Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittany Bradley, co-founder of Britt and Jess Midtown Massage, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are self-employed Registered Massage Therapists with a passion for all things dogs, health, community, healing, and dogs lol.
Our clients come from near and far, range in all different ages, vary in athletic/activity levels, and seek us out for various reasons, from relaxation or deep tissue massage to Thai Massage, pregnancy, and cupping. And eventually acupuncture.
Tell us about yourself
As a dancer, I have always had a connection and interest in the human body and its fascinating complexities. After getting my BFA degree in dance at Ryerson, I knew I eventually wanted to venture out and expand my work platform. I felt massage therapy was a natural transition that allowed me to stay connected to that interest in the body and movement through alternative health care.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been doing this now for nearly nine years. I love looking back to when I first started, unsure of myself and the path ahead, and comparing it to the RMT I am today. It's an incredibly humbling experience to reflect on the ups and downs and the countless ways I learn and build up my surrounding community and clientele. My biggest accomplishment is honestly and simply loving where I am in my career and my work. I have finally reached a place where I can comfortably and confidently be my own boss in a city like Toronto, and it's the most rewarding and motivating gift one could have.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I always worked at a clinic or spa where the responsibility to pay for the overhead fell on someone else's shoulders, so It felt a bit scary when we decided to go out on our own. You never know how busy you will be or if you'll be successful enough to make a profit. One of the hardest things was truly just taking that first jump into the unknown. Totally worth it, though.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- As you start as a self-employed individual, try not to get in over your head financially. Sometimes the excitement can overcome the realities but keeping your feet on the ground really helps. Start smaller (less rent, less sq. footage, etc.) and work your way up. It alleviates so much stress.
- Surround yourself with rockstars!!! People who aren't afraid to challenge your mind and support your growth. This is so important. You really see someone's true character when they cannot benefit from you anymore, and I've unfortunately learned this the hard way in past work relationships. My business partner Jess, husband, family, and friends all played an integral supporting role in my pursuit of personal and professional growth. It really enhanced the excitement of starting our own business.
- Don't let the work be bigger than you! Life needs to be the most important, and you need to make sure that you nourish yourself in whatever it is outside of your business so you can show up and be your best self. I've learned early on that to breathe and enjoy being the boss, you sometimes need to disconnect from the expectations that come with the job. Take a day off, a week off, go on a trip, take a dance class...do things that bring life to who you are outside of what you do.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Dogs are everything, hahaha.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mymassage.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbjlmidtownrmt/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
