Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with DeeAnn Slover, Owner of Hands that Heal Massage & Body Treatments, located in Yorktown, VA, USA.

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

To serve others with healing hands through the restorative application of massage therapy and esthetic body treatments. While I specialize in prenatal massage, my customers are those who are looking for the dual benefit of relaxation and therapeutic massage as well as the restoring benefits of facials or body treatments.

Tell us about yourself

Why did I choose to become a massage therapist and professional esthetician? I love, love, love receiving massages, facials, and body treatments! I know how they feel when they are accomplished well, and I know how they feel when they are performed badly. In essence, I want others to experience how truly remarkable and healing a massage, facial or body treatment can be.

I deliver my treatments with the same care, consideration, and intentionality that I expect (or hope) to receive when I am experiencing the same services. I'd like others to know that these services affect more than just your physical well-being. All the body systems are affected as well as your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. I have a servant's heart, and after hearing two different speakers at my church talk about serving women, I knew God was leading me to become a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage and an esthetician who provides healing skin care.

I am motivated by helping others experience overall wellness through a hands-on experience because I know how it feels to be hurting and in need of a caring massage or facial or body treatment.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Figuring out what works well for me as a business owner...knowing what I do and do not want for my business model. Others will suggest different marketing techniques or strategies, but everyone and every business are a little bit different. My marketing often comes from word of mouth and the accolades of my clients. Also, being able to say no. I can say no to some things knowing that there is a better yes out there. Finally, I am able to give back.

My gifts and talents come from a loving God who allows me to glorify Him and give back to others, whether I volunteer my time/talents or just give them away. There is something about giving away your time and talents, knowing that someone will benefit from them in a way that is uniquely needed by them at the time.

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

There is never enough time in the day to accomplish everything I'd like to do. Also, you never really get the evening, weekend, or time completely off. I am on vacation right now writing this article. :-) It is a labor of love, and being a tiny bit of a control freak, I am never really off duty.

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

  1. Work patiently at something you are passionate about doing. That doesn't mean it will be easy, quick, or always enjoyable. It means you are willing to go the distance to do something you believe you are gifted to do, and it is marketable. I have never worried that other massage therapists will "steal" my clients. I know I will be provided for, and I only want to serve those who find benefit in what I offer. I am more than willing to find another massage therapist or esthetician for a client who needs or desires something different than what I do. They deserve to receive what they are seeking in a massage therapist or esthetician, and I deserve to serve someone who will truly benefit from what I offer.
  2. Establish balance. Balance in your work life and personal life (including faith, family, friends, and your time) is key to maintaining your passion, energy, and fortitude. Again, not always easy, but necessary to prevent burnout.
  3. Establish healthy boundaries. Whether it is between you and the community you serve or you and the people with which you work. Relationships are important, but there is a fine line that many will cross either intentionally or unintentionally. Know where your lines are drawn, and be wise and strong enough not to allow others to cross those lines. Your business is an extension of who you are. If you allow behaviors, attitudes, etc., that go against your business model or mission, then you will find yourself heading down a road that will become increasingly difficult, and you may lose your passion for what you do.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Find a mentor, someone who does what you want to do or you are doing..., especially someone who is successful at it. Never turn down the opportunity to further educate yourself and/or ask questions. Remember who you are. Don't allow your business to overcome you, drain you or take you away from your support system. Your faith, family, and friends are essential to being a better business owner if only to help keep you grounded and refreshed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hthhandsthatheal.com/

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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