Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Frances Vincen-Brown, Co-Owner of Massage and Skin Care Solutions, located in Boise, ID, USA.

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

Massage and Skin Care Solutions offers esthetics, herbal-based skincare products, Reiki, and massage therapy. Our customers are anyone who wants to look and feel better. We focus on holistic health treatments for the body, skincare, and the energy system.

Tell us about yourself

My husband and I began training and practicing Reiki in 2002. He also had trained to become a massage therapist at this time while we were living on Maui, Hi. I became interested in herbal remedies for health and wellness in 2004 and began some home studies on the subject with some formal training that began in 2006. We created a solo practice for massage therapy called Massage Solutions in 2006 in Boise, Idaho. I did the reception and massage insurance billing for my husband at this time while simultaneously homeschooling our two children.

In 2008 I went back to school to learn esthetics. The same year I joined my husband in our business, Massage and Skin Care Solutions was born. I continue to do what I do because the human body fascinates me. We are whole beings, and massage, skin health, herbal treatments, and Reiki address the body, mind, and spirit. We have established long-term relationships with our amazing clients all these years, and I truly love what I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is having survived and thrived through both 2008’s recession and COVID these last few years. We are sometimes considered a luxury service, and our services can be the first to go in times of financial tightening. We are also a touch-based, close-contact service, so a global pandemic was problematic, to say the least. We have stayed afloat through these hard times and continued to try and provide care to our wonderful clients. We are very thankful for that.

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

Wearing all the hats is by far the hardest part of being a business owner. From marketing, booking appointments, making my own herbal skin care products, providing services, and office management- it’s all on you! You are everything in a small business, and the day doesn’t end when your last client leaves. The perks of this, though, is also low drama- in our case, anyway. It’s just the two of us, and we work well together, and I appreciate that there is no office politics whatsoever.

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

Know what your priorities are. Do you want to wear all the hats required in owning and operating a business, or would you rather just earn a paycheck working for someone else? There are so many benefits to being your own boss, but the responsibility is all on you. You have to hustle to market it and get your name out there, and you have to be resilient and not get discouraged. It takes a lot to build a clientele, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Stay positive and remember your why’s.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

People underestimate the power of connection in our world. Your clients not only come to see you because you provide great services but because they want to be seen, valued, and heard. This is human nature and an often overlooked skill that is needed in this industry. It’s a valuable trait to cultivate to succeed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.massageandskincaresolutions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massageandskincaresolutions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massageandskincaresolutions/

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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