In this series, Hospitality Design magazine's editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen talks with influential hotel and design leaders on how they got to where the...
From her childhood in Larchmont, New York to leading a renowned wellness company, Cathy O'Brien’s wide-ranging career spans the music industry as well as the beauty and wellness sectors, where she helped rethink brand strategies at luxury companies like Jo Malone.Driven by her vision for holistic wellness and inspired by her own health challenges, O'Brien came to Naturopathica in 2022 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people approach self-care. Recognizing the powerful connection between nature, science, and wellbeing, she sought to create products and experiences that were both effective and innovative. Under her leadership, the company has become a pioneer in natural health, offering therapeutic solutions that emphasize balance, sustainability, and the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Through Naturopathica, O'Brien continues to redefine what it means to live a truly healthy and harmonious life.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.
--------
58:08
Brad Guidi and Jason Brown, Blue Flag Capital
When Jason Brown and Brad Guidi joined forces to create hospitality real estate private equity firm Blue Flag Capital, they weren’t just building hotels—they were crafting experiences rooted in storytelling, design, and a sense of place.Their journey began with a bold vision on Nantucket and has since expanded to destinations from Martha’s Vineyard to Jackson Hole.With a philosophy of hospitality as theater, Blue Flag Capital, with Brown and Guidi at the helm, continues to redefine hospitality, one immersive stay at a time.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.
--------
56:17
Darius Davie + Matthew Sears, Groom Guy
Growing up in Brooklyn, lifelong friends Matthew Sears and Darius Davie started their entrepreneurial journey thanks to a shared passion for design, grooming, and community. Enter Groom Guy, their take on a luxury salon concept that blends wellness with hospitality.Davie, a former hairstylist, envisioned Groom Guy as a resource hub for men’s self care, while Sears—who has a background in finance—helped shape that vision into a thriving business.In 2020, the duo launched the inaugural Groom Guy inside Yours Truly DC, with locations in the PGA National Resort in Florida and Salamander DC to follow. Designed as a self-care sanctuary, the intimate barbershop prioritizes thoughtful design, sensory details, and an elevated approach to grooming, elevating the barbershop into an essential hospitality experience.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.
--------
39:14
Elizabeth Blau
A driving force behind the evolution of Las Vegas dining scene and beyond, Elizabeth Blau began her F&B journey under the legendary Sirio Maccioni at Le Cirque in New York. That foundation propelled her to Las Vegas in the late ‘90s, where she played a crucial role in transforming the city into a culinary powerhouse.Today, as founder and CEO of Blau Associates, she continues to shape the future of hospitality alongside her husband, chef Kim Canteenwalla, blending her passion for design with culinary excellence.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.
--------
50:54
Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir
Icelandic hotelier Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir has built a reputation for her innovative approach to creating immersive guest experiences.Growing up in a small town near Reykjavik, she developed a deep connection to Iceland’s rugged natural beauty, a bond that would later shape her career.After nearly two decades with Icelandic Airline, Sigurlaug returned to Iceland in 2013, where she transformed a former geothermal power plant staff building into the ION Adventure Hotel—a boutique property that blends with the surrounding volcanic landscape.Her collection of properties, including a second hotel in Reykjavik, embodies her dedication to connecting guests with Iceland’s vibrant culture and authentic spirit.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.
In this series, Hospitality Design magazine's editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen talks with influential hotel and design leaders on how they got to where they are today, what drives them, and their biggest lessons learned navigating an ever-changing industry.
Portugal