A tasty origin story

An article that appeared in the Santa Fean.

In 2004, Lori Parrish took over a former supermarket to open BODY, a wellness destination for higher living featuring a spa, yoga studio, and sustainable living boutique. Much like the sections of a supermarket collectively providing the nourishment the body needs, Lori’s integrated approach to wellness merges the essentials of natural living under one roof.

A pioneer of the health & wellness movement, Lori set an example with an integrated approach to self-care that addresses fitness, skincare, bodywork, sustainable shopping, and perhaps most importantly, the need for authentic human connections.

Lori landed in Santa Fe after spending two years in India studying meditation with the Dalai Lama, during which time she contracted blood poisoning, giardia, and hepatitis. “I tried to clean up my body, but I just couldn’t heal. I think I needed to return to the United States and face my life and purpose.” A visit from a massage therapist friend led her to Santa Fe: “Santa Fe was the perfect place to take my next steps. It was a healing mecca.”

Prior to opening BODY, Lori spent twenty-five years training massage therapists in the art of bodywork as the Executive Director of New Mexico Academy of Healing. Opening BODY was the continuation of Lori’s journey in holistic health, and an opportunity to build a communal space around shared purpose.