Red Flower partnerships are rooted in shared values — a belief that wellness is personal, ritual is transformative, and that the spaces we hold for others are only as deep as our own practice. Laura Coburn, Spa Director at The Spa at the Inns of Aurora nestled in New York's Finger Lakes region, embodies that approach in full. A yoga teacher and certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, she envisions the spa experience not only as a service, but as a way of being. Laura sat down with Red Flower to reflect on the practice, the philosophy, and the path that brought her here.
RF: What first inspired you to pursue a career in the spa and wellness industry?
LC: My wellness journey started in my forties when I had a great deal of mental and physical pain.
RF: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to wellness?
LC: I started my own business at 29 after realizing that I was in a toxic work environment and was fundamentally unhappy. I believe on some level that I knew my mental health depended on my pursuit of creativity. I started a small design and marketing company that was in operation for over 25 years.
RF: How has your philosophy on wellness evolved over the years?
LC: My wellness philosophy has evolved from stringent and scripted regimens to a much more broad and organic approach. I love the concept of doing your best for 80 percent of the time and not worrying 20 percent of the time.
RF: What challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how have you overcome them?
LC: I have been incredibly blessed to have worked for either myself or strong women. Before starting my business at 29, I was more prone to discrimination but was rather oblivious. My mom and dad raised four strong, dynamic women, and we grew up believing we could be and do anything we set our minds to.
RF: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in the spa and wellness space?
LC: I started my spa career at 59 and I am quite new to the industry. When I suddenly became a spa director — without knowing that was in my future — I set a mantra for myself to get through the early days: be courageous, calm, and consistent. I have since amended it to: be courageous, calm, and creative.
RF: What are your favorite Red Flower rituals for self-care?
LC: I am especially fond of the aromatherapeutic body oils collection. I like to choose the oil that is most balancing for me Ayurvedically: French Lavender is cooling and balances Pitta, Palo Santo is grounding and balances Vata, and Italian Blood Orange is uplifting and invigorating and balances Kapha.
RF: Is there a particular Red Flower product, scent, or ritual that resonates with you most? If so, why?
LC: I absolutely love the Back to Nature Ritual that Red Flower developed for our Spa.
RF: What trends are currently exciting you in the wellness space?
LC: I am very interested in nervous system regulation. I believe that wearable, biofeedback technology can aid us greatly in understanding ourselves and the effects both stressors and calming rituals have on us.
RF: How do you approach creating an immersive and memorable spa experience for guests?
LC: Creating a safe, happy, and supportive environment for our team members is the best way to create an immersive and memorable experience for our guests. So many people comment on how friendly and caring everyone they encounter is — our mission is to leave each guest feeling seen, heard, and held.
RF: What is one wellness practice you believe more people should incorporate into their daily lives?
LC: Yoga! I started teaching yoga nearly 20 years ago because I found such healing in the practice myself. I then went on to become a certified Ayurveda Health Counselor for the same reason.
RF: How do you personally recharge and maintain balance in your life?
LC: I love to spend time with my husband Tom exploring new recipes, traveling to new places, and just generally enjoying his warm and safe company.
RF: Can you share a book, podcast, or mentor that has had a significant impact on your career?
LC: Inns of Aurora COO Sue Edinger has had a big influence on my career. I might have stayed a graphic designer and marketing professional, but Sue convinced me to join the Inns of Aurora team as the company's first Programming Director. She encouraged me to start the resort's yoga program, help design nature trails, buy watercraft, and create walking tours and tea blending programs. Later, Sue asked me to help manage the building of the Spa at the Inns of Aurora in the building's last few months of construction, and later encouraged me to become Director of Rooms. In that role, I managed reservations, guest services, housekeeping, and programming teams. When Sue needed a Spa Director she turned to me. I like to say "Sue Edinger thinks I can do anything!" I do hope she has nothing new up her sleeves. Through each of these transitions, I have been supported by my sisters, my husband, and friends. It's been an interesting last eight years!
RF: What self-care rituals do you prioritize in your daily routine?
LC: Coffee in bed! Am I allowed to say coffee? I'm not sure if it's self-care, but it certainly falls under the categories of luxury and love. Every morning my husband makes my coffee, brings it to me in bed, and opens the blind to our pastoral yard with its bird feeders and trees. It's a moment of love and light.