Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angie Parris-Raney, Owner of Good Health Massage + Wellness, located in Littleton, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
More than 20 years ago, I started a part-time massage practice after leaving a highly stressful corporate position in the field of international logistics. I had no idea where the journey would take me, and it was an incredible ride. I built my part-time practice by networking and collaborating with various chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, and other health professionals. I also looked at my massage chair as my business card. It was the mini experience I could provide people (mostly in corporate work environments) that would lead many to my private practice for complete bodywork.
Additionally, my volunteer work has been another pathway to making connections, practicing, and providing healing work. My customers are primarily referral based and are a result of the meaningful relationships I've made with people over the years. Currently, I'm working on expanding my practice to include teaching meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda, as well as providing health and well-being coaching through my training with Chopra. I'm also reconnecting with Qigong, which was a big part of my original massage training.
Tell us about yourself
The truth is I needed to make a major lifestyle change. The job I had was misaligned with my true purpose, which is to help people heal and realize their whole selves. However, I was terrified to go completely on my own since I had good financial stability. Plus, I kind of like working with a team. So, I applied for an advertising sales position with the massage association of which I am a member (ABMP), and it expanded my ability to not only connect with 80,000 other peers but also to build relationships with industry leaders and educators. I accidentally discovered I liked having the balance of a team position at the association and a private part-time practice. Every day, I'm motivated by "How may I serve today?" Even if all I ever accomplish is giving someone a smile that might have needed it that day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my pride and joys is the little non-profit I started as a result of volunteering in Peru, Project Inti. I went to Peru with the intention of bringing massage to underserved children and communities. And I worked in several orphanages for children with disabilities. I was hooked and kept returning to do more volunteer work. By the third year, a client of mine offered to establish a non-profit for me, and I invited my local Peruvian friend to join me in the mission. I'm not able to spend a lot of time on each trip I make there. But we do our best to spread a little sunshine. The word Inti means sun in the Quechua language, which holds significant spiritual and cultural meaning. Our work has since expanded to include teaching (wilderness) first aid, basic health and hygiene, and Leave No Trace principles. Our intention is simply to leave behind little droplets of sunshine whenever and wherever we can.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Managing and allocating time between a full-time job, a part-time practice, and heartfelt volunteer work. I have even bigger ideas and things I want to accomplish. Pacing myself and allowing the flow of life to direct me is probably the biggest obstacle I work on every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pursue what matters most to you. If you are aligned with what excites you, that joy and passion will resonate and attract the clients you want.
- Be comfortable with the downswings or valleys. Try and see them as opportunities to reboot, recharge, and reflect. You won't be in the valley forever.
- Practice gratitude. What you put out into the world will come back to you. Gratitude not only changes your physiology in positive ways, but it also broadcasts abundant thinking. You're not putting out the signal that you're lacking, but rather have everything you need. And that will continue to attract abundance in your life in many ways.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.goodhealthwellnesspro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectInti
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelbuggal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angieparrisraney/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.