The Tuscan Touch
Saturday, November 2nd, 2019
Although Carrie Herron had been a licensed massage therapist since 2000, she had only worked for other massage therapy businesses. In June 2012, Carrie came to the SBDC as she was contemplating opening her own business in downtown Fairfield. She wanted to offer Swedish, Deep Tissue and Stone Massages. Carrie desired advice concerning a business name, signage, marketing, use of space and adding retail merchandise.
Business Advisor, Amy Freeman, assisted Carrie in brainstorming ideas for her business name as well as provided resources and advice concerning the signage for the business. They discussed merchandise ideas such as massage oils, music CDs and healthy product lines which would complement the business and could be sold in the waiting area. Other things that were discussed included website design, Facebook and the use of QR codes to direct customers to her internet addresses. Carrie explained, “Amy is very resourceful. Whatever I have had questions about, Amy is able to find the answer. She is my go to person.”
Carrie’s grand opening in August 2012 was a huge success. With a pergola outside and a refreshing, fountain by the door inside, she was ready to welcome her clients. A beautiful mural painted by Carrie’s mom adorns one wall. All of the changes in the space create a soothing place for people to relax and enjoy their massage experience. Great signage on the front of the store and additional signage on the back door announces the business. Carrie has a professional website that she is able to access because of her membership with a massage therapy association. She has professional brochures accessible to clients and gift certificates available.
Over the last year, Carrie has doubled her clientele. She even has some businesses that invite her to offer chair massages to the employees as a moral buster. This has been a unique way to obtain repeat clients who then make appointments for a full massage at a later time. Carrie has been able to recoup her initial investment and startup costs and enjoys owning a thriving business.