A permanent business location can create stability and room to grow. With real estate loan support from LEDC in partnership with MEDA, Taina Burgos, owner of Avivage Massage in St. Paul, now has a home for her Latina- and woman-owned business offering personalized therapeutic and relaxation massage in a warm, inclusive environment.
Tell us about Avivage Massage.
Avivage Massage is a woman-owned massage therapy business offering personalized therapeutic and relaxation massage for individuals and couples. Avivage is unique for our specialty in side-by-side couples massage, our collaborative, caring team approach and our focus on thoughtful design and aesthetics. Every detail—from the environment to the client experience—is created to feel warm, beautiful, inclusive and restorative.
What was happening in your business (challenge or barrier) before you connected with LEDC?
Before connecting with LEDC, my lease was nearing expiration, and I did not want to renew due to ongoing challenges with the property owners. At the same time, renting another space in the area that was large enough for my business had become unaffordable. Purchasing a property felt like the best long-term solution, but traditional financing carried significant risk. LEDC helped make ownership possible by offering more accessible financing and reducing the financial risk compared with a conventional lender.
What made you decide to pursue a loan through LEDC?
I found LEDC through an online search while exploring financing options. As a Latina business owner, I was drawn to LEDC’s mission and its experience supporting Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses. I felt they would understand my journey, the needs of my business, and the importance of creating long-term stability through property ownership.
How did the loan help move your business forward?
The loan helped me purchase a permanent home for Avivage in the neighborhood we serve. It provides the space we need to grow our team, expand our services, and create a thoughtfully designed client experience. Most importantly, ownership gives the business greater stability, allows us to build equity, and protects us from rising rents and uncertain landlord relationships.
What changed in your business since receiving support?
Although the property purchase has not closed yet, LEDC’s support has already helped move Avivage closer to long-term stability and ownership. Securing financing has given me greater confidence in the future of my business and a clear path toward expanding our space, growing our team, and serving more clients. Reaching this stage is a major milestone for a business I started in 2010.
What was the experience like working with LEDC?
Working with LEDC has been an incredibly positive experience. Giselle has been amazing—helping me understand unfamiliar terminology, organize my financial information, and see the full picture of what purchasing a property would require. She has guided me through each step with patience, clarity, and genuine care, making a complicated process feel much more manageable.
What would you say to another business owner considering working with LEDC?
I would encourage another business owner to reach out to LEDC, especially if traditional financing feels overwhelming or out of reach. LEDC takes the time to understand your business, explain the process clearly, and help you navigate each step. Their support made me feel like I had a knowledgeable partner who genuinely wanted my business to succeed.
Taina Burgos (owner)
Avivage Massage
https://www.avivagemassage.com
