Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne Desilva, Co-Founder of A&A Massage Therapy Inc. located in Mississauga, ON, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small massage therapy clinic focusing on deep tissue and therapeutic massage in the Lakeview area of Mississauga. We also offer kinesiology, a unique deep stretching modality created by our very talented kinesiologist - Julieta. Most of our clients are nearby, but we have a few long-time clients who travel from all over!
Tell us about yourself
Alexandra and I began our entrepreneurship journey in 2018 when we started imagining the perfect business to provide a client experience that reflects us. We worked diligently for a year (while still working full time in another clinic) to learn all the steps necessary to open our own business and assembled our team of experts to help us with the things we knew nothing about. We are seasoned Registered Massage Therapists, but we are not graphic designers, realtors, lawyers, or accountants! That being said, we do it because we love client care. We went through the long grueling work because we are so passionate about our craft and care for all of our clients; this is what motivates us.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Right now, our biggest accomplishment is also our biggest challenge. We are fully booked. We can’t accommodate new massage clients. I don’t think we ever imagined that we would reach this extreme. Now we have to work on our next steps.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I don’t want to say it’s been easy, but we have had the support of one another in our partnership which has made the experience manageable. We always have each other to bounce ideas off of and to problem solve. Now the growth of the business is our current challenge. Hiring and managing a much more complex schedule while still managing a fully booked client schedule. It’s a challenge, but we can do it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For a new business owner, you need to be clear about your goal and your service or product. Do only one thing (or a few things) and do them really, really well. Also, thought needs to be put into your client or customer experience. Think about all the highlights of your experiences at other businesses and think of all the downfalls. Be strategic and creative in making the whole customer experience enjoyable. Sometimes those are little gestures, but they go a long way. And finally, assemble your team. Know your role, and seek assistance for the things you don’t know. Why waste your time and energy trying to learn to do someone else’s profession? Get help when you need it, and do what you do best!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner is a wonderful experience. We are lucky to be a team and to work so well together. Whether you’re going it alone or working with a partner or team, I think you’ll find that the freedom and empowerment of being a business owner are worth the late nights and occasional struggle. We never look back; we know this is unarguably the right decision for us. Sure, we had our doubts in the beginning. We have no regrets now, And I hope that all entrepreneurs feel that way. You just have to do the work and get through the tough times.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://aandamassagetherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aandamassage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aandamassagetherapy/
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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