Meet Vanessa Franco of The Hidden Gem

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Franco.

Vanessa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My path to helping people heal themselves began long ago. Yes, you read that correctly; I said people heal themselves! Whether you believe it or not, it’s true, and I’m the energetic facilitator blessed with the opportunity to connect you with your body’s healing resources.

When I was a young girl, I wasn’t aware that pursuing a career in massage was an option. I enrolled in Civil Engineering. I know. About as opposite as you can get from massage therapy. But, I soon discovered that I was innately drawn to helping people who were under stress, had stiffness, or were in pain. Responding to the call to help them out of discomfort came naturally to me.

It wasn’t a chore. I didn’t even think about it. I just followed my inner urge to make them feel better. And it did! Over the years, I massaged dozens of coworkers, and after receiving positive feedback time and time again, it finally dawned on me that I should look into entering a massage therapy certification program.
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So one day, I made the change and the choice, to follow my new dream and begin my rewarding career path as a Massage Therapist. I moved from California to beautiful Colorado, and after graduating in 2006 from The Utah Family of Schools of Massage Therapy, I made my dream a reality.
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I continued to pursue my education and expand my knowledge and my toolbox, learning Oncology Massage, Hot Stone & Himalayan Salt Massage, Cold Stone Face Massage for Migraines and Headaches, Aromatherapy, Body Scrubs, and Facial Massage. I collaborated with and worked at high-end spas, and learned the ins and outs of Hospitality, which I’ve incorporated to this day.

Though all of my experiences helped tremendously, I felt limited in what I was permitted to do within the spa environments. I had always dreamed about working for myself. As years passed, I’ve grown and evolved, just like my practice, with new knowledge and new techniques, so that I can better assist my clients’ special needs.

In 2014, I fulfilled my dream and created The Hidden Gem, a sanctuary to help reveal the hidden gem in each of you.
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I am pleased to bring a high level of service and create a memorable experience for you.

Remember that I am here as your facilitator, connecting you with your own healing resources.

So, don’t hesitate to share with me your curiosities and needs.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are moments when its smooth sailing but that’s when I worry. You see I like the struggle of things it challenges me it gets me going, it makes me feel ALIVE! When I first started my business, I was a new mommy to my son at the time he was 1. A few months had passed and our world got turned around when we got our son’s diagnosis. He now needed therapies (speech, ABA, OT) so many hours a day per week. This is when my business was put on the back burner while I took care of my son and his needs. Fast forward to the present moment and things are looking better. I’ve been able to take care of my business (building slowly) I just opened my doors June 1st of this year but I’m excited to be able to be at home when our kids need me and be able to work in between.

Please tell us about The Hidden Gem.
We are firm believers in taking care of the body, mind & spirit and know The Hidden Gem has the environment to help you do just that. We believe you truly can find the bliss that you look for. So, congratulate yourself on believing that too, and for taking this step on your path to bliss! Making yourself a priority in your demanding world is the clearest and quickest step you can take to health, healing, and life balance.
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The Hidden Gem did not get its name just because it sounded good, although it does! It represents my intention, to help you find the ideal YOU, the true Gem, hidden deep within you. And, like a precious gem, The Hidden Gem is your hidden refuge from the sometimes crazy life that can make you feel as though you’ve been beaten and worn down. Not just a massage center, We combine intuitively guided touch and individualized energetic connection, environmental healing elements of music frequency, soothing light and fresh air, and an array of therapeutic essential healing oils, sea salts, and fine sugars that work synergistic-ally to perform magic on your body, mind, and spirit.
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But don’t just believe me…We invite you to experience it for yourself.
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We look forward to getting to know you and to supporting your specific needs and desires for health, healing, and life balance.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing! Every little challenge every stepping stone that I’ve had to take in life since day one has brought me to where I’m at now. Each mistake is a lesson learned and every victory a blessing.

Pricing:

• Intuitive Massage (90 min treatment) – $150
• Apothecanna Massage ( Cannabis Assisted Massage 75 min Treatment) – $120
• Oncology Massage ( For Cancer Patients) – Free – Paid by our Pay it Forward Program
• Vegan Massage – (60 or 90 min Treatment) – $100 -$140

Contact Info:

• Address: 172 N Tustin St # 203 Orange , CA 92865
  We are by appointment ONLY
• Website: www.thehiddengem.center
• Phone: 714-658-7127
• Email: info.thehiddengem@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehiddengemoc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehiddengemOC
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hidden-gem-orange-2

Image Credit:
Bubbies and Peaches Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.