Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachel Bussell, owner of Breathe Spa, located in Columbia, MD, USA.

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

Breathe Spa is a massage therapy spa that focuses on delivering excellence and quality care in every session. People from all walks of life come in to free their bodies of pain and their mind of stress from the everyday grind of life. We use tried and true techniques backed by science to incorporate both relaxation and therapy in each session.

Tell us about yourself

I began Breathe Spa with the vision to change massage therapy for everyone, from the massage therapist to the client. So many massage companies seemed to have lost focus on the essential parts of our business, quality massages and happy employees. It's hard to receive a great massage when your therapist is in a stressful work environment. What motivates me is seeing the happy faces of every client walking out of their session and the excitement my employees portray when coming into work. I aim to continue this trend as we grow and am constantly looking for the best ways to maintain quality control and not lose the touch of customer care that is often missing from large chains.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was surviving a pandemic and the first five years of business. Wading through my many mistakes and learning from them was essential to my current success.

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

Money. There is never enough of it, and if you don't keep on top of managing every penny, one little slip-up could cost you. Some days it seems you work so hard and still don't have enough.

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

  1. "If it doesn't work on paper, it won't work in real life." This is the best advice I've ever received from another business owner. Before you do anything, find a business plan template on Google, they have free ones, and fill it out. It may take time, but once you can see your idea written down with a plan of action, you can finally take the necessary steps toward making that idea a reality.
  2. Read the book "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz because you NEED a budget! Your first few months of business may take time for you to turn a profit. So make sure you have a budget and enough savings to cover your expenses for at least your first 3-6 months before you open.
  3. Never stop evolving. The world is constantly changing with new technology and innovative ways to help run your business more efficiently. Don't get stuck in the Stone Age. Keeping your business up to date and relevant is crucial in keeping your business alive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Everyone is going to tell you how to run your business. Listen to it all, especially when it comes from your customers, but ultimately go with what makes the most sense for you and your business. Don't let people bully you into making decisions you're not 100% about, but do pay attention to your customers' feedback, especially if they are all saying the same things.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.breathespa.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreatheSpaCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathe_spa/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.