Well, now that I have Facebooked and Tweeted, I have decided to take the next technological step and begin blogging. While I have read many blogs on many different subjects, I'm still learning the ropes in creating my own blog, so please bear with me as I tackle this next challenge.
A quick background -- I have been a reporter and writer for the past 25 years (a dead giveaway that I'm quite far from a "20-something".) I have worked in corporate America, for various radio stations, newspapers, and with an advertising/public relations firm. I have lived in New York since the early 1980's, emigrating from the Philadelphia suburbs.
Four years ago, I had what some may call my "mid-life crisis." After dealing with the mad world of advertising for many years, I decided to make a huge career change and delve, head-first, into the spa business. In fact, it was a client of mine, the Cranwell Spa in Lenox, MA, that first provided me with the insight that working in a spa would enlighten my life.
So, following a year of decision-making, I left my comfortable full-time position as an account manager, and went back to school for the next six months to become an esthetician. Never along the way did I question my decision, and after successfully passing the New York State Board Examinations, I began work at a local spa.
It was after only a few months working as an esthetician that I finally began to question my decision. Well, it was more like, "What the Hell were you thinking -- you're making no money here!" Soon, I was back to work at my former job a few days a week, and "spa-ing" on the other days. At last, a workable solution -- the freelance writing work enabled me to pay my mortgage and eat, and the spa work was my comfort.
Over the next four years, I bounced around at various spas, but eventually found myself irritated at the way things were done. Why did they use that product line? Why weren't they advertising more? Why did I have to do waxing? (Which I discovered that I absolutely HATE!)
I did finally discover a wonderful destination spa, where I liked the products and did not have to do any waxing. My trade-off was that I like doing body treatments -- scrubs, wraps and the vichy shower. Many estheticians didn't like that, so I was off the hook for waxing as long as I didn't' mind getting soaked in the vichy shower room.
All the while, though, I yearned to start my own little spa ... I had even chosen the name.. Le Petite Spa. Last summer, with the economy sagging, I got my wish. The spa where I had been working closed and its owner moved to Arizona. Now was my chance,and so I took it and Le Petite Spa was born!
My initial thought was to offer organic products that had a wonderful aroma, but not too overpowering, and that were not ridiculously expensive. After going though tons of product line samples I received at the Spa Show in New York City last year, I chose the Yum organic skin care. Yum has an amazing line of products for all skin types and customers love it.
With advice from the New York School of Esthetics, I purchased equipment and supplies to start my little, petite spa. I'm sharing office spa with a cosmetic dental surgeon and while it's just one little room now, I'm hoping to have my own little storefront within the next few years.
Getting started in business has been a real eye-opener. While I relied on my advertising and public relations skills for brochures, ads, and promotions, I've found that there are so many things I had to and am still learning. To keep a positive cash flow, I'm continuing to work as a writer.
Well, that's enough about my history. Going forward, we'll discuss lots of exciting things that are happening in the organic world. Thanks for listening!
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment