Gemma Villamor Gullaksen is the owner and founder of Naturelle Skin Bar in Richmond, Texas. Her professional background has spanned continents and industries. She was born and raised in Manila where she credits her mother with inspiring her savvy business sense from a young age. As the oldest of five children, she often helped with the family business.
She soon made her way to Singapore where she worked for years in the food and beverage industry. There she gained extensive experience in providing excellent customer service, managing a business, event planning and organizing, and coordinating with vendors. For decades, she owned a catering & event planning business where she flourished.
Gemma’s thirst for knowledge led her a diploma in Counselling skills as a working student in Singapore. She worked for the Anti-Narcotics Association, coordinating their “Out of School Youth” program. Through the program she helped families seek constructive outlets for their children such as vocational training. With her desires to help others, she also part-timely volunteered in a family counselling clinic.
Gemma moved to Houston in 2007 and attended The University of Houston where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She then continued to earn a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Upon finishing her schooling, she interned for National Oilwell Varco and then the International Association of Drilling Contractors. She continued in the oil and gas industry as a training and logistics coordinator for RST Global Solutions.
The spark to break into the beauty and skincare industry was ignited when Gemma had a bad experience with an improperly trained esthetician who left her with second- and third-degree burns on her face. This prompted Gemma to enroll in the Ogle School in hopes of entering the beauty industry herself. Upon completing her training, she combined her extensive experience and drive for business with her desire to fill the gap in the industry for natural products.
In 2017 NaturElle Skin Bar was born! The unique day spa offers facials, waxing, and massages using only
natural products, eliminating the use of harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients. Gemma gives each of her clients a personalized experience through treatments developed for their specific skincare needs. She provides the highest level of TLC in every session! Clients can also shop the spa’s extensive stock of natural beauty products to help maintain their skin in between visits.
At Naturelle, every client is a friend to Gemma. Her warm and inviting spirit makes clients feel right at home. Gemma’s approach to business is deeply rooted in her heritage. She applies the values instilled in her as a Filipino to her work.
Gemma has also always made a point of giving back through her extensive volunteer work. Her humanitarian work has especially focused on helping children in need and addressing extreme poverty back home in the Philippines. Since 2008 she has volunteered with Gawad Kalinga USA to help in fundraising efforts and educating youth in how they can make a difference through various causes.
Gemma’s advice to herself and to others is, “Do what you love, share that love with everyone, and the money will follow. Be thankful, count your blessings, and life will be wonderful. Give back, and tenfold will be given back to you.”