For over thirty years, Elise Blouin has led teams at prominent brands like Symantec, AT&T, Hudson’s Bay, Nortel, and Bell Canada. Using her business acumen, almost ten years ago, she began work on Nomi Wellness Club and Resort, which today is a four-season getaway on 850 acres. As Development Lead and COO of Sieta & Pikes Development Ltd., she oversaw the $50 million building project, aimed at making it a top wellness destination in the Algonquin region. The resort features 1,800 feet of stunning waterfront, culinary delights of Lands 8Fifty restaurant, hiking trails, spas, and more. Lately, she has launched The Cottage Collective, a multi-residential investment opportunity ideal for personal getaways or short-term rentals
What is your leadership style like?
I’m very hands on, as well as the fact that we do things collectively as a group. I do have individuals that I delegate to, that sort of oversees each project. You’ve got that spa space, and then you’ve got the restaurant space. We’re on the way of condominiumizing the development; there’ll be that administration specialist that handles concierge experiences here, as well as management of the members. We have annual reviews and meetings each week. We have targeted goals to reach certain objectives, and track them and manage them. But at the same time, I’m pioneering. It’s a space not a lot of females are in, and since the network is small, I have to be creative in problem solving. I’ve talked to other developers as well, and they tell me I’m going down the right path. They’ve been pretty impressed with what they see. I’ve been able to bounce some ideas off here and there.
Let’s talk about how you manage any hurdles that come your way.
As an entrepreneur, you have to understand, and know, that you are going to face challenges. You are going to face setbacks. You have to be prepared to know how to deal with those challenges. You can’t shy away from them or be scared of them. You have to be able to face things dead on in order to cut forward.
How would you characterize the experience of Nomi?
The brand experience for the client who stays at Nomi Resort enjoys the spas, enjoys the water, and Lands 8Fifty Restaurant. When people come in, they immediately feel like it’s a luxury brand. Clients love all the amenities, all the touches, all the attention to detail, and all the fi ne foods that we make that go along with it. Some of the new features are elevating the experience, from the specialty coffee, right down to the touch point of the fabric of the robes, and the Italian linens. Every detail is designed to create a memorable stay.
What can you tell me about the new Nordic Spa?
It’s going to be four pools outside, a solarium with a fi replace inside, outdoor steam room, sauna, separate sitting areas, and then an eating area licensed by LCBO. The two pools are done. We’ve completed an indoor steam room sauna. It’s the balance of the remaining stuff we’ll do. It’s absolutely beautiful. People come in here all the time and sometimes they don’t want to stay over night, but just want to use this stuff. We’re also working on a Peloton room that will open soon.
What motivates you?
I’m highly driven. I am ecstatically always wanting to push this project forward. It’s the fact that it’s got a lot of different components to it, that people love it, the richness of all the amenities, the new things that we’re working on with different brands. It’s a full experience, and stunning property, and I strive to see it grow.I love nature. I love the countryside as much as I love the city. I think health and wellness, and wellbeing is fundamentally important.
Dave Gordon | Contributing Writer
