Selecting Your Workspace as a massage & Holistic Therapist.
There are several options for where to run a holistic therapy business, each with its own advantages and challenges.
Home
Starting a business from home can be a practical way to build confidence and establish a foundation. However, it may not be ideal if you lack a dedicated therapy room, as it can be stressful to keep the space tidy and quiet, especially with family present. Feelings of guilt and the struggle to balance family life can arise.
Many therapists successfully work from home when they have a designated room, separate entrance, and suitable facilities, with fewer distractions from children. Garden therapy cabins offer a cosy, intimate atmosphere and privacy, creating a welcoming retreat for clients and embodying the HYGGE vibe.
Therapists that have their own therapy cabin in the garden I feel are so lucky, they always look like cosy, intimate retreats with total privacy. They definitely offer the HYGGE energy vibe.
Considerations
Insurance: Ensure you have appropriate house and therapy insurance.
Council tax: Be aware of potential changes based on business use.
Change of use: Contact your local insurance provider regarding business activities at home.
Mobile
Offering mobile therapies can initially seem flexible and convenient. However, it often involves transporting bulky equipment and resources, which can be physically demanding and stressful. Creating a peaceful environment in clients’ homes can be challenging, particularly when faced with pets and children.
Some therapies, such as Reflexology, may be more suited to mobile work due to portable equipment, though environmental factors still need to be managed for a relaxing experience.
Other Factors to Consider
Decide on your travel radius and distance willing to cover.
Navigation skills: While tools like Google Maps are helpful, they are not always precise.
Time management: Clients may enjoy chatting—set clear boundaries to manage your schedule.
Fuel costs and travel time between appointments.
Setup and pack away time between clients.
Safety: Always consider personal safety when visiting new clients’ homes.
Premises
Securing business premises can be a significant milestone.
For me my first premises was a small room in a historic building, it provide the perfect atmospheric environment for my holistic therapies. The rent was affordable; the location was unique and helped me begin to achieve my business goals. Though practical challenges—such as heating in an old building—had to be considered and addressed, through fitting a wood burner stove and extra warm curtains and wall coverings and factoring plus an extra 2 hours in my day to get the room warm enough for holistic and massage therapies.
Team Setting vs. Working Alone
Starting out with limited qualifications may prompt you to bring in other therapists. Collaborating with a team can help fill gaps in offerings and build a supportive community, allowing for a broader range of therapies and shared promotion. While such teamwork can be exciting and innovative, it may not always yield the desired results, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
Sadly, my ambitious idea of a team of therapists supporting and helping each other did not have the outcome or give the experience I had hoped for when I started out in 2009.
So, back to the drawing board!!
Who to Ask for Help?
HR advisor
Business coaching
Marketing support
Friends
Lessons are opportunities to learn, develop, and grow!
These are the lessons I learned early on in my business;
· Create agreements and contracts, be clear in communication, act professionally, define services and schedules for each therapist, and follow legal guidelines.
· Ensure there are strong and healthy boundaries.
· Combat imposter syndrome with positive business coaching.
· Find your tribe; this can take time but prioritise quality over quantity.
· Learn to take care of yourself, stay strong, positive, and enjoy the journey.
· Ask for help! Fill in gaps in your knowledge and experience.
· Do not call your business name something that does not change with you. Keep your mind open!
I had a friend in HR who helped me create new solid contracts for all the therapists, making clear boundaries and expectations. I also got myself a business coach!