We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ebony & Kysha Marks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ebony & Kysha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

Our journey with EAHS has had some bumps along the way, but at the same time, it’s also been a forgiving and humbling experience. In the beginning, we thought that owning a business was as simple as just getting an LLC and an EIN. We quickly realized, just how wrong we were (LOL). Something that we can look back on and laugh about now, is finding out that we had to reinstate our business, which we foolishly had no idea it was temporarily terminated. Even though we had no idea where to start, we leaned on each other, asked for help, and got it done. It was stressful then, but we’ve managed to effectively improve our task management skills because of that situation.

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?

Kysha’s career journey began with a deep-rooted passion for wellness and a desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. “Growing up, I was always fascinated by the body’s ability to heal and rejuvenate itself, or with the help of holistic remedies made by our grandmother. That led me to explore various holistic practices as I got older. This curiosity eventually guided me to pursue a career in traditional medicine, specifically massage therapy. Massage therapy allows me to combine my passion for integrative health and wellness with my innate desire to help others.

Not long after being in the industry, I realized that there was a significant gap in the market for a truly luxurious and holistic massage experience. This insight inspired me to co-found our business, where we strive to connect with our clients on a personal level, offering not just a service, but a transformative experience. Our mission is to heal and rejuvenate, providing a sanctuary where clients can escape the stresses of everyday life and embrace a holistic approach to well-being.

Ebony: “After recognizing a significant need for massage therapy during my own therapeutic experiences, my journey to becoming a massage therapist began. Born with a physical disability, I underwent extensive physical therapy, which was instrumental in my rehabilitation. However, I realized that massage therapy could have been an additional component of my recovery process. Not only does massage offer substantial physiological benefits, but the power of “positive touch” is also necessary for personal development and emotional well-being. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in massage therapy, with the goal of providing others with the holistic support I found lacking in my own journey.

As co-owners of Earthly Ambiance, we are deeply committed to connecting with our clients, facilitating healing, and offering a luxurious experience that transcends the ordinary. We strive to create an environment that promotes holistic vibes, ensuring that each session is not just a treatment, but a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and spirit.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been creating an unforgettable, personalized experience for every guest. By offering world-class treatments in a serene, welcoming environment at an affordable price, we’ve built a loyal community. Platforms like ClassPass and Groupon have brought new faces in, and our focus on customer care, word-of-mouth referrals, and active social media has helped us keep them coming back. It’s all about balancing luxury with accessibility.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, definitely! We enjoy listening to motivational podcasts such as, Dream Life Club and Side-hustle Pro. “The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom” by Paris Woods was a game-changer for us both, especially when it comes to managing our finances and building sustainable wealth. Kysha was also inspired by “Think & Grow Rich” by Greg Habstritt, which helped refine her mindset for success. I (Ebony) found “Girl Code” by Cara Alwill Leyba incredibly empowering, especially for navigating the entrepreneurial journey with confidence and balance. All these resources have shaped our approach to business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://earthlyambiancespa.com
• Instagram: @earthlyambiancespa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthlyambiancespa
• Other: TikTok: @earthlyabiancespa

Image Credits

Photos taken by us