Reality of Running a Small Business Without Losing Sight of My Dream

I have been neglecting The Spa Lot Blog! The last time I posted was when I first opened. Things became hectic as I tried to balance launching a new business, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring I had time for myself and my family. Then the holidays arrived, and the bus encountered some challenges. However, I anticipated this chaos and embraced it. I have gained invaluable insights about my small business and continue to learn something new every day. Along this journey, I’ve met some incredible people! My clients are wonderful, and I have formed strong bonds with many of them. I feel honored that they trust me to assist them in their self-care and wellness journeys.

I decided this blog post would serve as a catch-up on everything that has happened since my opening. I hope to continue posting regularly about topics that matter to me, whether for my clients or general massage insights. So here it goes—apologies in advance for the length!

The opening went well! I gradually built my clientele and managed to stay busy while also prioritizing my personal time, which is essential since I love what I do and want to avoid burnout. The bus faced some mechanical issues, but they were resolved quickly—just typical automotive problems.

Thanksgiving came and went, but December was particularly tough. My bus was broken into at a previous storage facility I used. It wasn't just my vehicle; several other vendors, RVs, and campers were also affected. This experience taught me a significant lesson about security. I had to replace the generator that was stolen, but my conversion team also added substantial security features to the bus. This setback was challenging for my small business, but it was a valuable life lesson as well.

As December rolled in, the freezing weather hit. Like RVs, my bus's plumbing system needed winterization. I had a pump converter kit installed onto my water pump to aid in this process.

During freezing temperatures, I have to drain my plumbing and pump RV antifreeze through the system to protect it. When the temperatures rise above freezing, I clear the system and fill my fresh water tank to use the sink. It's a bit of a process, but I’ve streamlined it to just a few minutes now. When clearing out the antifreeze, I collect it in a bucket and funnel it into empty milk jugs. Proper disposal is crucial since antifreeze is hazardous. While Norman has a disposal center for hazardous waste like antifreeze that residents can use for free, it isn't available for small businesses, even though I am a resident. Thankfully, I found a local automotive shop that allows me to drop off my antifreeze for disposal, and I am very grateful for their support.

Running this mobile massage business differs significantly from a typical massage practice. There’s a lot of planning involved—from tracking my clients' booking locations to handling maintenance, mechanics, and the everyday operations of running a mobile bus like mine.

But here’s the best part—I absolutely LOVE it! I adore that bus! There’s something about the atmosphere inside—it radiates peace and healing energy. In my opinion, it feels like divine intervention. Throughout my life, I’ve explored various career paths, but none have resonated with me as strongly as this one. Every time I step into that bus, after preparing it for the day or heading to a client’s home, I take a moment to meditate inside and express gratitude for the opportunity I’ve been given. Not only am I helping others, but it also helps me.

Shortly after the break-in in December, and once I got the bus back from my conversion team, I took it to The Blessed Stanley Roth Shrine for a blessing. Deacon Blakely blessed the bus, which was something I had wanted to do. The timing felt perfect given everything that had transpired that early December. I’m thankful for that experience.

Additionally, since my opening, I’ve expanded my service area to include two more cities! I now offer services in the City of Noble and Moore! I am currently exploring a few other cities—though I know I can’t cover all of Oklahoma, I need to be strategic about the distances I travel. I’m in discussions with Oklahoma City and hope to have something develop soon. Each city has unique rules and regulations concerning businesses and licenses, and being a mobile massage vendor places me in a bit of a gray area. My unique business model is the first of its kind in Oklahoma, so navigating these challenges requires learning and patience.

I have also launched a referral program for my clients. When a client refers five friends or acquaintances who make a booking, they will receive a complimentary 60-minute Swedish massage as a reward. The exciting part? They can repeat the process again!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I have an exciting giveaway in the works! I hosted one shortly after Thanksgiving, which was a blast, and the winner truly deserved that free massage! I'm also looking ahead to the upcoming Spring, even though winter has just begun. I can’t wait to start organizing chair massage events!

My biggest challenge right now is building my clientele. Like all client-based businesses, this takes time, especially since I didn’t work in a previous salon or spa. However, I’m optimistic that with word-of-mouth referrals and the reviews from my clients, I will be able to grow my business soon. For now, I’m managing to stay afloat—the true essence of starting a business.

As always, I am thankful for this incredible journey I am on, believing that I am truly making a difference. Launching a small business requires a lot of effort, but I know it’s all worthwhile!