Meet Gordana “Gigi” Fernandez: Small business owner, Massage Therapist & Esthetician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gordana “Gigi” Fernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gordana, how do you think about risk?
This is an interesting question because I am not a risk taker at all. Yet, I’m a small business owner, which most will agree is a lot riskier than being employed somewhere and collecting a steady paycheck. My husband is the complete opposite of me – total risk taker. To him there is no such thing as risk. We bump heads a lot when it comes to new ideas for the business but we always find middle ground and balance the two sides of the spectrum. The fact that I am not a risk taker doesn’t mean that I don’t possess other qualities that led me to the success that I have today. Those qualities are my commitment to excellence, focus and discipline. I try to do the best I can and as thorough as I can. I’m an “all or nothing” type of person. If I can’t give it everything I have, I won’t do it at all. I’m also super organized which helps juggle the responsibilities that come with owning a business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business provides treatments that are very personal. They involve touching people and that can be awkward for some. Creating an inviting space with a friendly staff, where the client can feel at ease the moment they walk in, is very important. But more important than that is the actual treatment. We engage with the client, ask targeted questions beforehand so that we can provide a customized experience instead of a cookie cutter service where the provider is following a set protocol. We want that our clients feel genuinely cared for. We try to exceed their expectations because that’s what they deserve. That’s what’s going to make them return in the future. Getting to where we are today certainly wasn’t always an easy road. Finding providers to fulfill the growth of the business, who take as much pride in their craft as I do, was probably the biggest challenge. Today we have a dream team and I am so grateful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would probably start with the attractions everyone comes to see in the city: GA Aquarium, Coca Cola Museum, Sundial at Westin, Stone Mountain Park, Zoo, Botanical Garden, etc. After all the touristy things, I would take my friend canoeing or floating on the Chattahoochee river (in the summer) followed by a dinner at Canoe or Rays on the River. We would probably drive up to North Georgia Mountains for some outdoor activities too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hands down my husband – Jose Fernandez I am not just saying that because I’m married to the guy. I am saying that because the commitment that he displays professionally every single day is unlike anything else. His mind never rests and he constantly comes up with new and bold ideas. Thanks to him our small business keeps growing year after year. He’s the tech guy and in charge of marketing. An autodidact whose efforts have truly made a difference. He always thinks of new creative ways to make positive changes to the business and always gives me perfect advice and solutions to any problems.

Website: https://buckheadmassage.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuckheadMassage/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-buckhead-massage-company-atlanta
Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60898-d2277169-Reviews-The_Buckhead_Massage_Company-Atlanta_Georgia.html