Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Perez.
Hi Cecilia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As an immigrant from Colombia, I followed in the footsteps of many recently arrived individuals by working in local warehouses and factories when I first came to this country. Shortly after my arrival, my husband became ill and underwent surgery. During his recovery, he required several radiology treatments that left him with a large darkened area on his skin. In searching for help, I took him to an esthetician who assured us she could provide treatment. After witnessing his first session, my interest in esthetic care and post-operative massage was ignited.
In the months that followed, I did my due diligence to research training options, enroll in certification courses, and work toward becoming a licensed esthetician and lymphatic therapist. When the pandemic hit and in-person classes closed, I remained determined and completed the academic portions of my certifications online while waiting for hands-on sessions to resume.
As I neared the end of my program, I connected with a small business spa owner in the Bronx, New York who offered me my first opportunity as a massage and facial specialist. I quickly began building a strong client base and learning the business from the inside out.
After one year, my husband and I decided to relocate to North Carolina in search of a better quality of life, even though we had no family or friends there. Once we settled in Raleigh, I immediately began searching for work in my new field. Through networking, I was introduced to someone willing to bring me on board once I transferred my license to North Carolina.
One of my specialties, post-operative massages for women recovering from procedures such as mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, fat removal, and glute enhancements, quickly became a major success. Many of the women I served had difficulty finding skilled professionals who offered this type of care. As word spread, I built a steady client base, which led the business owner to co-lease me space so I could develop my own independent practice.
In 2022, Body So Tight was officially born in North Raleigh, marking the launch of my own spa business and the next chapter of my journey in the esthetics and wellness field.
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?
Like most business journeys, mine has come with both challenges and wins. Choosing a completely new career path, one in which I had no prior experience, brought a great deal of uncertainty. Many people believe that the older we get, the more we tend to play it safe. But my vision was clear, and with my husband’s support, I was determined to pursue this new direction.
Enrolling in a certification program in a language I was still learning was a challenge in itself. At that time, I barely spoke English, and I found myself having to learn a new language and a new skill simultaneously. Earning my license was only the first step; finding a place willing to hire me with no experience was another major obstacle. I had to trust my training, put it into practice, and believe in my ability to grow and succeed.
Building a client base from zero required relying solely on my ability to deliver exceptional service. When I began gaining momentum, my husband and I made the difficult decision to relocate to a completely new state, a place where we knew no one. Many of my clients were sad to see me go, and my employer at the time pleaded for me to stay. Moving to a new city with no connections and limited English was intimidating, but I knew I had to face the challenge head-on.
When my former employer in North Raleigh offered me space to open Body So Tight, it felt like a major win. My vision was finally becoming a reality. But as life often does, it presented another challenge just when things were going well. After investing in renovations and building a thriving practice, the owner unexpectedly requested her space back. I was once again forced to start over and find a new location with very little time to do so.
After weeks of searching with little success, I finally found a new space in Clayton, where I now operate. I feared losing clients during the transition, but to my surprise, they all followed me. Their loyalty affirmed the quality of my work and the trust I had built.
As I continue planning for the future of Body So Tight, I know I will encounter more obstacles, but I also know there will be meaningful wins. Each challenge has shaped my resilience, strengthened my skills, and fueled my commitment to grow this business with intention and passion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I completed my esthetician licensing and went on to earn certifications in post-operative lymphatic drainage and wood therapy. While I offer a range of services, from rejuvenating and deep-cleansing facials to relaxing and body-sculpting massages, I have become best known for my post-operative drainage. Cosmetic surgery is especially common in Latin America and in major U.S. areas such as Miami, New York, and California. Many of my clients in the Triangle region travel out of state or abroad for their procedures and often struggle to find the specialized post-operative care they need, particularly from someone who speaks their native language.
I take pride in bridging that gap by making this essential service accessible and culturally responsive within their own community. I have also partnered with surgical facilities abroad to ensure a direct line of continuity of care for patients returning home after surgery. Despite having limited resources for marketing and advertising, I am proud that my business has grown into a sustainable and trusted practice through client word-of-mouth alone.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
When it comes to Body So Tight Spa, what matters most to me is my clients. Their well being, satisfaction, and results are the foundation of my business. The growth and success of Body So Tight are directly tied to the trust and positive experiences my clients have, and this became especially evident when we relocated to Clayton and so many clients chose to continue their care with me. Their loyalty reinforces the importance of delivering exceptional service, maintaining strong relationships, and always prioritizing the client experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bodysotightspa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysotight?igsh=em44bjR0eDlndHZ6&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bodysotight111?_r=1&_t=ZP-91q68WfEaxb
