Our story
The ARA Sanctuary is more than a company—it’s a manifestation of my life’s pursuit, my passions, my lifelong dream to help others, and a tribute to my family. The name itself, “ARA”, carries layers of meaning. In French, my native language, “Ara” means macaw, a bird I had the privilege of being around while growing up, and that I’ve always admired and loved. ARA also represents the initials of my parents and myself, honoring the companies my mother once built and the strength she carried throughout her life. This business is a tribute to her resilience, creativity, and freedom.
Growing up in Mexico, surrounded by parrots and animals, I developed a profound connection with nature. Birds, particularly parrots, became a symbol of my upbringing, thanks to my mother, who always kept them around. My hope is to one day fulfill the true meaning of The ARA Sanctuary—creating a physical sanctuary for all types of parrots, where they can heal and thrive.
This vision of a sanctuary is more than just a dream for birds; it’s a dream for people too. I want The ARA Sanctuary to be a safe space of healing and growth, where individuals can come to find balance and express themselves fully, whether through art, performance, or physical rehabilitation.
Each branch of ARA Sanctuary represents a part of my soul. ARA Gallery, the first of these branches, has been a dream of mine since childhood. I started drawing much too young and have rarely put a pencil down since! It earned me a diploma in 3D animation and CGI, and university studies in Art History, Art Diffusion and Museology. ARA Gallery is where I finally bring my passion for traditional art to life. The gallery is infused with the colors of my hometown—blues, turquoises, and golds that reflect the Caribbean seas and sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen. These colors represent the serenity, vibrancy, and the beauty of my roots. Although the gallery will be online for now, it is a way of sharing my passions as an artist with the world.
ARA Medicine is the heart of my work, and the core of my business. This part of my journey began somewhat unexpectedly… After graduating from art school, my intended career path as a 3D modeler shifted, leaving me searching for a new direction. My partner, a massotherapist, encouraged me to explore alternative medicine, as, ironically enough, an alternative. Having spent years rehabilitating my own body after injuries sustained during my career as a circus artist, I know firsthand the challenges of chronic pain. I found that helping others regain mobility and manage their pain gave me a new sense of fulfillment, and a meaning to my injuries.
The colors of ARA Medicine—deep greens, burnt oranges, and bronzes—are inspired by the Mexican jungle, reflecting the earth's grounding energy and the rich natural beauty I’ve been lucky enough to be connected to. ARA Medicine embodies my desire to heal, to help, offering massotherapy, flexiotherapy, and soon much more to help others find relief and balance in their bodies just like I did.
Lastly, ARA Performance, the third branch of the sanctuary, is set to launch at the end of winter 2025. Born from my love of flexibility training, and performing on stage, ARA Performance’s name is actually a tribute to the Olympian judoka, Nick Tritton, who gave me a teaching opportunity at Tritton Performance, for which I am truly grateful. A new passion was born in his gym.
The colors of this branch—deep velvety reds, charcoals, silvers, and golds—are inspired by the theater stage, by the velvet curtains, the spotlight, and the energy of the audience. Though I may never return to the stage myself due to my injuries, helping others reach their physical goals gives me a sense of purpose. Through ARA Performance, I’ll offer flexibility and mobility classes, private sessions, and personalized exercise plans to help people of all backgrounds—whether athletes, performers, or everyday individuals—improve their flexibility, strength and range of motion.
Each branch of The ARA Sanctuary—art, medicine, and performance—represents a different facet of who I am. Every aspect of this sanctuary has been carefully crafted with intention and meaning, from the colors and logos to the services offered. They are all connected by a shared mission to help people heal, grow, and express themselves fully.
Looking to the future, my dream is to expand The ARA Sanctuary into a physical space where my partner and I can combine our skills—his expertise as a massotherapist and future athletic therapist, and my ongoing journey as a multifaceted therapist. I envision opening this sanctuary in a small town, where the gallery and clinic can come together under one roof. A place to raise and grow our family, surrounded by nature and animals.
I've poured my heart and soul into this project, and I hope you’ll feel the passion, the care, and the dedication behind everything I do. Whether you come for healing, art, or performance, know that you’re stepping into a space built with love, creativity, and a deep desire to help others find their own sanctuary.
