Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dora Kirby, co-founder of Sisters of Solace, located in Westport, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sisters Of Solace is a collaboration between myself and my sister Christine; it is a holistic healing center where people of all ages come for healing. Whether it be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, the healing that we offer is a wide range of different services from what I offer… therapeutic massage, reflexology, hot bamboo massage, ear candling, and paraffin dip treatments. Christine offers Reiki, Angel card readings, as well as teaching classes, facilitating Soundbath meditations, and a monthly motivation talk that she does for free. So whether you’re looking for some physical relief from muscle tension and stiffness to wanting to heal past hurt or trauma, you can find what you need here at Sisters Of Solace. We also have a storefront in which you can find Sage, Candles, Crystal, incense, essential oils, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I would have to say that what motivated me to become a massage therapist was somebody telling me one day, “you know you would be good at that,” and I thought to myself, why not. I think it was just something somebody needed to say to me to get me to move forward and go after my dream because I always wanted to be a massage therapist. It was also at that time that my sister Christine was introduced to Reiki, and we both learned Reiki one certification, and then she went on to continue her Reiki training as I went through massage school. I would have to say what wakes us both up in the morning to come to work is the drive to want to help people in whatever way possible. I believe that having the ability to bring relief to someone on whatever level is needed gives someone a sense of purpose, and when you have a purpose, you’re very happy in what you do and, moreover, really love what you do. So yes, I guess you could say we both enjoy coming to work every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment would be that we came from nothing to everything we have today. When we started fresh out of school, we opened up with a phone, an appointment book, and a computer. We had no clientele. We just trusted that this was what we needed to do, and we were going to do it no matter what. We then came from a small space of maybe 900 square ft. to a 3000 square-foot building only six years after opening, and we have been in the new building for ten years. So in total, we have been in business for 16 years. I would say that it would be one big accomplishment to start with nothing and get to the point where you’re offering so much and doing so much for the community that again, it just brings happiness and purpose to our lives. Of course, our biggest gratitude Has to go to our clients, customers, friends, and of course, our families that support us every day; because of course, without all of them, we would not be who we are today.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say that the hardest part of being a business owner is dealing with the highs and lows that come with owning a business. With the services that we offer, it’s not something that’s for everyone. When we first started, nobody knew what Reiki was; massage was still considered somewhat of a luxury, and over the years, things have gotten better, and it’s more understood and more open. People actually find that our services are a necessity, just as medical care is a necessity. So some of our toughest times were having those moments where business may have been slow only because people didn’t understand or know what we did, but today is a different story, and I’m grateful that we are thriving in what we do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For those of you who want to start your own business, we suggest going after it. If it’s your dream, do it and make it happen. The second tip would be to have patience; nothing happens overnight. The third tip would be to always work from your heart, not from your ego. Be true to yourself and be true to your customers/clients.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As well as all the services we offer, we do post lots of inspiration on Facebook, but Christine recently has started doing videos and podcasts, which are located on the homepage of our website. You can find things on YouTube as well as many different podcast outlets.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sistersofsolace.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersofsolace/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistersofsolace/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sistersofsolace
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dora-kirby-13851283/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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