In the latest installment of our Family Portraits series, meet Michel Morfin, Sebastien Struss, Taryn Copeland, and David Resendez—members of our fam at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. We're happy to know them, and thankful to work alongside them. Say "hey" to them the next time you're there. You're part of our family, too.
MICHEL MORFIN
Name: Michel MorfinPeople say I’m…
Years at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach:
One and a half
Position: Reservations Agent
From: California
Astrological Sign: Taurus
"I think it is very accurate as I am very stubborn."
"Really friendly."
Common misconceptions about you:
"I am not really bubbly at the front desk. I am really great over the phone, but I find difficult to steer a conversation in person. Some people misinterpret that as a disinterest in talking with them, but I just find it difficult to find a correct approach to it."
What quality do you most admire in others?
"I would say personality and a sense of humor, because those qualities show true character."
Secret talent:
"I am really good at shooting hoops, and people don’t believe that because I am really short. I'm exactly five feet."
Proudest “life” moment:
"I am a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves, and it was a proud moment for me to see their last game at Turner field."
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
"Other than going to school, I play with my cat and go to the beach. I know that sounded dirty."
Passion project:
"I want to be a destination wedding planner. I love weddings and the energy of people being in love."
Favorite song of all time:
"'My Heart Will Go On' by Céline Dion, because of Titanic. I love that movie. They both totally could have fit on that door."
SEBASTIEN STRUSS
Name: Sebastien Struss
Years at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach:
"Two years going on six. I have been in The States on and off for almost 15 years. And it’s hard to shake a French accent, but there are very few people who can still pick it up."
Position: Membership CoordinatorPeople say I’m…
From: Bordeaux
Astrological Sign: Leo
"Caring, with some rough around the edges."
Common misconceptions about you:
"That I'm Australian."
What quality do you most admire in others?
"Outspokenness and honesty. Say it like it is. No time to waste."
Secret talent:
"My salsa skills. Bet you didn’t expect that from a French guy."
Proudest “life” moment:
"Saving pelicans."
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
"Keep my phone off, even though I can’t stay that far away from it, dammit!"
Passion project:
"A Miami Heat boutique hotel inside American Airlines Arena for fans, press, agents, and players."
Favorite song of all time:
"'Natural Mystic' by Bob Marley."
TARYN COPELAND
Name: Taryn CopelandPeople say I’m…
Years at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach: Almost three
Position: Front Desk Agent
From: New York City
Astrological Sign: Aries
"People say I have a good sense of humor, which I know I do."
What quality do you most admire in others:
"Kindness and a sense of humor. Life is more beautiful when we treat each other with kindness, and it can be fun to see the fun in things. I live to laugh, and I enjoy when others laugh, too."
Secret talent:
"Ever since I was a kid, I've been really good at putting people together.
Proudest “life” moment:
"When my daughter graduated from Wharton."
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
"I like to be out on the open road on the Harley with my guy. We’d love to rent a bike in Texas and ride out to El Cosmico, one of the Bunkhouse Hotels. We’d love to stay in one of the Mongolian tents. We have talked about that for a long time."
Passion project:
"It’s not a personal project, it’s something I am working on with my guy. We want to find an old motorcycle and turn it into a café racer."
Favorite song of all time:
"Anything by Bjork. She is a fairy queen. Also, 'Garden of Love' by Winston McAnuff & Fixi. The song also translates to what I do here. As soon as people pass our threshold, they’re welcomed. We ensure their relaxation with love and understanding."
DAVID RESENDEZ
Name: David Resendez
Years at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach: 2 years
"These two years have been awesome. I do the things I like to do in the right environment. We are a family here and it’s not a place where you go with disinterest. My chefs are great people and they have taught me many new things."
Position: Prep Cook
From:
"McAllen, Texas, but my family background is Mexican."
Astrological Sign: CapricornPeople say I’m…
"Funny. Dumb. Outgoing. Always yapping. Someone who wants to keep learning more things. And I do agree with them, besides the dumb part."
Common misconceptions about you:
"When people first meet me, they think I'm a spy. I get interested and learn quickly, and I'm a good listener, which some might see as me having a hidden agenda."
What quality do you most admire in others?
"Workmanship and going above and beyond to help other colleagues and people when they need it most."
Secret talent:
"I am a great dancer and I love music. Before sharing that I love boating and fishing, people couldn’t believe I love doing that. Now everybody wants to join me when I go out on Biscayne Bay."
Proudest “life” moment:
"I was proud of getting my boat. I'm proud of this job. I'm proud of being a part of The Standard family. Miami has treated me well. I am proud of my boat and I love to get away from the city and enjoy the ocean. We live in a paradise."
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
"On my days off, I mostly enjoy fishing. Gastronomy is my passion. I greatly enjoy learning new things, and I have tried food from all over the world."
Passion project:
"Definitely to learn more in the kitchen. I have conceptualized so many things I would like to turn into reality, and I believe The Standard has helped me and will continue to help me execute this passion."
Favorite song of all time:
"'Tropical' by George Michael. It never fails to remind me of all the beauties Miami has."
