5- Elizabeth Skees
In the latest episode of the "Small Business Bestie" podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Elizabeth Skees, the fabulous owner of Grounded Massage Therapy. Elizabeth's journey into entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. After being inspired by her father, who owned a business himself, she took the plunge and started her own company almost two years ago. Despite his challenges, his entrepreneurial spirit planted a seed in Elizabeth that eventually blossomed into her own adventure.
Elizabeth shared how the practical aspects of running a business hit her like a ton of bricks. Owning a business degree didn’t quite prepare her for all the nitty-gritty details. So, she reached out to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and got linked up with a mentor who was pretty much like her business fairy godmother. With guidance on starting up and scaling, Elizabeth started to feel like a legit entrepreneur.
One thing that really stood out was Elizabeth's emphasis on reaching out for help. There's no shame in it, and sometimes, it's exactly what you need to push forward. Michelle, our ever-supportive host, couldn't agree more on this point.
And let's not forget the power of networking! Elizabeth found an incredible support system among other business owners, especially the women in Lexington. Whether it’s sharing advice or referring clients when their schedules are packed, there’s a beautiful sense of collaboration and mutual support in the community. Elizabeth mentioned that there's enough business for everyone, and while competition is necessary, so is lending a hand to each other.
Elizabeth runs her operation inside Halo Salt Room and Wellness Spa, offering customized massage sessions tailored to her clients’ goals and preferences. She's all about making her clients feel relaxed and grounded without messing with their mental state. One of her standout specialties is manual lymphatic drainage, something she pursued certification in because her clients were asking for it. Her fascination with the lymphatic system is palpable, and she noted how there’s a real demand for manual lymphatic drainage therapists in Lexington but not nearly enough professionals to meet it. For those in the healthcare field interested in lymphatic care, Elizabeth encouraged them to reach out for potential employment opportunities.
Of course, running a small business isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Elizabeth opened up about the unexpected fees and the whirlwind of responsibilities she encounters in her entrepreneurial journey. From dealing with occupational taxes in Fayette County to finding reliable sources for advice, it’s a lot to handle. Thankfully, resources like the SBDC and Women Business Resources Center, funded by the SBA, have been lifesavers. For anyone starting out, Elizabeth and Michelle highly recommend tapping into these free resources before splurging on additional mentorship or coaching.
Elizabeth's plans for Grounded Massage Therapy are nothing short of ambitious. She’s intent on expanding her services to address gaps in care, particularly post-op care and manual lymphatic drainage. Plus, she’s on her way to becoming a certified lymphedema therapist, driven by her passion to better serve her clients.
The friendship between Michelle and Elizabeth, which started at a networking group meeting, adds such a warm, personal touch to their story. They even shared a fun anecdote about a massage therapy experience in Miami, involving a client who may or may not have spent a small fortune the night before. It’s moments like these that make the entrepreneurial journey memorable.
As the episode wrapped up, Michelle reminded listeners to stay connected and keep chasing their dreams. She also gave a shout-out to her small business coaching services and, of course, promoted the "Small Business Bestie" podcast. Elizabeth provided all the details on her massage services and how to book appointments, making sure listeners know exactly where to find her.
This episode is a real gem, showcasing the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial life, the importance of community, and the relentless pursuit of growth. If you’re looking for a mix of inspiration and practical advice, Elizabeth Skees’ story is one you won’t want to miss.
Follow Elizabeth on Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizabeth.skees.3
Follow Grounded Massage Therapy on IG: @grounded_massage_lexington
Resources:
Halo Salt Room and Wellness Spa
#SmallBusinessBestie #Entrepreneurship #HolisticHealth #MassageTherapy #WomenEntrepreneurs #LexingtonBusiness #LymphaticWellness #GroundedMassage
Connect with Michelle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/smallbusinessbesties
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