10/09/2026
Once upon a time.......
I was on a hiatus from college. It was 2016. Maybe you know those weird in between phases where you're seemingly on your path and then, s**t just changes. Serindipitously, I ended up .... up late one night surfing Facebook, I came across an ad for a local . I made a plan to find it the next day. I met Psychic and the Genie 2 (for those who remember, their 1st location was here in Hobe) and that led to a job being the gal at the crystal store who told you all about the gemstones. Little did I know, Psychic's best friend was building something amazing two doors down.
Originally, our name was Healing From Earth and we were very first and . Angelo G. Genova and his son Angelo J Genova opened the place in January of 2017, and I came along in June as The Mad Aesthetic . I had a 10 year career of working for other people's spas, managing their front desks, and teaching esthetics programs at local colleges, but I wanted to practice differently than the norm. Thankfully Angelo said go for it and those stairs began my ascent; they led right up to a tiny loft that became my very own operation.
I spent 2 wonderful years working together with the Genova family, getting to know many of the locals and introducing these beautiful healing modalities to the community. Within that time frame, I decided I wanted a bigger space and ended up leasing an old apartment adjacent to the loft, which shared a wall and eventually would connect as one space. To the peeps who lived there, working at Scooter's Fun, Food & Spirits - no hard feeling I hope, I always hoped you all would come and let me treat you to the fruits of my labor to make up for any inconveniences ♡. The idea was to open a little café with healthy drinks; a nice symbiotic endeavor to complement what was already growing roots downstairs.
A year went by while that adjoining apartment was being renovated. But that wasn't the only thing undergoing massive changes. During that year my life changed drastically, as so did Angelo's, and his family's. Angelo trusted his business in my hands while he was away. In return I had the opportunity of learning how to run a business without the overhead costs, an invaluable experience; a business that would soon become mine.
Fast forwarding through the personal struggles, it was time to move on and we both faced a decision. Anyone that's ever started a business from the ground up knows it's literally blood, sweat and tears. I was not ready to give up my dream, and I didn't want to see Healing from Earth close. Angelo gifted me with the kindest arrangement to continue the business he built.
I took over ownership in 2019 and we became The Healthy Connection Hobe Sound . I don't have to remind you what kinds of hell followed shortly after we entered into 2020. It was a wild ride, and I am beyond grateful to still be here.
As we approach January of 2027, this establishment will make it's 10 year mark.
This past weekend, I learned that Angelo passed on, suddenly and unexpectedly. While I do not know the circumstances surrounding his departure, I do know that he was an incredibly gifted and intuitive human. He loved his family and friends and every community he got involved with was blessed by his contributions, people and businesses alike.
Angelo and his family just opened a restaurant in - . If you're able, please go and share a meal with the important people in your life, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow; commune over food in remembrance of him and his entrepreneurial ambitions!
Angelo and I kept in touch over the years, but he never made it back to see how this place changed. I know his soul understands the challenges we've had and sees the progress we have made. And now he's not bound by the contraints of time and distance, so I hope he will visit at his leisure and continue to bless us.
I was once told "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." I told him how grateful I was, and am, to be this shop's steward. As we move forward into the 10th year of this incredible collaboration he began, may all of you who have been with us from the beginning honor his memory with your continued support and appreciation.
Onward and upward, Angelo! It's been one of my greatest priviliges so far to have crossed paths with you. Stay soulful and keep tabs on us here in Hobe Sound. ♡
