Though neither are originally from the area, Ed Le Cara and Copper Dallas both eventually found their way to Texas. Copper is originally from small town in south Georgia who made her way to the University of Georgia where she studied Marketing and Advertising. During her college years, she interned each summer with Quincy Jones in California, an experience that led her to move to Los Angeles at the age of 22 after graduation. While working for Quincy Jones, she was fortunate enough to attend many industry events which led to her career desires changing from music publishing to event producing. After college, she secured a position in event producing. After a few years she took on the role as Director of the company and worked her way to becoming the Vice President of the company. She spent 12 years in Los Angeles with the same company planning Grammy events, industry events, red-carpet occasions, and even organizing celebrity birthday parties.
While she found success in LA, Copper had two small children and felt Dallas, TX, offered a better quality of life and environment for her family. In 2013, she made the move, bringing with her a strong background in marketing and sales and a desire to put down roots in a more family-friendly setting.
Ed grew up in Danville, CA, just outside San Francisco, and excelled in athletics. He was a nine-letter athlete in high school and was inducted into his school’s Hall of Fame for wrestling, football, and track. “I was wrestling D1 at the University of California, Davis, but tore three out of four ligaments in my knee,” he said. “I needed surgery, but that would cost me my senior season of eligibility.” As a combat medic in the Army Reserve, he sought the advice of various physicians. “Someone brought up avoiding surgery and focusing on strengthening the knee to see if I could return to the mat.” He took a conservative approach, rehabilitated his injury, and discovered he was able to get back on the mat within four months. This experience sparked his interest in alternative medicine with a focus in strength and conditioning.
After graduating with a degree in exercise physiology and a minor in nutrition, Ed worked in a Bay Area practice for 14 years and also spent two days a week at the Veterans Administration Hospital. He began consulting for 24 Hour Fitness, helping members get healthier through exercise and diet and writing content for their members and trainers. One day, the company’s CEO asked, “What would it take for you to join us full-time on our executive team?” He decided to take that chance, but not long after, the board of directors shifted gears. In March of 2013, Ed and 27 other executives were let go. Having already sold his practice and leaving the hospital, he was subject to a non-compete clause in the Bay Area, which led him to Dallas. There, he started a joint practice with a professional connection and began establishing himself in a new community.
Copper and Ed met at a CrossFit gym in Dallas, where they both attended a 6:30 a.m. class. “Our 6:30 a.m. class became friends, and Ed treated me for a condition I had at the time,” said Copper. “I went in to see Ed, and my symptoms were gone after two visits.” Ed later moved to Colorado, but when Copper heard he was looking to return to Dallas, she reached out to share her idea and dream of opening an aesthetics wellness clinic. They agreed to partner and opened Body Lounge Park Cities. Over time, their working partnership grew and evolved into a personal relationship as well.
Copper has two children: Hudson, a freshman at Highland Park who plays football and runs track, and Hazel, a seventh grader at Highland Park Middle School who loves musical theater and cheer. “Hudson is an easy-going and really kind young man,” said Copper. “Hazel is sweet and feisty, just like her mom, and the two of them are very close.”
At Body Lounge, Ed and Copper emphasize a community atmosphere. “We wanted to create an environment that was friendly but on the cutting edge of wellness and aesthetic services,” they shared. “When you come in, you will see one if not both owners, something that differentiates us from our competitors. We have a higher level of accountability with us being here, and we consider our patients our friends. We always look for the next best thing to help people feel better, look better, and move better.” Their services range from regenerative medicine, hormone therapies, and peptide treatments to physical recovery options such as chiropractic care and rehab, along with aesthetic services including injectables, peels, and laser hair removal.
Ed and Copper enjoy traveling as their favorite hobby, frequently visiting Colorado, California, Georgia, and Florida. Their favorite international destination is Italy, specifically the Amalfi Coast and Rome. Looking ahead, they have a trip to the BVI’s and London with the kids. Staying local, they often visit Dunston’s Steakhouse or Shinsei. And though they love travel, they love just chilling together at home.
Ed and Copper’s journey shows how two people from different parts of the country can find common ground in Dallas. Surrounded by friendly neighborhoods and new adventures, they continue to grow together, always making time for laughter, travel, and simply enjoying each other’s company.