Sheila Cluff is a petite woman, but she fills the room. The former professional ice skater is dressed in stretch pants and a wool sweater on her way to teach a skating lesson in Oxnard. She moves through the room introducing herself to guests: "Hello, I'm Sheila and this is my place." Her "place" is the venerable Oaks at Ojai, a spa destination with a loyal clientele and devoted staff. Cathy, Sheila's daughter, trim and serene, seems more like a relaxed guest than the CEO of a complex business. Cathy credits her mother as "the visionary-one who knows how to delegate. She's not that interested in the particulars, she just wants to see it happen."
"We started as a Fat Farm back in the '60s," recalls Sheila, noting that fitness education is an ongoing process. "We've always been interested in the mind-body-spirit connection. We like low-impact exercise; we want people to stay motivated and focused." Although the hospitality industry has seen a downturn during the recession, the company is determined not to lay off personnel. Some have been with the company for over 30 years, and Cluff family will weather it as a team. Sheila and Cathy have created an amazing retreat for anyone looking to rejuvenate and inspire themselves into a healthier way of living.
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