Her Story
About Lucy
Lucy Lewand is a hospitality consultant, coach, and professional speaker with nearly 40 years of experience dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences and building service-driven businesses. Based in Healdsburg, California, she is the founder of Happy Hospitality Solutions, where she helps hospitality organizations transform everyday service into memorable experiences that inspire customer loyalty, stronger reviews, engaged teams, and increased profitability. Her career has been shaped by a passion for making people feel welcomed, valued, and connected through meaningful human interactions.
Throughout her career, Lucy has combined entrepreneurship, leadership, and hands-on hospitality expertise. She and her husband operated multiple businesses, including an auction company, while she also built a successful career in direct sales, leading a team of more than 60 people. For over three decades, she owned and operated the Camellia Inn, a family bed and breakfast in Healdsburg, where she managed every aspect of the business—from guest relations and staff training to operations, marketing, and daily service. These experiences taught her that outstanding hospitality is created through consistency, authentic connection, and leaders who are willing to be personally involved in every detail of the customer experience.
Lucy holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and is a certified Happiness Is No Reason Trainer. Today, she works with wineries, restaurants, hospitality businesses, and entrepreneurs to strengthen customer experience strategies, improve team culture, and develop sustainable business growth. Through consulting, workshops, coaching, and public speaking, she shares her expertise in hospitality leadership and entrepreneurship. Recognized with honors such as the American Business Women’s Association Woman of the Year Award and the Spirit of Sonoma Award, Lucy continues to advocate for a simple belief: successful businesses are built when they prioritize both people and purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lucy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for business and my commitment to helping others thrive. I believe in leading with care, staying persistent through challenges, and using failures as opportunities to learn and grow. I have also been fortunate to benefit from mentors who provided guidance, support, and accountability, helping me continue to develop both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is the importance of mentorship. Learning from exceptional mentors, including Peggy O’Neill, helped me navigate challenges, recognize opportunities, and build confidence. Their guidance inspired me to invest in others by sharing knowledge and supporting their growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the hospitality industry is to focus on the entire customer experience. Every interaction matters, from a phone call or email to a personal greeting or follow-up. While technology can improve efficiency, genuine human connection remains the foundation of great hospitality. The businesses that stand out are those that make people feel valued, respected, and appreciated.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is maintaining the human connection in an increasingly technology-driven world. My experience as a business owner, including rebuilding after a business setback, taught me the importance of continuous growth, resilience, and learning. While technology creates opportunities, businesses must continue to prioritize genuine care and meaningful relationships with the people they serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are compassion, hard work, and the power of human connection. I love helping others recognize their potential and inspiring them to achieve more than they thought possible. Throughout my career, I have always believed in leading by example, whether through hands-on work in my family’s bed and breakfast or supporting others in their personal and professional growth.
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