Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Gambino, Owner of The Conscious Bodyworker, located in Broomfield, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Conscious Bodyworker is a massage therapy business serving the surrounding areas of Boulder and Denver. I have a studio in Wheatridge, and I also offer in-home sessions. I specialize in a technique called Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique which is a subtle and effective approach to encouraging muscle relaxation and balance. I integrate a variety of modalities, including lymphatic drainage, Swedish, deep tissue, scar tissue release, and myofascial release. I also offer cupping, CBD, reiki, and prenatal massages. My clientele varies; I see people who are recovering from an injury/surgery and a lot of people with kids (soon-to-be parents, mothers in postpartum, etc.). I see people who deal with anxiety, depression, and grief and are seeking a comforting touch. A lot of people just want to treat themselves and relax.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been fascinated by the body and intrigued by how it all works. I grew up as a dancer, and I studied dance in college. Following graduation, I danced professionally out in San Francisco for four years. I always knew there would be a time that I would transfer into a different career, and massage therapy just felt like the right next step. After graduating from massage therapy school, I worked for a woman as an independent contractor. She took three months off and trusted me to run her business. Right away, I knew I wanted to own a business too. My clients motivate me every day. They are so loyal and keep coming back. They trust me and expect me to provide them with whatever they may need that day. The relationship between practitioner and client is amazing. I get to know their bodies and their patterns, and they believe in me helping them; it’s truly an honor.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is how quickly I have grown. I had other jobs alongside my company until I felt confident to take the leap on my own. I have been fully on my own since May 2022, and my clientele went from 30 clients to almost 200 in 6 months. This was definitely not easy and took a lot of work. I have put myself out there volunteering at local events and marketing nearly every day. The hard work has definitely paid off!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is scheduling clients and organizing my time. At one point, I was working every day because I was hustling to build clients. However, it was not sustainable for a long-term schedule. Transitioning into a schedule and having set hours and days was so necessary. Prioritizing my days off allows me to rest and give better to my clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what you are doing! This will do marketing hopefully more fun and easy! Market yourself in a way that makes sense to you. I use business cards in coffee shops and on Instagram.
- Get involved with the community and meet other like-minded people!
- Trust in yourself and in your brand! Work hard, and don’t forget to take time off! Set boundaries! Put your computer or phone down at the end of the day. Especially when things start to take off, it can be hard not to get consumed. Trust the process.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theconsciousbodyworker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconsciousbodyworker/
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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