Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Armstrong, Co-Founder of Gaia Wellness Retreat, located in La Peche, QC, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a wellness retreat. The ultimate luxury relaxation spot in nature. Located 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Gaia offers a fantastic array of options for self-care and relaxation - yoga, reiki, massage, personal retreat, or simple getaways. A 50-acre property with a semi-private spring-fed lake, sand beach water access, kayaks, ornamental gardens, hiking and when you’re done playing outside, a wood-burning sauna, yoga studio, spacious lounge to chill, and some amazingly tasty vegetarian offerings.
Tell us about yourself
As a former restaurant owner, I have always been drawn to providing high-end service in both location and product. The business started as a partnership with a friend in the yoga/reiki/wellness community. With the growing interest in personal wellness focused on coping with the stresses of life, the location and opportunity were ideal.
The biggest motivation is witnessing the change in clients; whether it’s a simple day out of the city enjoying nature or an intensive personal development retreat, seeing the change in the guests is priceless (especially with the social impact of the pandemic).
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving the instability of business operations in the past two years. There is an amazing expression of gratitude from new and returning clients that we are still here - often described as a “beacon of light and hope.”
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing the erratic flow of business. The benefit of past experiences as a restaurant owner is that I am aware of the time required to build a solid client base. With constant competing interests in the market, it takes a level of confidence and endurance to weather the quiet periods.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your product/market. It’s nice to have a dream but make sure it’s realistic.
- Make sure you have the capital to grow the business and survive the quiet periods. That also means making sure you have enough for your personal life (I would advise six months minimum).
- Be patient - don’t get distracted. Constantly changing course is a sure-fire way to confuse your clients.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.gaiawellnessretreat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwrwakefield/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retreat_gaia_wellness/
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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