What sacrifices have you made to maintain your business?
I’ve had to sacrifice a normal sleep schedule due to my long working hours (early mornings, late nights and weekends). There were many times I had to miss family events like my children’s school events. I don’t get to visit my mother in Georgia, as much as I would like too. Forget about cooking. Preparing home cooked meals for my family is something I barely have time for anymore. My husband and I have to schedule date night sometimes, which many times turns into a business meeting. We’ll spend time together comparing ideas or redecorating the spa until wee hours in the morning. There’s never a dull moment, but the reward is worth every minute of it.
How did you know you were ready to transition from a mobile business to a brick-and-mortar shop?
Finances. I wanted to start out with a physical location in the beginning, but my lack of finance hindered that. Therefore, I decided to start out with the mobile spa to build my finance in hopes of opening my physical location in the very near future. Once I met my goal, I just moved forward with my original plan.
Top 3 marketing  tips used to grow your business.
1. The Internet is your best friend as long as you use it properly. It is a major tool for growing your business. There are so many different avenues on the Internet to put your business in front of millions of customers every day. There’s social media, search engine optimization, Internet ads and press coverage to name a few.
2. Brand promotion is major, as well. You have to create brand awareness around your business structure and show off the uniqueness of your brand every chance you get. Don’t be afraid to be different. People take notice when you’re different.
3. Custom mobile marketing is a great way to advertise your business. I drive around in my Ritzy Glitzy custom wrapped pink van every day. No matter where I’m going, the supermarket, the gym, or to take my kids to school, I’m always promoting.
What tips or business advice do you have for people looking to transition from employee to entrepreneur? If you could start your business over, what would you do differently?
- Take your time and start out with definite goals in mind.
- Set your vision and put everything on paper.
- Work your business on the side for a while before leaving your job to be sure it works. As every “good idea” does not always make money.
- Put aside extra money for a rainy day.
- I wouldn’t change a thing regarding how I started my business. Every experience of this ride, good and bad, has made this journey so rewarding. I’ve learned to appreciate all aspects of it.
Describe what success means to you?
One word…Freedom.