Background Story: My Very Own Clinic

I had dreamt about opening my own private practice since I graduated massage school 5 years ago. My best friend and I had even attempted a small business venture in Virginia Beach in 2006. We found a 2 office suite with a bathroom, bought our decorations, made business cards and fliers, and then promptly found out we couldn't operate a business there due to a zoning issue. The landlord let us out of our lease and we divided up our business.

Now, four years later, I was going it alone. After looking at office space in Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, and Austin I found the one. It was a small office in a health clinic. It had a shared reception area, client bathrooms, quiet neighbors, full kitchen, and even a space to rent for workshops. I signed the lease in late December and started to get things in order for the Grand Opening.

A one woman massage operation does not require a lot of equipment. I bought fresh linens, a bench and bookcase to match my massage table, and two lamps that dim. The most fun part of starting your own practice is writing your menu of services. I stuck with the typical Swedish and Deep Tissue therapies but I also offer specialties like Hot Stone and Ashiatsu.

I sent out introduction letters to allied health professionals in the area, wrote press releases, and announced the Grand Opening for January 11-15. Everything was going according to plan. I was reading every marketing book I could get my hands on. I was attending business networking meetings and joining meet up groups. I was on fire for my new company.

More to come...