The path to Total Body Care Spa began many years ago with Angie Garay’s grandfather, Anselmo, who was a barber in Mexico City. Anselmo taught his daughters the profession and they were the first professional female barbers in the capital.
The tradition was passed on to Angie’s sister, Edith, who trained in the family business before moving to the Lake Chapala area. Angie knew her path would stay within the realm of this tradition, but instead chose to become an esthetician.
Edith subsequently opened a hair salon in Ajijic and invited Angie and her family to move here and join the business.
Angie says she has always felt that “thanks to Edith extending that invitation, the table was set for us to grow.” And grow it has.
Angie has been in business at this location for 21 years. She has cared for the residents of Ajijic, giving their mind, body and soul great consideration.
Taking a cue from her grandfather, she has built a business that is family based. Her husband Alex is a well-regarded masseuse and her daughter Ale has followed her mother’s passion, also becoming an esthetician.
They have created a business that has flourished, through hard work and love for this community.
Angie is committed to the women that work for her. She knew from the beginning the importance of including them in the process and valuing their opinions and perspectives.
“I knew I could hand them a fish and they could eat today, or I could teach them to fish and they could provide for themselves for the rest of their lives.”
She invests in her staff, ensuring that education and knowledge about their profession is a priority. The investment has paid off.
“My employees are very faithful to us. I send them to school so that what they learn there will complement what we have taught them. In the end, it is better for everyone.”
Earlier this year Angie decided to take the business to “another level.” After meeting with a consultant to visualize some changes and discuss ways to improve the business, Negocios Magicos then came into her life. (The brainchild of Araceli Kopiloff and Katja Köhl, the Negocios Magicos Design Challenge is an economic development and philanthropic project offering creative design solutions to small businesses.)
Angie says she was ready for their gracious offer to renovate, since she had been mulling over the idea for several months.
Grateful for this opportunity, Angie could not rest as being the sole recipient of such good fortune. She created a raffle to benefit two orphanages, and also Negocios Magicos.
Giving back to the community is important, Angie believes.
“If I am going to be blessed in such a generous way, then I want to also bless others.”
The changes at the Spa are present on many levels. The building has itself been given a “spa day.” The exterior mural has been refreshed and new paint applied. Flowers descend from treatment doorways and ledges, and glitter has been joyously sprinkled, adorning the walls.
“The walls, they now sparkle,” Angie says happily.
The staff is rejuvenated. Customers are excited and supportive. And Angie’s goals for improvement will continue as she is planning staff retreats for the fall. “More giving back. More connection and more focus on body, mind and spirit,” she says.
Angie has a grateful heart that she wears on her sleeve. Her generosity and love for her family, staff and clients is apparent. You will find Total Body Care Spa at Ocampo 33 in Ajijic. Their website is totalbodycarespa.com.mx and you can reach them by Facebook or make an appointment by calling 376-766-3379.