All About Massage Therapy

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Annette Montgomery, Founder of BFP Wellness, LLC, located in Greenwood, IN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I support other solo practitioner Massage Therapists in setting healthy business boundaries and all the conversations that come with those! So, I hear from many therapists that are feeling burnt out, over-extended, and disrespected. And also those with lots of energy and excitement around creating something intentional. I love hearing how others are experiencing the world and how it feels to be them. So, when someone reaches out to me, I don't give a one-size-fits-all answer. We all want to provide an excellent massage. Part of that is creating a business rooted in respect and honesty. I try my best to help my peers make that in a way that feels good to them.

Tell us about yourself

Massage Therapy is centered on giving and helping others feel better. You combine that with being a "people pleaser," and boundaries can feel impossible. And I'll admit - I'm a recovering people pleaser! I know boundaries are necessary, but they're not easy for me. So much of what I put out there is a reminder for me. It's so beneficial to have support around the challenging things, and I want to be able to offer that up to others. I'm different than other mentors because I don't consider myself an expert. I enjoy not "having it all figured out" because it keeps me open-minded and aware that I'm still learning, too.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That is a tough question. As a business owner, there are so many micro accomplishments happening. If we wait to celebrate only the large milestones, we miss out on patting ourselves on the back for all the steps that got us there.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being the "bad guy"! It's not easy to enforce policies and make tough decisions like whether or not to charge for a no-call/no-show or fire a client. Many of us want to go into business for ourselves because we want the control to create something specific. And the tough part of choosing to hold all the power is that there is no one to delegate the tough decisions. We have to show up for the good and the bad.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Have a well-rounded team that supports both the business and you as an individual. This isn't always something you need to pay for and can be people/things that are massage-related or not.
Read The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, or talk to someone who can explain the basic principles to you.
Start playing the long game. Seek out slow, steady growth. This will allow you space to reflect and be more intentional. It can specifically protect your body from injury when it comes to massage.

As a solo business owner and massage practitioner, you have a space. You don't need to try and be like anyone else. You don't need to put up with bad clients. There are 8 billion humans on this planet, there are plenty of clients for all of us, and a group of humans will adore you for being who you are.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.annettemontgomery.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3492147344217104
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_annettemontgomery/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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