January 2006

Women in Business Profile
-El Paso Inside and Out Magazine

Four sisters, three generations and 33 years of family affair hair care create the Sun City's largest salon, and one of the oldest. Barragan's Salon & Spa originated as a barbershop in 1972 by El Paso natives Mauricio and Noemi. That led to a salon next door operated by mom and sister Yolanda (the late '70's unisex trend knocked out that dividing wall), followed by growth-induced leased moves to North Mesa for 19 years. Noemi witnessed the salon's evolution, especially after Mauricio passed away 23 years ago, her later retirement and turning the reins over to her daughters.

To keep up with expansion demands, the four sisters opted for the Southern California-design and construction of an all new, private, 5400 sq. ft. (the largest in El Paso), full-service, stand-alone, true day spa specializing in hair, nails and massages combined into their famous Barragan's Spa Packages - complete with Jacuzzi, steam room, open-air center atrium and catered light lunches. Atmosphere is key at Barragan's. The 35 employees rely on teamwork, diligence, consistency, comfort, encouragement and continuous training and education.

"Our people are the living culture of our business," says Terry Barragan, adding that community efforts include participation in Beauty for the Cure, supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research, and most recently the Night of Relief for displaced Hurricane Katrina families who relocated to El Paso. "Client opinions are the most valuable, which is why we've lasted and grown. We listen and work to give them what they want."

Together Terry, Yolanda (Reyes), Tencha and Margie Garibay comprise the four licensed cosmetologist sisters/owners who grew up ensconced in the business without their parents' pushing. They have nine kids between them but keep work hours to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. "We're so busy, but we all know what to do," says Terry "It's all about the work and service when we're here and after-hours, we don't discuss it, period. That's why we get along so well."

Barragan's entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of Salon Today Magazine earlier this year when it was nationally recognized as one of the Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons in the country.

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