Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katrina Augostini, Owner of Feel Damn Good, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

I run a small therapeutic massage studio in the heart of Austin called Feel Damn Good. We have multiple massage therapists who specialize in deep tissue and therapeutic bodywork. Our clients are varied, but generally, we work with folks who are active and see the value in committing to their long-term health through movement, self-care, and connection with their body.

Tell us about yourself

Honestly, I couldn't see myself doing anything other than this! And that's not the answer I would have given just a few years ago. I used to swear up and down that I never wanted to run my own business, and I had all kinds of reasons to support that. Yet, here I am. I've run Feel Damn Good since May 2020 though I've been a licensed Massage Therapist for over 8 years. And I LOVE what I do! I get to use problem-solving and creativity to serve:

  • Clients by helping them feel better in their one and only body.
  • Other talented massage therapists by providing a supportive environment and encourage their individual growth.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'd say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is running a successful small business while staying committed to integrity. Tough decisions will inevitably come up, and being able to rely on integrity to guide me has truly helped me navigate those difficult situations! It may come across as a bit vague, but when a client isn't happy with their session or one of my therapists has an issue they want to be addressed, I've committed to asking myself, "What does my integrity compass say to do in this situation?" Usually, it guides me to see the situation from a long-term perspective rather than a short-term one. That's been a hard-earned skill and one I'm proud to be learning!

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

One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is the hat-swapping that comes with having to take on many roles. As a business owner and massage therapist, I am always balancing my time and attention between seeing clients and running the business 'behind the curtain.' One hat requires that I show up fully present at the moment, and another requires me to think ahead months or years down the line. One hat needs me to understand how to design and manage a website, and another asks that I learn how to effectively manage other people. It takes a lot of varied skills, patience, and willingness to learn (as in, make a lot of mistakes and not beat yourself up over it!).

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

  1. Take it small step by small step. You don't need (and it's often not helpful) to have everything known and planned out in advance. You'll never know your full journey, regardless of how well you think you've planned it. Things change, including you. One small step at a time will do.
  2. Have a long-term/broad-range commitment to stay focused on so that as you make each small decision along the way, you have a compass to guide you.
  3. "Take a breath, walk slow, and drink some water." This is one of my favorite pieces of advice from one of my favorite clients. It can be easy to slip into the mindset that every single little thing is vitally important and that 100% of your time should be committed to your business. That's so overwhelming and generally not helpful. Take a breath. Walk slow. Drink some water.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.feeldamngoodatx.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063756114831
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feeldamngoodatx/

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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