Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Cruz.
Hi Regina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My introduction into my profession isn’t typical. I moved to Galveston and accepted a job at a hospital with hopes of getting into their nursing program. Now before this I worked in different hospital settings, doing more administrative work. I had some exposure to what nurses endured, but nothing like I had learned and witnessed during my time at this hospital. I also witnessed things in the medical field that raised some concerns for me. I had began to second guess my decision and decided I wanted to go another route. I was at a crossroads in life at this time and seeking other opportunities. I then responded to a Craigslist ad from a man who was seeking help to overcome the difficulties he was experiencing from living with fibromyalgia, diabetes, and chronic pain. I can’t remember exactly what the ad said, but it was along the lines of, I get much relief from massage, but I cannot afford to go to the spa as often as I’d like. He was offering $25 an hour to the right candidate. I responded to the ad, we met for dinner at a public place to ensure this was legit. Call me crazy, I know!!! (insert eeekkkkk face emoji here, lol) Thankfully for me he was a very kind man with no ill intention, he just legitimately needed the help. I did no research prior to our first session. I was very much a fly by the seat of my pants kinda person at this time in my life. The first day I came to his house for the massage session, he had his own massage table, sheets, and massage cream; he walked me through what worked for him, explained to me his pain points, and guided me through the pressure that worked for him and all. I would observe the way he moved before getting onto the table, listened to his complaints, and observed the way his body was responding to my touch as I massaged him. I was blown away by the ability I had to ease his pain, calm him, and help him move better with just my touch: no tools, no medicine… nothing but my hands. He’d give me feedback each time I saw him, such as, “I was able to sleep through the night with no pain,” “I was able to play with my daughter and didn’t tire quickly,” or “I haven’t had a headache since I saw you last”…I could go on and on. He was literally exposing me to a form of healing and care that I knew nothing about. I told a friend of mine at the time what I was doing, and my friend suggested we go get massages so I could experience one for myself. To say the least, I was hooked from there! I am a nurturer at heart, and I was actually looking forward to our sessions. Helping him filled my cup, and building onto our rapport was exciting for me as well. He started to recommend me to his friends. This is where I took a step back and logic kicked in, I did my due diligence to see what I’d need to do to become a massage therapist. I found out I needed schooling and a state license. Around this time my registration sticker for my car was about to expire and I went to renew it, it just so happened that the Texas School of Massage was right across the street. I stopped in to get a tour; classes were set to start a week later. I gave myself the “it’s now or never speech” and enrolled. I stopped accepting payment from him while I was in school and pretty much used our sessions as a case study. I gained a deeper appreciation for the human body during my time in massage school. When I was doing my internship hours, I met and was able to help so many wonderful people… they’d complimented my abilities, and I took that as reassurance that I was doing what I was made to do. I always say massage therapy chose me. Massage therapy paved the way for me and led me to the person I am today. During massage school, my business and ethics instructor introduced me to the world of esthetics. I was immediately intrigued. Once I finished school and passed state boards to obtain my massage therapy license, I immediately started working at a high-end spa while working at a smaller, local spa. During this time, I began doing mobile massage therapy, working toward a bigger dream of one day owning my own spa. I would literally jump on every single opportunity that was presented to me for advancing as a massage therapist. I worked in the field of massage therapy for two years before deciding I wanted to become licensed as an esthetician. During this time, I would set up shop in my apartment living room and practice what I was learning in esthetics school on my friends and family. I got pregnant, had a baby, the pandemic hit, we moved to Mississippi, and was a stay-at-home mom for one year. During the year I was at home with my kids, I set up my business with an LLC, EIN, and business bank account, sought out wholesale accounts I wanted to use in my practice, and pretty much all the business-building stuff. I sought reciprocity to practice in Mississippi as a massage therapist and esthetician. I also had set up shop in the front of my house and would work on anyone that would allow me to. I had made a promise to myself that I would not let anything keep me from pursuing my dream. No matter how long it took me. I had something to prove to myself. After that year, I was introduced to the owner of The Mississippi Vein Institute; they were so gracious to make some room in their practice for my business to practice from. I can vividly remember the emotion that came over me when Dr. Manning texted me to tell me they were approving my lease and excited to have Total Body Niche in their space. I worked out of that office for almost a year, then my family and I relocated again back to Texas. It was bittersweet to leave my clients, but I had the opportunity to learn so much, grow so much, and build on my confidence and my profession. Madison, Mississippi, will always have a special place in my heart. Coming back to Texas, we were in Katy for a year and a half. Once again, I got my family situated and set up shop in my home office. I’d see clients from home while seeking out an office space, but nothing was clicking. It felt like a state of “limbo” while in Katy. Low and behold, we moved again, coming full circle back to League City, Texas. Here is where everything started to come together!!! Again, I set up shop in my new house because I never stop practicing. About a month after moving and getting my family situated, I began the hunt for an office space. I knew this time I wanted multiple rooms, a waiting area, all that jazz. I had dreamt this dream up for the past 3 years. A month into my search, I found the office space my spa occupies today. Two treatment rooms, a waiting area, kitchenette, huge storage closet and bathroom. It’s dreamy!!! We officially opened our doors at our permanent location in League City, Texas on November 1, 2023.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! My greatest struggles were overcoming my own insecurities, self-doubt, low self-esteem, fears, negative self-talk, shedding un-serving habits, breaking cycles, etc. I wouldn’t say those struggles are a thing of the past, I have just learned to manage them better, believe in myself and always prioritize the relationship I have with myself. I’m always on a quest to show up as my best SELF and get to know myself more deeply while falling deeper and deeper in love with all that I am.
Another struggle was staying the course, as I stated in my story from start to now, we moved many times. I have had to rebuild my clientele for the fourth time now. My perseverance is strong!!!
Juggling a family while owning and operating a business comes with its own set of struggles. My family is my greatest WHY, though, so it’s all worthwhile.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Total Body Niche is a result-driven wellness day spa that specializes in restorative bodywork + anti-aging and corrective skincare. We take pride in our attention to detail and the level of care we provide for our clients. We work closely with our clientele to guide them to the goals they have set forth for themselves in regards to their well-being. We are customer-focused and understand the importance of building rapport while gaining trust. To take it a step further, we time our services out so no one ever feels rushed, and you’ll never leave here feeling like you don’t matter.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Get out of your own way. I spent lots of time “playing small” out of fear of what others would think. The only way to overcome this fear is by bulldozing your way right through it. You’ll come to learn; we are all just dreamers with a purpose, trying to share it with the greater good. You’ll learn there will be more people out there that actually do want to guide you, share their wisdom, and cheer on your success. Make the first move, ask the questions, attend the events… do all the things.
Pricing:
- Total Body Relaxation 60 $95
- Total Body Restoration 60 $120
- Fundamental Facial $111
- Indulgence Facial $240
- Purifying Back Facial $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.totalbodyniche.com
- Instagram: total_body_niche
- Facebook: totalbodyniche
Image Credits
Suhey Photography LLC
