A Closer Look: How I Became the Owner of a Massage Heights Business During Pandemic Shutdowns
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to take a leap of faith and embark on a new adventure? Well, let me share with you the incredible journey I went through when I decided to become the owner of a Massage Heights business during the challenging times of the pandemic.
Picture this: The world was in turmoil, and businesses were struggling to survive. It was a time of uncertainty and fear. But amidst all the chaos, an opportunity presented itself to me like a shining beacon of hope. I knew I had to seize it.
Why, you may ask? Well, first and foremost, I have always been passionate about wellness and helping others. The idea of owning a massage business aligned perfectly with my values and aspirations. I saw it as a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
But it wasn’t just about my personal interests. I also recognized the potential for growth and success in the wellness industry. Even during a pandemic, people were seeking ways to take care of their physical and mental well-being, and massage therapy played a crucial role in that journey.
So, with determination in my heart and a vision in my mind, I dived headfirst into the process of acquiring a Massage Heights franchise. It was a challenging endeavor, to say the least. There were endless paperwork, countless meetings, and sleepless nights spent crunching numbers and analyzing market trends.
But in the end, it all paid off. I became the proud owner of a Massage Heights business, and let me tell you, it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
As an entrepreneur, every day is a new adventure. I find myself constantly learning and adapting. I have the privilege of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for my clients, where they can escape the worries of the world and indulge in the healing power of touch.
Of course, running a business during a pandemic has its challenges. I have had to navigate through ever-changing regulations, ensure the safety of both my staff and clients, and find innovative ways to provide exceptional service despite the limitations.
But throughout it all, I have been inspired by the resilience and gratitude of the people around me. Seeing the joy on my clients’ faces after a rejuvenating massage or hearing their heartfelt words of appreciation fills me with a sense of purpose.
So, why did I take over a Massage Heights business during pandemic shutdowns? Because I believed in the power of human connection, the importance of self-care, and the limitless possibilities that come with taking a leap of faith.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that sometimes, the most extraordinary opportunities arise from the most challenging circumstances. And by embracing them with an open heart and a determined spirit, you can truly make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.
Many businesses had to shut down when COVID-19 started. Some business owners even chose to give up on their ventures completely.
But there were also people who saw an opportunity in the midst of these closures and decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Tracy Welsh is one of those entrepreneurs. She took over a Massage Heights business, a challenging industry, right in the middle of the pandemic. Let me tell you her story in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.
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What the Business Does
This business provides massage and spa services.
I’m Welsh, and I wanted to tell you about the awesome services we offer at our place! When you come visit us, you’ll get top-notch massages, skincare treatments, and wellness services. And guess what? We make sure it’s affordable for you too! It’s like being at a fancy resort, but without the high price tag.
But that’s not all! We have some really cool extras that you can add to your experience. How about a hot stone therapy session to really relax those muscles? Or maybe a hemp massage to help you unwind? We even have healing foot scrubs that will leave your feet feeling amazing.
And if you’re into skincare (who isn’t?), we’ve got something special for you. We offer powerful masks, peels, and boosters that can give your skin a little extra love. Plus, we have a retail section where you can buy high-end skincare products that our members really love.
What makes us special
One thing that sets us apart is the environment we provide. It’s clean, friendly, and welcoming. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed when you walk through our doors. So come on in and let us take care of you!
I want to tell you about our business and what makes it special. We’re all about giving top-notch customer service and going the extra mile. We pay attention to the smallest details and always make sure to ask and remember what’s going on in our guests’ and members’ lives.
We know that some people don’t get a lot of human interaction in their day-to-day lives, so we make sure to provide comfort and familiar faces. But hey, we understand that not everyone wants to chat and socialize. Some folks just want to relax and unwind, and we totally respect that! We want to make sure that everyone gets what they need from us, whether it’s a friendly chat or some peaceful alone time.
Now, let’s talk about the pandemic – we take cleanliness and sanitization very seriously. We want all our massage therapists, guests, and members to feel healthy and safe. Your well-being is our top priority! So rest assured, when you come to us, you’re in good hands.
The Story Behind Our Business
Let me tell you how our business came to be. It all started with Angela, the previous owner, who worked hard to create two amazing Retreats. These Retreats were located about 30 miles away from each other, and Angela built them from the ground up.
Now, I had the privilege of working with Angela for many years as a former Retreat Director. But when she made the tough decision not to reopen her Retreats after the state-mandated shut-downs, I found myself standing at a crossroads. It was a tough moment for me.
But you know what? I decided to take a leap of faith. I took over the Cedar Rapids Retreat and embraced the challenge. I wanted to keep Angela’s vision alive and continue providing a space where people could relax and rejuvenate. Through this decision, I also welcomed the members from the other Retreat closure into our community.
Our Greatest Achievement
Something truly remarkable happened during the pandemic – we managed to keep our staff and members together. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, we stood strong as a team and as a community. Together, we found a way to navigate through the difficulties and support each other.
It wasn’t easy, but we all worked together to adapt and persevere. And you know what? Our unity and resilience made us stronger than ever before. We supported one another through thick and thin, and we emerged from the storm even more determined to provide a haven for relaxation and renewal.
I have to say, it’s been quite the journey. Forty of our team members were suddenly without jobs, but we refused to give up. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any crazier, our town was hit by a wild, on-land hurricane called a derecho. This was completely new to us and we had no idea what to expect. But you know what? We didn’t let it phase us. We kept pushing forward, determined to keep our doors open.
The Risk We Took
One of our biggest challenges was stepping up during the state-mandated shutdowns. Let me tell you, that was no easy feat.
When I signed a ten-year franchise agreement and became a Retreat Director turned franchise owner, it was a big commitment. At that time, we couldn’t even legally open the location, which was a bit nerve-wracking, especially during the pandemic. There were many unknowns, but one thing I knew for sure was that I now had the power to make changes based on what I had observed as a Retreat Director.
The Best Part of Running the Business
The best part is getting to meet interesting people every day. It’s always something new and exciting. I have the opportunity to learn from everyone who walks through our doors, whether they’re members, massage therapists, or estheticians. We’re constantly growing, and no two days are ever the same.
My Favorite Quote
I’ve always loved this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. It’s a powerful reminder that I have control over how I perceive myself and how others’ words or actions affect me.