Some chains offer the same services I do, but coming to me doesn’t just help me—it helps the community. Just as others help me, I help others, and that’s how the chain continues. When we support local businesses, we support the community.”
It was just over two years ago that Parriva interviewed Marcela Luevanos. She was happy, full of expectations. She had achieved her dream: opening her own space to house her skincare business, Skin By Marcela.
“It doesn’t feel strange; it’s not just a business. It’s a place that exudes peace. People come, sit, and spend time dedicated to themselves, happy and at peace,” the skincare expert told us at the time.
“It’s been a bit of a strange period,” Marcela says at the start of our conversation, especially when talking about another move—this time to a new location in downtown Riverside.
“Everything just fell into place; it had to happen. Moving wasn’t an emergency, but I saw a listing, I reached out, and I liked the space. It’s been very positive. I’ve been able to keep the same clients and also gain new ones,” she adds.
Talking to Marcela is entering a world of ideas and possibilities, all rooted in a very positive energy. In addition to her established business, she has maintained two online projects where she sells crafts and other products, further diversifying her income. She also returned for a few months to her role as a radio host on a talk show that ended last January.
“A lot happened in May of last year. I moved, and then my father became ill and passed away—it was a huge blow. I don’t even know how I managed. I know I’m a very logical person; we were told my father had no medical options, and I knew it was something that would happen. Still, it was unexpected. We were very close. Even though he didn’t openly express affection, his actions showed a deep love. I was his only daughter,” she shares.
“He (her father) taught me how to work. Through his example, I saw how hard he worked throughout his life. He also taught me the importance of family. We were very close, and that helps. After my dad’s death, I cry more, but his presence feels stronger than ever. People gave me little gifts that had a connection to him. Without a doubt, there is a before and after in my life,” she says.
Gray clouds hovered over her. Despite being active and having so much to do, she also fulfilled her role as a mother to two baseball-loving sons, one of them entering adolescence.
“I knew something was wrong. I hadn’t decorated the new space. I was depressed, and it hurt that my dad wasn’t with us. At night, I still light his candle, place flowers by his portrait, and cry. I wonder if it’s all real, if it really happened. I think about my mom—she lost her lifelong partner. I think about her pain,” she adds.
But it doesn’t stop her. She tries to activate her ideas and projects, focusing on her work and remembering one of the lessons she learned from Mario, her father.
“He taught me how to work. Through his example, I saw how hard he worked throughout his life. He also taught me the importance of family. We were very close, and that helps. After my dad’s death, I cry more, but his presence feels stronger than ever. People gave me little gifts that had a connection to him. Without a doubt, there is a before and after in my life,” she says.
Current times are painful, as they are for much of society. While she hasn’t been directly affected in her business or family, she knows businesses and people who have been.
“I think a lot about how much it would have hurt my dad. He worked his entire life in car washes. Seeing how those workers are treated now, the raids against them—it would have broken his heart,” she says.
Last summer, she took many courses and specialized further. She knew she needed to stay busy and heal. Attending her sons’ baseball games also helped. Her sons, Nicolas (15) and Julian (12) are fascinated by baseball. Ella is their number one fan, and every game she’s captivated by the passion they play with. It has also helped her heal from life’s blows. After that period of paralysis, she returned to the path that has allowed her to leave a mark on Latino empowerment projects in Los Angeles.
“I know the services my business offers are a luxury—not everyone can afford to pay around $200 for a facial or other services. Some people would rather buy food or other necessities. So far, most of my clients remain steady, but others come less frequently. That’s why I look for new clients, offer new services, and expand them. That’s why it’s important to diversify our income. I’m good at crafts; I’ve opened two online stores and sell my work there—baseball items, custom orders. Yesterday I posted some sweaters. We have to open ourselves to all possibilities,” she adds.
She knows these are difficult times, and they may become even harder. Still, she is confident in the resilience of the immigrant community.
“We always find a way—we have to. What is, is. It’s very important to support small businesses. Some chains offer the same services I do, but coming to me doesn’t just help me—it helps the community. Just as others help me, I help others, and that’s how the chain continues. When we support local businesses, we support the community,” she concludes.
