Hospitality Design - December 2021 - 27

perspectives interview
By Will Speros
Photos and renderings courtesy of Jenesis LaForcarde
A rendering of the main building of the Jenesis
House, set to open in Prescott, Arizona
Guestroom interiors, shown in a rendering, will evoke serenity
ONE OF A KIND
Jenesis LaForcarde sets out to make wellness
more inclusive
Aiming to set a new precedent for selfcare,
the forthcoming Jenesis House is
the brainchild of Phoenix-based Jenesis
LaForcarde, a 28-year-old former creative
director who wants to center minority women
in the wellness conversation. With the fl agship
property still in the funding phase (Phoenix
fi rm House of Form is att ached to design the
Prescott , Arizona location), LaForcarde has
ambitious plans to make the Jenesis House
a wellness powerhouse. " There is a void that
prohibits a lot of people from experiencing a
place that exudes tranquility and style, " she
says. " I want to fi ll that void. " Here, she shares
how she's changing the wellness conversation.
What is your background?
My parents were in the Air Force, so I had
the opportunity to travel all over the world. I
was born in Oxford, England and grew up in
Okinawa, Japan. My fi rst love was fashion. I
was a self-taught fashion designer and started
my own clothing line when I was a sophomore
in college. I have always had a passion for
design and interiors. My upbringing involved
so much travel that I have had the opportunity
to experience so many cultures throughout my
life.
How did the idea for the Jenesis House
come about?
I am particular on where I stay because my
surroundings have a huge impact on my mood.
Independent boutique hotels and resorts are my
go-to because they provide a unique experience.
I have always been very passionate about
health and wellness, and I learned so much
by representing holistic brands [including
xoNecole, Reshoevn8r, and the Henna Shoppe]
and staying at wellness resorts. My original
concept initially was a high-end tea house that
had a yoga studio. That vision eventually grew
into a wellness resort.
What sets the Jenesis House apart from
your competitors?
We will be the fi rst female, Black-owned,
adults-only resort in Arizona off ering a spa,
healing arts, farm-to-table nutrition,
and complete wellness experiences in a
beautiful, energy-effi cient, sustainable
sett ing. Our destination retreat will be
heavily inspired by Afro, French, and
Asian infl uences-a cultural mix refl ecting
my diverse background.
What does wellness mean to you?
It means taking care of yourself. Whether
you treat yourself to a massage, spend
your days with someone special, or even
trying something new. We will off er a new
perspective on how to continue to treat
yourself. Guests will be able to experience
movement classes, holistic treatments,
and curated meals within an environment
designed to inspire.
What does the future look like for
you?
My dream is to open a 13-room luxury
birthing wellness center for expectant
mothers. I want to create a sanctuary
where mothers can stay up to two weeks to
deliver their baby and receive [postpartum]
care. hd
hospitalitydesign.com December 2021
027
http://www.hospitalitydesign.com
Hospitality Design - December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hospitality Design - December 2021
