Betty Garza keeps up with the latest trends in hair and skin care as owner and stylist Boutique du Jour in Corpus Christi. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photography
After 20 years of owning and managing Boutique Du Jour Salon & Spa in Corpus Christi, Michael and Betty Garza are keenly aware of the link between looking good and feeling good. To this couple, beauty is more than skin deep. Appearance is linked to emotional and social health, said the Garzas, giving it an important role in how we maintain optimal wellness, creating strong self-esteem and building confidence.
“It’s all about being positive,” Michael said. “Negative brings more negative. If you love people, then helping them to find courage in making positive changes is really rewarding.
Boutique Du Jour is a full-service spa offering a wide variety of beautifying and rejuvenating services. Betty pointed out the importance of being up to date when providing clients with the best treatments available.
“We cater to all their needs dealing with hair, nails, skin and massage,” she said. “It’s crucial to keep up with the latest trends and developments, so we read a lot and attend shows and continue learning so that we can best serve those who come through our doors.”
The salon’s staff includes an esthetician, three hairstylists and two massage therapists. They also continue to enhance their knowledge of the industry’s more recent techniques and innovations.
“There is one class they attend that deals with how to interact with clients,” Betty said. “This is important because many of the people who visit us are more like family than clients.”
That old-fashioned beauty-shop-as-community-gathering-place connection makes Boutique du Jour more than just a clip joint.
“It’s a favorite place for our patrons to visit where they can socialize and receive the best haircut, the best shampoo, the best reception, the best whatever it is, while they are here,” Betty added.
The salon offers specialties, including creative hair coloring, color corrections, dimensional foil coloring and “haircut gone bad” fixes.
Longtime hair specialists
Betty laid the groundwork for her future career when she was a youngster growing up in San Antonio. At age 5, she was treating her Barbie dolls to Kool-Aid hair coloring. Later, on a professional level, she worked a booth rental in San Diego, California, for seven years. Her love for the beach and a desire to be closer to her family brought her to Corpus Christi, where she and Michael met.
Michael worked in the oil fields as a welder before entering the beauty business. He does not hesitate when asked what he enjoys most about Corpus Christi.
“This is where my ancestors lived,” he said. “We’re a part of this land; we have deep roots here. Plus, the name Corpus Christi itself means ‘body of Christ.’”
While both cut hair, Betty focuses on creative projects and Michael manages the financial and marketing aspects of the business.
Betty and Michael Garza see a bright future for Corpus Christi and Boutique Du Jour, which includes their teenage daughter, Jaz. She practices her skills on mannequins.
“I learn from Mom and Dad and from videos on the Internet,” she said. “I spend time working in the salon during summertime, too, where I see the work and learn from that.”
Visit Boutique Du Jour Salon & Spa at 1220 Airline Road, Suite 195 (near Toys-R-Us), at The Promenade Shopping Center. Or call (361) 855-2323 to make an appointment at one of the Coastal Bend’s premiere full-service day spas.
