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How an Ugly Duckling Used Her Insecurities to Run a Medical Spa Business


MANILA, Philippines- Aura Ruz-Abad, owner of the Aura Ruz Medical Spa, was once an ugly duckling who dreamt of becoming a lovely swan. Little did she know that her insecurities would fuel the success of her medical spa business.

“Pinanganak akong maitim. Actually ako yung pinaka-ugly duckling samen magkakapatid. Literal na ako yung pinakapangit,” she told Rated K.

PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Aura Ruz

Growing up, Aura had very low self-esteem because of her physical appearance. This later prompted her to launch a business that would help women like her.

While her husband was reviewing for his bar exams, Aura began selling whitening soaps in order to earn income for her family. Apart from the additional income, the soaps also helped Aura gain confidence who was pregnant with her second child at that time.

Her husband Atty. Cernick Abad said: “Alam naman naten na pag ang isang tao nabuntis medyo nagkakaroon ng mga hormonal changes sa katawan. So nung mga panahong iyon, ang taba-taba talaga nya. Ang dami pa niyang tigyawat. Pero nung mga panahong iyon nasasabi niya na gusto ko magkaroon ng ganyan, gusto ko maging kamukha ni ganyan, gusto ko maging ganyan.”

While operating her business, Aura felt the need to change her physical apearance so clients would trust her. Aside from regularly getting glutathione IV treatments, Aura underwent surgical procedures to augment her nose, chest and buttocks. Her transformation enticed clients to trust her.

Soon enough, Aura was able to save enough money to open a beauty center in Sampaloc, Manila. In just 3 years, Aura Ruz Medical Spa became a hit for clients who were just like her before.

”Sobrang daming way na para maging maganda tayo. Hindi na kasi uso ngayon na housewife ka lang, kailangan, gumagalaw ka rin. At kung kaya ko, kaya niyo rin,” Aura said.

Aside from her medical spa, Aura also runs a salon business.

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