We recently connected with Karen Lopez and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Being a business owner brings a unique sense of fulfillment, but it comes with challenges that sometimes make me think about a “regular” job. There’s a lot of freedom and creativity that comes with owning your own business, but also a constant pressure to keep everything running smoothly.

One moment that stands out was earlier this year, during a particularly busy week at California Body Contouring. I was juggling client appointments, managing a growing team, handling marketing, and dealing with some unexpected logistical issues. One day, I had back-to-back client sessions, then had to stay late to troubleshoot an issue. On top of that, I had paperwork piling up, and it felt like there was no end in sight.

That night, exhausted and mentally drained, I caught myself thinking, What if I just had a 9-to-5 job? The idea of clocking in, doing my work, and then clocking out without having to worry about anything else was tempting. No late-night problem-solving, no pressure of growing a business—it sounded like such a relief at that moment.

But as I sat with that thought, I quickly realized it wasn’t what I truly wanted. Yes, the challenges of being a business owner can be overwhelming, but I couldn’t imagine giving up the sense of purpose I feel in helping my clients or the excitement of watching my business grow. I thought about how rewarding it is to see someone’s confidence soar after a session or to develop new services that truly make a difference in people’s lives. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that I’ve built something that reflects my vision and values.

In that moment, I came to the conclusion that while the idea of a regular job might sometimes be easier, it wouldn’t give me the same level of fulfillment. Owning a business is a rollercoaster, but I thrive on the highs and have learned how to push through the lows. It’s a part of who I am now, and the passion I have for my business far outweighs the challenges.

So, while I do sometimes think about what it would be like to have a more “regular” job, I know deep down that being a business owner is where I’m meant to be. It’s not always easy, but the joy, purpose, and independence it brings make it all worthwhile.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! My name is Karen Lopez, and I’m the owner of California Body Contouring, located in Thousand Oaks, CA. I’ve always had a love for design and creativity, which led me to pursue a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. After spending several years working in design and marketing, I realized I wanted to combine my creative skills with my passion for helping others feel their best. That’s when I discovered body sculpting.

In 2021, I took the leap and opened my own body sculpting business, Sokal Sculpting, after becoming certified in the field. I later became double-certified and had the incredible opportunity to acquire California Body Contouring in 2023. Now, I’m proud to offer a range of non-invasive body sculpting services that help clients enhance their natural beauty and regain confidence in themselves.

At California Body Contouring, we specialize in treatments that help reduce stubborn fat, tighten skin, and sculpt the body without surgery. Our services are designed for anyone looking to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin, whether it’s helping them feel better in their clothes or giving them a boost after weight loss. What sets us apart is our dedication to personalized care—I truly believe in taking the time to understand each client’s goals and tailoring treatments that meet their specific needs.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and seeing the transformative effect our treatments have on their confidence. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing a client tell me how much better they feel about themselves after working with us.

For anyone considering body contouring, I want you to know that we’re here to support you on your journey to feeling your best. Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment where you can achieve the results you desire with treatments that fit into your lifestyle. At California Body Contouring, we’re committed to helping you feel empowered and confident in your own skin.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Maintaining strong communication with clients and fostering brand loyalty is essential for any business or professional relationship. I have achieved this by tailoring my communication to each client for example, referencing previous conversations, or acknowledging milestones, birthdays, anniversaries can make a big impact. A great way this can also be done is by providing value beyond the sale, what I mean by this, is educating and sharing industry insights, tips, videos or articles that would be of interest to my clients. This shows that we are not just focused on sales, but also want to help them grow, understand and maximize their journey. By maintaining regular communication, offering value beyond transactions, and making clients feel like valued partners, you can foster long-term loyalty and strengthen relationships.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot in my career came after spending several years working in design and marketing. With a background in retail , interior design, and marketing, I always knew I wanted to run my own business but didn’t know exactly in what capacity. I loved the creative aspects of my career, but something was missing.

That changed after a personal experience in 2021. I visited a local body sculpting business out of curiosity and was immediately drawn to the process. It piqued my interest so much that I started researching the industry. Before long, I realized that this was a space where I could combine my creative and business skills while helping people feel more confident. Within a few months, I got certified and opened my own body sculpting business, “Sokal Sculpting,” in Ventura.

At first, it was a side job while I still worked in marketing, but I quickly realized this was something I wanted to fully commit to. My pivot into body sculpting wasn’t just about changing industries—it was about finding a deeper connection to the work I was doing. Fast forward to 2023, and I took another leap by acquiring California Body Contouring, which allowed me to further expand my passion and business.

That pivot marked a turning point in my career, helping me align my work with my personal mission to help others feel their best. It taught me that sometimes, unexpected opportunities can lead to the most fulfilling paths.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://californiabodycontouring.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiabodycontouring
• Facebook: Cabodycontouring
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/california-body-contouring-thousand-oaks-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: tik tok : cabodycontouring

Image Credits

Karen Lopez