Following her son’s serious motorbike accident 20 years ago, Katina Jones started a journey learning everything she could about complementary and Ayurvedan therapies, leading to her recently launching a new Adelaide health spa, Selene Spa and Wellness.
Describe the best day of your life.
Life has gifted me many unforgettable moments, but my wedding day stands out as a profoundly defining one. It was more than just a celebration of love; it was the merging of two vastly different cultures in complete unity and acceptance. That day, I witnessed love transcend boundaries. I can still see the joy radiating from my mother’s face, a moment etched in my soul. The warmth, openness, and connection between our families and friends created a sense of unity that was deeply moving.
As we were about to leave the reception, everyone gathered around us in a circle of love, joy, and heartfelt blessings. In the midst of it, my husband’s aunt pulled us away so we could leave and begin our honeymoon. But before I left, my mother’s words anchored themselves in my heart: “As many hairs as I have on my head, that is how many blessings I give to him.” That day wasn’t just about marriage, it was about transformation, acceptance, and the limitless power of love.
What brings you joy in life?
My greatest joy comes from seeing my family gathered around our long dining table – eating, talking, laughing, and being wonderfully loud together. There’s something magical about witnessing all their diverse personalities and characteristics blend into a beautiful tapestry of love and unity. Being a mother remains my first priority and my most meaningful accomplishment. Family moments remind me that success isn’t measured by external achievements, but by the love and connection we create with the people who matter most. Every time I see them together, I’m reminded that raising these incredible human beings and watching them flourish is the work I’m most proud of.
What is the best photograph you have?
A house in a village in Messenia, Greece that caught my eye and held my attention. Its reclusive inhabitant, a man who never left its walls, came out to meet us when I called. Both he and the house seem to carry a thousand untold stories about the human condition.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?
To let go of the need to control outcomes and allow life to unfold naturally. Everything happens for a reason, especially crises, and meaning can be found in the flow and aftermath of each experience. We are all deeply connected, part of a greater chain, and the most difficult moments often offer the greatest opportunity for growth. Realising that we are spiritual beings having a human experience has shifted my perspective, allowing life’s challenges to carry deeper purpose and meaning.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
“Where there is love, nothing is too much trouble and there is always time.” This simple yet profound wisdom has completely transformed how I approach life and work. I learned that true fulfilment comes not from what we achieve for ourselves, but from how we serve others and contribute to something greater than our individual success. This advice taught me to love people unconditionally, simply because they’re human beings deserving of compassion and respect. This perspective has guided me to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow, every interaction as a chance to make a positive difference, and every day as an invitation to care and be of service to others, whether that’s mentoring someone, supporting those facing difficulties, or simply bringing more kindness into the world. When you operate from a place of genuine service and love, work becomes meaningful, relationships become deeper, and life becomes incredibly rich. It’s shifted my focus to “what can I give?”, and that shift has opened possibilities I never could have imagined. This philosophy continues to guide every major decision I make.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
The most unforgettable meal I’ve ever had was at Le Bernardin in New York. It’s a place full of quiet elegance, where every dish felt carefully thought out, with a perfect mix of flavour, balance, and beauty.
I still remember the first course: thin slices of raw fish that were soft and smooth, served in a light, citrusy broth. Each piece had a small touch of caviar and a single chive on top, simple, but incredibly special. It was one of those moments where everything slowed down, and you could really taste every part.
Dessert was just as thoughtful. There was a cold scoop of sorbet next to earthy matcha and light floral flavours, a mix of textures and temperatures. Then came a small plate of treats: a pistachio macaron, a shiny fruit jelly, dark chocolate, and a tiny cake. Each bite looked like it had been made with care and attention.
It wasn’t just the food that made it special. The service was smooth and thoughtful, the room felt calm and elegant, and every detail seemed just right. It was more than just a meal; it was a full experience that fed all the senses.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
My favourite person embodies an infectious enthusiasm for life and the courage to stand by their convictions. They see the world through their own eyes, not shaped by others’ opinions, and have the strength and determination to follow through on whatever they begin. Grounded in honesty, trust, and a strong sense of justice, they also radiate love and kindness in everything they do.
Best five songs on your playlist?
My life philosophy is …
I believe in the harmony of science and spirituality, and the transformative power of education, especially spiritual and moral education and in fostering a just and compassionate society. I value the independent investigation of truth, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, and the pursuit of universal peace as essential principles for meaningful and lasting progress. Everything I do, in both my personal and business life, reflects this philosophy.