade in my own mind. Knowing who I am – both strengths and weaknesses – helps me to love myself better. Setting clear boundaries – even as an aspiration is another good way to care for me.
I try to learn and grow as we continue to evolve. Taking over the space that was Red Door was a big, demanding step. When we came to the new market, we brought on a member of the former Red Door corporate team. She had a high level of knowledge around the geographic market as well as the spas. She brought value and I value her. Also key, I lead by example, expecting from others what I expect of myself. And also, understanding what my team needs based on really paying attention. Knowing people’s strengths and weaknesses includes being real enough to ask to talk and ask what is needed. This takes patience as truly, I do not expect anyone to do anything I would not do. I want to create real motivation including for selfcare. I consider “take care of ourselves in order to take care of others” to be a valuable standard, not a cliche. This applies across the board – lead by example, know people’s strengths and weaknesses. Be real, as in “let’s talk, what do you need?”
The Panini Generation is deep in overdrive. And that is why we are here – to offer an experience focused on letting go, feeling free – even for a short while. To build a menu that meets the real-time needs of our clients we ask and yes we listen, always! We build our retail selection the same way. Our environment is meant to provide comfort both physically and emotionally as well. We have conversations within our service rooms about what is going on, what would be of interest, what needs attention. We are absolutely focused on building the menu to fit our clients’ needs, not the other way around. I think of it as fitting a round peg into a square hole – that is not our thing. We are flexible and interested in how we can provide relief, TMJ is an example of extra focus to manage pain or discomfort. Clients tend to talk about this sort of thing with an esthetician. So, we train our team how to successfully engage and learn. Our goal is to gather insights and respond in turn. So our team must know how to have a conversation about these things, true pain or struggle points, focus on relief and add them to the menu.
In LA after College I was a singer, songwriter and band member. Personal experiences including PCOS and motherhood (Avery is now 17) found me interested in skincare. That quickly morphed into a passion around adult skincare. I developed a line of products, while living in Asheville. My clients were friends and that grew into a much larger, loyal community. And much to my good fortune I met the Ying to my Yang. Together she and I opened our first spa with the focus of truly putting our money where our mouth was. We were in an incredible position, and inspired each other. Our synergistic relationship allows for remarkable growth and risk taking.
I want to offer true wellness for the whole being. I am doing this by focusing on our clients and offering a shift in their days. We want to provide warm and open spaces – be sincerely welcoming. To me this means a commitment to the things that make a true community in a place or space. Educating when not having service – educating, supporting,
Surround yourself with a great team. Marry someone who gets it (married to entrepreneur) when it feels like a grind – shift grind or reinvent. This was tested and proved true during the crash course in survival post Covid.
Most proud of the fact that we are still standing – did not allow the weight and sadness of so very many different things – including the dream and business shuttering. I was not wavering. There was no moment where we gave up. We were wildly dedicated and driven – perhaps obstinate. I am most proud of digging in my heels. Age is a big help! I am now 47 which has a lot of benefits. I am not as afraid as I was when younger. Always been “failure is not an option” – and as I age, acquire more experience I find it is a bit easier to handle. A part of that is learning how to let others take the lead. I am proud of that! .
Well I am not doing as well at this as I could like. Frankly, I give myself a solid C-. I could definitely do more. One thing – my business partner and I do not celebrate enough of our wins. A big goal is to pause and appreciate more ( I believe this cliche is stopping to smell the roses). I know it is critical to make sure you love what you do. That said, I have a mental note, a promise to myself to get back into a regime of facials, massage, nail care, etc.
Tomorrow is another day, really it is!
As a working parent, I never expected _Accepting the fact that I am workaholic and I Like it _______would be so hard and I did think counting on business partner and husband_____would be so much easier.