Inspiring Conversations with Tess Gallegos of Holistica Skincare and Massage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Gallegos

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been obsessed with skincare for as long as I can remember. At age 14, I developed acne which greatly affected my self confidence. I began dabbling with skincare and experimenting with different products. It was at this age that I saved my money from my job at A & W and had my first facial. I was hooked.
At 18, I left home and went to college. I attended for a year and a half before hearing that an Esthetics school was opening in town. My schooling was a fabulous experience. The school was run out of a local day spa where we practiced on clients. I got more hands on experience in school than I could have imagined. After graduating, I was hired at the day spa to see clients. I did mostly waxing and facials during this time.
After a couple of years, I realized that what I loved about what I did because of the touch component. I loved mindfully connecting with people in this way and having them leave feeling better than they did when they came in, so I moved back to my home town of Boulder and attended the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in 2003. Here I studied Shiatsu, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Oncology Massage & Pregnancy Massage.
Having a dual license in Esthetics and Massage Therapy was a huge advantage. For the first few years of practice, I worked in spas and massage clinics, honing my craft.
In 2005, I was hired by Whole Foods Market as the first Esthetician to work giving people advice in the skincare department. During this time, I became fascinated with plant based skincare, organic ingredients and cleaner products. With a private practice on the side, I began exploring the Dr Hauschka Skincare products. After seeing how these products bring the skin into balance, I went and studied with them in 2008. After becoming a Certified Dr Hauschka Esthetician, I also became their regional educator sharing my knowledge of Holistic skincare with new accounts and businesses with interest in the products. During this time my private practice began to grow. I had a small studio in Platte Park on South Pearl Street where I gave treatments to incoming clients, as my practice grew bigger, I was asked to work at one of my favorite stores in Cherry Creek, Apothecary Tinctura. During this time, I saw clients for treatments, learned about other healing modalities and dove into a love for plant medicine. My years at Apothecary Tinctura were some of my favorite, especially because of the knowledgable herbalists that I worked with. I gained so much knowledge there.
In 2013, I kept a promise to myself and dove into my full time private practice, Holistica Skincare and Massage. I had told myself that I would be self employed by the time my son started kindergarten, which he had. Taking that leap was terrifying. I had made several clients and connections over the past several years, but what if they didn’t follow me? I am fortunate enough to say that they did. As my practice grew in my Uptown studio location, I knew that I had a different vision for my business. During COVID, I built out a studio in the basement of my Congress Park bungalow. With easy street parking and a separate entrance, clients were delighted with my new location and my business continued to grow. I really wanted Holistica Skincare and Massage to stand out and I think that it does. I have created a skincare and massage practice outside of the typical spa setting with a total spa feel. To me, it is all about special touches. My heated table, soft gowns, incredible skincare products and a full menu of offerings is what you will find at my office. My dog Scout greets clients and guides them to my office before sleeping through their treatments. I offer facials, massage, lash and brow tinting, and brow shaping. My treatments are thorough and luxurious, most clients drift off to sleep and all of them leave feeling glowy, brighter, more confident and well cared for. Now, with a busy practice and a 17 year old son, I find myself happier than ever in my work. I have expanded to have a successful online store at Holisticadenver.com where I sell over 100 products. Between that and a busy practice, I feel incredibly grateful that I chose that path that I did. That I get to pamper people all day, helping them achieve their goals. My connection with my clients makes all of the hard work of being self employed worth it. Many of them, I have seen for 15 years or more. I have seen their children, their spouses, maybe their parents. These relationships mean the world to me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It is not an easy road to become an Esthetician and Massage Therapist in private practice. I had to get my hands on as many people as possible to gain experience. Working in clinics and spas can be challenging, but building a clientelle on your own is the hardest. Once I was on my own, there were times that I thought “What did I do?”. Ultimately, making the investment to begin a private practice is a jump off of a cliff. I had to trust that “they would come.” And they did and I am grateful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Holistica Skincare and Massage is my private practice. About 70% of clients come for skincare and 30% for massage. In practice, I only use clean skincare products. I have been a Dr Hauschka Esthetician since 2008 and a Sorella Apothecary Skincare partner since 2023. I am known for giving luxuriously relaxing facials using plant based ingredients. My holistic facials draw an earth conscious, health focused client and those looking for deep relaxation. Much of my practice focuses on working with teens. I love helping young people navigate a good home routine as well as treatment facials. I have been very successful in helping the tween/teen demographic with acne challenges, but most of my clients are 60+ and needing support with declining elasticity. I am proud to offer Dr Hauschka and Sorella Apothecary skincare products and more in my shop and online at holisticadenver.com

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One time, while on a California vacation, my Dad and I woke up before everyone else, got donuts and went to the beach. I have continued the “beach donut” tradition with my son. Who knows, maybe he will carry on the tradition!

Pricing:

• $90- One Hour Massage or Facial
• $135- 90 Minute Massage or Facial
• $180- 2 Hour Dr Hauschka Classic Treatment
• $200- The Ultimate Treatment (Dermaplane and Peel Combo)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://holisticadenver.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/holisticaskincare

Image Credits
Kala Knowlton Photography- kalaknowltonphotography.com