Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Grace Bjork, Owner of L’amour Massage & Wellness, Inc., located in Woodbury, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
L'amour Massage & Wellness specializes in deep tissue massage. We serve clients looking for pain relief.
Tell us about yourself
From the age of 13, I knew I wanted to have my own company and was already seeking ways to create that; I just didn't know what I would end up doing. At age 19, I signed up for a year program for massage therapy out of curiosity. While in the program, I discovered you could truly help people live a more comfortable life by providing them pain relief. I knew then that this was what I wanted to do. Eventually, I wanted to have my own massage therapy company. Four months into my career, at age 20, I started my own practice. Just me in a 100-square-foot room, no clients, and enough money for two weeks' rent. I didn't know how I was going to make it, I just knew that I would, and I dreamed of the day I would have a bigger facility with a whole team of therapists that were skilled in what they did and helping their clients. I saw that most massage places had massage therapists where it was hit or miss if you got in with a therapist who could actually help you achieve your pain relief goals. I wanted to create a place where no matter who you booked with, you would receive the quality service you were seeking. Nine years later, I've accomplished that goal. I have a larger facility with a team of 14 skilled therapists with combined years of experience, being over 100+, and the reputation of the place to go if you're seeking a quality massage therapy session.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a space where my employees love coming to work and feel valued. As a result, our clientele feels very taken care of.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Some days, the responsibility of knowing that the well-being of the company and everyone within the company falls back on you. And when you're an owner who genuinely cares about each individual and the company, sometimes the pressure can be a lot.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't tell people your dreams; just go out and create them and let people watch. You don't need more noise in your head.
- Whatever you choose to do, make sure you know your why. Passion burns out; purpose keeps you going. Get your mindset right away in the place that when hard days hit, you'll see them as growth opportunities and forge ahead anyway. You're in the school of life now, and these are the tests. Don't fail out.
- Prioritize days or times in your days when you do things that take your mind off work life. As much as we love what we're doing, If an athlete training for a race trains 7 days a week from sun up to sun down, they will burn out and come in last. It works the same with you, sleep, eat, play, and then go back and perform at your best.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lamour-massage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracebjork_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-bjork-7a0a77223/
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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