Say “hello” to our Houston management team: Karena and Lauren.
Karena, General Manager
What is your favorite spa treatment?
As a spa manager for over a decade, I’m in love with all aspects of the beauty industry, so it’s really hard for me to choose just one. However, I’m currently loving our massages. I’ve been putting a lot of stress on my body getting ready for the opening, so these treatments are the highlight of my day!
What are five things that you want to accomplish in 2016?
My personal goals this year are to: travel more, cook amazing dishes, discover new artists, and make more time for yoga and running. My professional goal is to show the people of Houston how great milk + honey is!
What are your favorite restaurants in Houston?
Oh my, there are so many great places here. For breakfast, I love going to either Antidote or Juice Girl. Typically, I have lunch at my desk, which is great since my temporary “office” has been Pondicheri. They’ve been such lovely hosts and are fantastic neighbors. For dinner, I enjoy eating at Pax Americana, Pass and Provision, and Coltivare Pizza and Garden. These restaurants are so delicious and they never cease to amaze me.
If milk + honey were to expand, which cities would you like to see us in?
Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland, Denver, and San Diego.
What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Always drink plenty of water and to get at least seven hours of sleep. These two things will do wonders for your body.
What is your favorite thing about milk + honey?
The team! Everyone here has been so kind, helpful, and nice. It’s truly refreshing to be around a group of people who want the best for everyone they come in contact with.
What’s the best thing about being a spa manager?
Seeing people reach their goals, whether it be financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual! I love being surrounded by people that work hard and want to better themselves.
If you could be in any other profession, what would it be?
I can’t imagine working in any other profession. I fell in love with this industry eons ago, and I can’t picture myself being anywhere else.
Lauren, Assistant Manager
What is your favorite spa treatment?
I love them all, but since you’re making me pick one I have to go with our Signature Facials! Every time I get one, I always end up falling asleep. On the bright side, I waking up with a healthy and glowing complexion.
What five goals that you want to accomplish in 2016?
I have three personal goals this year: to learn another language — specifically Spanish, travel to one new place, and journal more. My two professional goals are to build the River Oaks location to become one of milk + honey’s most successful locations and to do something every day that positively affects another person.
If milk + honey we’re to expand to another city where would you like to see us?
I think we should definitely expand to Denver!
What are your favorite restaurants in Houston?
I recently went to Hugo’s for brunch and absolutely fell in love with this place. It’s one of my new favorite spots. When you go, be sure to order The Greatest Margarita Ever Sold!
What is the number one place people have to visit in Houston?
milk + honey of course!
If you could be in any other profession, what would it be?
I think it would be so interesting to be a pathologist.
What is your favorite book and why?
I enjoyed reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. To me, this book transcends time and culture, and teaches people to have the courage to listen to their heart and to follow their dreams.
