Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Garcia.
Hi Angela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my very first job in the spa industry as a front desk receptionist at Spa at The San Luis Resort in 2009. I worked there for about five years and quickly fell in love with the industry, the guests, and the relationships I built with my coworkers. During that time, the director approached me about moving into the Front Desk Supervisor position. Unfortunately, before that opportunity could happen, the director left the company.
When a new director came in, the Front Desk Supervisor position was still open. I spoke with her and explained that I had previously been considered for the role, but because I did not have management experience at the time, she turned me down despite my years of dedication and experience. What hurt the most was being asked to help train the new supervisor. To me, it did not make sense that I was considered qualified enough to train someone for the position but not qualified enough to hold the title myself.
Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I ever made because of the strong bonds I had created with my coworkers, but I knew I needed to grow somewhere that saw my potential. I decided to leave the spa industry and began working at CVS in 2013, where I stayed for three years. During my time there, I quickly moved into management positions and gained the leadership experience I had once been told I lacked.
An old coworker who would shop at my CVS location constantly encouraged me to apply for a front desk position at the Grand Galvez. I went back and forth for a long time about returning to the spa industry, even though I truly loved it. Eventually, after much thought and prayer, I decided to apply.
During my interview, I asked if there was flexibility in pay because of my previous spa experience, my management background, and my familiarity with the POS system they used. I explained that all I really needed to learn were the services offered at the property, but my request was denied. Once again, I felt undervalued and questioned whether my hard work and experience truly mattered. Still, I trusted God to guide me in the right direction, and if the job was meant for me, I knew it would all work out.
I accepted the position and started at The Spa at Grand Galvez on August 1, 2016.
Three years later, I was ready to quit due to personal and financial struggles. Around that same time, there were also ongoing issues with management. The Salon Supervisor at the time, Giovana, encouraged me to hold on because she believed changes were coming.
A month later, the Spa Manager resigned and Giovanna stepped into the role. She immediately told the director that she wanted me to become Front Desk Supervisor because she needed more organization at the front desk and someone who could lead by example. Finally, after waiting more than six years, I was promoted to Front Desk Supervisor.
But life moved quickly after that.
Only two weeks after my promotion, the director resigned, and Giovanna was promoted to Director. Then, on April 1, 2019, Giovanna offered me the Spa Manager position. At first, I genuinely thought it was an April Fool’s joke. I had just been promoted to supervisor, and suddenly I was being offered the manager position. It felt unreal.
Of course, I accepted.
At the time, my life was already in complete transition. Just weeks earlier, I had been struggling with housing and trying to figure out how I was going to afford rent. Once again, I placed everything in God’s hands and trusted that He was guiding me exactly where I needed to be.
During those years, Grand Galvez was transitioning ownership from Wyndham to new owners. Then COVID hit, and like so many others, we were furloughed during the lockdown. It was one of the most uncertain and difficult times for everyone because none of us knew if we would even have jobs to return to.
As business slowly began reopening, only management was allowed to return at first. I accepted that responsibility because I knew I needed to secure my position and help support the team during the transition.
In 2021, our General Manager, Darryl, told Giovanna that he wanted me to be more involved on the spa floor with guests and suggested that I pursue a professional license so I could actively perform services. Otherwise, I would eventually need to step down from my management role.
My first thought was simple: “How am I going to afford this?”
I had only recently gotten back on my feet after the furlough, and now I was trying to figure out how I could possibly pay for school while continuing to work full-time. Giovanna reassured me not to worry because school was covered. All I needed to do was choose which field I wanted to pursue.
It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
After much thought, I decided to pursue aesthetics.
Then, just days before starting school, I found out I was pregnant.
I remember crying constantly because I felt overwhelmed. I was about to work full-time, attend school full-time, and prepare to become a mother all at once. I did not know how I was going to manage any of it, but once again, I trusted God to lead me through it.
I went through nine months of aesthetics school while pregnant. Then, just two months before graduating, I gave birth to my son, Maximiliano. Thankfully, he was born during Easter break, which gave me a few weeks at home to recover while still keeping up with schoolwork and studying.
In June 2022, I officially graduated from aesthetics school, and in December 2022, I proudly walked the stage with my eight-month-old son cheering me on from the crowd.
It was one of the proudest and most emotional moments of my life.
Today, I am a proud mom to my four-year-old son, Maximiliano, and I continue to serve as the Spa Manager and Lead Aesthetician at The Spa at Grand Galvez.
If someone had told me sixteen years ago that this would be my life, I never would have believed them.
I am incredibly grateful for every person who supported me throughout my journey — and even for those who doubted me — because they gave me the motivation and strength to prove to myself that I was capable of achieving more than I ever imagined.
My story is proof that setbacks are not the end of the journey. Sometimes they are simply preparing you for something greater.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was feeling overlooked early in my career despite my years of experience and hard work. I was passed over for a supervisor position because I lacked management experience, even though I was still expected to help train the person who received the role. That experience was discouraging and eventually led me to leave the spa industry for a few years to gain leadership experience elsewhere.
I also faced financial hardships, uncertainty during COVID furloughs, and one of the biggest challenges of my life — balancing full-time work, aesthetics school, pregnancy, and becoming a first-time mom all at the same time. There were many moments where I questioned how I would manage everything, but through faith, perseverance, and support from those around me, I continued pushing forward. Looking back now, those struggles helped shape me into the leader and person I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently the Spa Manager and Lead Aesthetician at Grand Galvez. I oversee the daily operations of the spa, help lead and support our team, and also work directly with guests by providing aesthetic services. My background started at the front desk, so I have been fortunate to learn almost every side of the spa industry throughout my career. That experience has helped me become a hands-on leader who understands both the guest experience and the behind-the-scenes operations that keep everything running smoothly.
I specialize in creating a welcoming and organized environment for both guests and employees. I am known for leading by example, building strong relationships with clients and coworkers, and always being willing to step in wherever I am needed. I truly love helping people feel confident, relaxed, and cared for, whether that is through management, guest service, or aesthetics.
What I am most proud of is how far I have come. I started as a front desk receptionist over 16 years ago and worked my way up to Spa Manager despite many obstacles along the way. I am also incredibly proud of earning my aesthetics license while working full-time, pregnant, and preparing to become a first-time mom.
I believe what sets me apart is my resilience, work ethic, and genuine passion for people. I have experienced every level of this industry, so I lead with understanding, compassion, and teamwork. I never ask my team to do something I would not do myself, and I always strive to create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to grow.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest things I have learned is the importance of building genuine relationships and staying open to opportunities, even when they come unexpectedly. Some of the most important opportunities in my career came from people who saw my work ethic and believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Networking does not always have to be formal — sometimes it is simply about the connections you build through consistency, kindness, and hard work every day.
For me, what worked best was staying dependable, being willing to learn, and treating everyone with respect regardless of their position. The relationships I built throughout my career opened doors for me later on, including reconnecting with former coworkers who encouraged me to return to the spa industry.
When it comes to finding a mentor, I think it is important to find someone who genuinely wants to see you grow and who challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone. I was fortunate to have leaders who pushed me toward opportunities I did not always think I was ready for, and that made a huge impact on my confidence and career growth.
I would also say not to let rejection or setbacks discourage you. Sometimes the opportunities you do not get are preparing you for something even bigger down the road.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rocio_aesthetics
