Aleck Rios and Crystal Curiel had no idea fate would steal the show when they met six years ago.

Crystal owned a spa and a swimwear/lingerie boutique in Brownsville at the time. She was also selling insurance. Aleck was living in McAllen and owned Corazon Health Care Services.

Aleck and Crystal joined mutual friends for dinner after the show and talked for hours. Within two weeks of meeting, Aleck told his mother, “She’s going to be my wife.” 

It took Crystal a little longer. 

“I didn’t know his heart yet, but his strong faith background and his maturity really attracted me,” she said.

It didn’t take much longer. A little over a month later, Crystal had seen his heart and accepted the engagement ring he presented to her during a trip to Las Vegas. They married eight months to the day after their first meeting.

Personal & Professional Growth

Aleck and Crystal saw three children added to their family, as well as several business ventures. 

The most recent is ThrIVe Drip Spa, which celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 27. On its website, ThrIVe describes itself as “an I.V. vitamin therapy and lifestyle wellness spa that has taken traditional medical treatments and given them a modern twist.’’

A drip spa like ThrIVe customizes drips and boosters to maximize health and wellness. Aleck was aware of the health benefits of dripping. He began researching the topic further.  The couple hoped to combine Aleck’s experience in medical services and interest in memberships with Crystal’s background in the spa industry.

It led to Aleck launching ThrIVe Drip Spa, which was established in Houston. They liked what they saw online, so they reached out to its owners before visiting ThrIVe’s locations in the Houston area. They were impressed with the spa feel of ThrIVe and the services they offer. The couple also liked that they could be one of ThrIVe’s first franchisees.

“By being one of the first,” Aleck said, “we knew we would get to be part of its growth and to have a voice in that.” 

There was something else that topped their list. 

“More than anything, we really believed in the product, and how it benefits people and helps them live healthier lives,” Crystal said.

Benefits Of Dripping

ThrIVe offers 12 customized drips and a selection of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that can be added to each selection.

A registered nurse administers the drips in one of the drip lounges, which meet strict sanitation guidelines. For those unfamiliar with a drip spa, Aleck acknowledges the importance of education about the process and its benefits.

“The minute you get past the mindset of an IV being a hospital needle, it’s a life changer,” he said.

The Detox Drip, for example, begins with the foundation of one liter of fluids combined with electrolytes and glutathione. This drip removes toxins and improves skin and well-being.

One of the most requested products is the Immuno Drip, Aleck said.

“This one adds vitamin C, glutathione and zinc to the foundation,” Aleck said.

A ThrIVe booklet says this combination “can assist in boosting your immune system, supporting wellness and easing the symptoms of any ongoing illnesses.”

The drip menu also includes the Libido Drip, the Migraine Drip and the Slim Drip, along with other choices.

“Two-thirds of the population are chronically dehydrated and don’t even know it,” Crystal said. 

Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, muscle aches, dry skin, sluggishness, cramps and hair loss. 

“Through an IV, 100 percent of the nutrients are absorbed,” Aleck said, which is a much higher absorption rate than taking vitamins orally.

ThrIVe also offers shots, such as B12, vitamin D, biotin and CoQ10. They also offer COVID testing. Cryotherapy, which exposes the body to subzero temperatures and is touted for its fitness, beauty, weight-loss and general health, is another service available. It’s a service that is popular with marathon runners and other athletes. Clients can also enjoy infrared therapy, which is recognized for its circulation, anti-aging and detoxification benefits.

ThrIVe welcomes call-in and walk-in clients. Monthly memberships offer the best benefits.

For Aleck and Crystal, ThrIVe is more than a business venture. It is a way of life.

“We both drip and use the other services religiously,” Crystal said. “With the lifestyle we live, so many jobs and our three kids, it gives us the energy, the hydration and the mental clarity we need.”