, 455 Los Gatos Blvd., suite 203, is owned by Ludivina Velazquez, a licensed massage therapist who has honed her craft in some of the finest spas, chiropractic offices, and fitness centers in the Bay Area. It offers various modalities of massage, such as deep-tissue massage, hot-stone massage, and bamboo massage, as well as facials, waxing, and body scrubs. Its hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday.
Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?
Ludivina Velazquez: I dreamed of being a veterinarian. I have loved animals since I was a little girl, and as a child my family had many pets, so I got to play doctor a lot. I’ve taken a course on pet massage with a focus on dogs, of which I have two, and I hope to expand my knowledge on that subject in the future.
Patch: How does your personality play into your business?
Velazquez: I’m straight-forward, progressive, and motivated, which tends to rub off (no pun intended) on my clients. I also come into contact with people who have chronic pain or need to make some changes in their lives in regards to their health, and I give them the most honest assessment I can of their circumstances. My clients trust me to communicate to them what I feel during their sessions, and I am dedicated to deliver that.
Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?
Velazquez: I had been mulling over renting a room to work out of for some time, and it just so happened that I came across an opportunity to take over some office space that served perfectly for body and skin treatments. Everything then fell into place, so here we are!
Patch: What inspired you?
Velazquez: What inspired me then is what continues to inspire me today, which is helping people. I felt a need to make my services available as much I as could. In the past, before I opened my business, I have offered mobile massage (i.e., massage delivered to recipients at their residence of choice) and also have worked under various businesses as their massage therapist. I’ve found that opening my own office allows me to be more available for my clients and to better address their issues. I love being a part of maintaining my clients’ well-being, and being my own boss allows me to increase my effectiveness exponentially.
Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town of Los Gatos?
Velazquez: As Los Gatos is a very historic and regal town, it can be somewhat intimidating! Integrating my business here has been an exciting test of my skills, style, and aptitude. For a small, village-like atmosphere, its residents are vibrant, grounded, and they simply know exactly what they want. Each client that I treat is a welcomed challenge that way, and I adapt to what they are looking for, be it in terms of relief, beauty, and/or comfort.
Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?
Velazquez: There are many things I enjoy about having my business here. First, as I mentioned above, Los Gatos residents are active, dynamic, and most of all, friendly. A close second would be the towns’ atmosphere. It’s very serene here, and with all the trees and fauna, the air is very fresh and inviting. It seems that no matter where you look, it’s a beautiful view. Lastly, there’s a lot of support here from other business owners and even just general passers-by. I notice strangers helping each other out every day. It really serves to be further motivation to provide the best services and care to my clients.
Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?
Velazquez: I love my staff and the open, easy-going attitudes in the office. Because we not only work together well but we enjoy each other’s company, our clients pick up on that and the atmosphere in the office is very engaging.
Patch: What is your business’ greatest asset?
Velazquez: I would have to say the quality of overall service. I aim to provide a great massage while supplying information on upkeep of the body and an honest assessment of the circumstances involving each client. I make sure that from when my clients enter until they leave that they receive the most individualized attention possible. I also make sure that they receive professional, courteous behavior, and that their session takes place in a clean and comfortable room with high quality products.
Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?
Velazquez: I have a passionate love affair with coffee, so I’d have to say my favorite spots are divided between the various venues in town that serve its delicious tree bean juice. Such places are where you’re likely to find me, spoiling my palate.
Patch: What’s one thing the community should know about you?
Velazquez: The community should know that I am here to provide a fresh approach to massage treatments as well as highly individualized therapy.
