Get ready Oakville, there’s a new kid in town. Since opening its doors to the public in November 2017, natural beauty bar Gabe & Angel has taken Downtown Oakville by storm, serving up one-of-a-kind experiences and offering a wide selection of premium, natural beauty products. From their choice to support Canadian companies to their stunning décor to their rapidly growing list of clientele, there’s no denying Oakville’s favourite new beauty joint is making waves.

I had the chance to spend an afternoon at Gabe & Angel, and I’m super excited to share with you guys my amazing experience, plus an exclusive interview with the beautiful face behind the name, Argentina Beltran. Sit back, relax and join me on a journey through Oakville’s first and only natural beauty bar!

When I first heard about Gabe & Angel I couldn’t help but do a little happy dance. I mean seriously, an all-natural beauty bar in my own backyard! Prior to my Gabe and Angel visit this month I haven’t had my nails professionally done since the Christmas holidays. As I work towards a greener lifestyle I made a decision to replace my toxin-filled nail appointments with some at-home nail TLC. When I discovered Gabe & Angel offers natural gel manicures I was gobsmacked. It’s everything I never knew I always wanted. If you’re not into gel manicures, I highly recommend their 12 toxin-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, breathable, vegan polish, which is perfect for both manicures and pedicures. Not only is the colour selection great, but you can hardly tell the difference between other brands.

The pedicures at Gabe & Angel are nothing short of amazing. Sink into one of their thrones as you sip on tea and soak your feet in the most beautiful copper bowl while their skilled estheticians scrub and smooth your feet to perfection. The pedicure station is located on the lower level of the store, which boast a captivating yet minimalist décor.

After my manicure and pedicure I was treated to an incredible facial in what is undoubtebly one of the coziest rooms ever (what can I say, I’m a sucker for inviting treatment rooms). The temperature was perfect, the lighting was great and the string lights that adorn the Gabe & Angel sign can’t help but create a romantic, summers-night feel.  My esthetician for all services, Paulina Rutyna, is one of the most talented, experienced estheticians in the city. After analyzing my skin she carefully selected the perfect range of natural products, including an invigorating mud mask. Through the use of her seemingly effortless techniques, Paulina left me with a healthy glow and that oh-so amazing dewy feeling. Days later my skin still felt plump and hydrated, so needless to say I can’t wait to go back next month for another facial.

Behind the incredible treatment choices, personable Instagram and awesome product selection is rising entrepreneur and a fearless leader, Argentina Beltran. Argentina’s positive outlook and hilarious stories fill Gabe & Angel with enough love and light to make a Disney movie, and her dedication to providing a clean, safe haven is evident from the moment you walk in the door. Wonder where the idea of Gabe & Angel came from? Curious about natural beauty? I caught up with founder Argentina for an exclusive interview.

Where did the concept of Gabe & Angel come from?

Gabe & Angel was initially born out of frustration because I was looking for a place I could go to feel good and not worry (about toxins). I had endometriosis and because of that I wanted to make sure I led a healthy lifestyle of eating well and working out. The last stop for me was my products. I began making natural products, and then I started thinking about services. I love having facials and getting my nails done, but I didn’t have any place that was safe for me to go to. I had a vision in my head of what I was looking for and I couldn’t seem to find it. That’s when the lightbulb went off.

How long did it take for your idea to come to fruition?

About a year. I was in the process of looking into opening a business so the ball was already rolling. Because I had a clear vision of what I wanted that helped the process along.

What goes into your product selection?

We try and focus on Canadian brands as much as possible. The great thing about the green beauty industry is that it’s a very tight knit community. We want the green beauty industry in Canada to really grow, so the only time we source outside of Canada is if we find a better quality product or better ingredients.

We used to carry a Canadian brand for our gel polish (similar to shellac) which is 5 toxin-free. We’re always doing our research, and when we discovered a 7 toxin-free polish we ended up making the shift. We want to deliver on our promise to use the cleanest products on the market, and I’ve personally tried all the products we carry.

How would you describe the décor at Gabe & Angel?

The whole theme is clean, good, beautiful. That is the philosophy behind Gabe & Angel, and I always apply that to people, places and product. Anytime I’m making a decision, whether is décor or products, I always take it back to, is it clean, is it good, is it beautiful?

For parties, how far in advance do you recommend booking?

About 2 weeks, but we always try and accommodate as best we can.

Gabe & Angel has made a big splash in the community. Why is community so important to you?

I’ve always been active in the community and I love the fact that there is a sense of belonging, like a big family. I grew up in a big family myself and I like the feeling that there are people supporting you and having your back. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely if you’re operating on your own and that’s why its important you have a tribe of people that work with you and support you. You support the community and they support you.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of opening Gabe & Angel.

Living my dream. Sometimes I wake up and pinch myself.

 

Whether you’re looking to go green, are already there or have no interest in shaking up your Sephora-filled skincare routine, Gabe & Angel offers a distinctive experience for everyone. It’s the perfect place to duck away for some me-time, grab the girls for champagne (coming soon!) and mani’s or pop in for a mid-week refresher. And let’s not forget it’s a one-stop shop for all your natural beauty needs, including make-up. Guilt-free splurging at it’s finest folks.

A huge thanks to Argentina, Paulina & the entire Gabe and Angel family for having me! Follow the Gabe & Angel team here.

xx, Kiki

 

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Dress: Shein Mesh Yoke Ruffle Detail Dress, Shoes: Zara (sold out). Similar here, Earrings: Design Lab Fabric Ball Drop Earrings (pink).