Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Peter Rubnitz, Owner of Urban Oasis, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Urban Oasis has been Chicago's premier massage therapy spa since opening in 1992. We have 40 licensed massage therapists who specialize in a dozen different techniques, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Hot Stone, Thai, Ashiatsu, and Cupping. Complimentary fruit juices and herbal teas, and private locker rooms with a choice of Rain or Steam shower round out the experience. Our clientele is relatively upscale and discerning, so we're constantly striving to exceed their high expectations.

Tell us about yourself

My grandparents received weekly massages for over 50 years. They bought me my first massage when I was 17. I loved it, and later, once I began working, I would receive a massage at least once a month. After graduation, I spent 11 years working for large Chicago accounting and real estate companies. I was tired of working for others and wanted to buy or start a business. A friend of mine asked what product or service I love, and the first thought that popped in my head was massage. I am grateful that I finally found something I love doing that brings so much relief and happiness to so many people.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a small business owner, besides persevering for 30 years, is creating an atmosphere where clients and staff alike want to be. Massage is an extremely transient business, but most of our therapists and support staff have remained with us for over ten years, including ten who have been with us for over 20 years.

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

Staying optimistic. Rarely a day goes by when Murphy's Law doesn't make itself felt. Challenges are lurking behind every corner, but we just do our best to handle them as they come. Also, unlike my previous two jobs, I can't leave this one at the office. I'm constantly thinking of ways to improve the business.

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

  1. Be passionate about it!
  2. Have enough money on hand to weather the first few years and the subsequent bumps in the road.
  3. Hire good, smart people and, just as important, people you like and can get along with.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My #4 tip is to have a competitive advantage. Before I started, Chicago didn't have anywhere to go to receive massage therapy in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Also, as I mentioned above, we installed complementary, private locker rooms with exotic showers, which no one else had. So, we're not just offering a massage; we're offering an experience!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://urbanoasismassage.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanOasisChicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanoasischicago/

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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