Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammy Coakley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Tammy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

For years, Tammy Coakley was a name synonymous with success in the beauty and wellness industry. As the
founder of Spa Bleu, she built a respected brand with multiple thriving locations, a loyal team, and a
reputation for excellence. Business was booming, and Spa Bleu became a cornerstone in the
community–proof that vision, grit, and leadership could build something extraordinary.
But success isn’t always linear.
After nearly two decades of steady growth, challenges began to surface. Rapid expansion opened a restaurant & wellness center along with shifting economic
conditions, and internal operational strain began to weigh heavily. Decisions that once felt clear became
complicated. As pressures mounted, Tammy found herself navigating through financial stress, team turnover,
and the emotional toll of a business that no longer felt aligned with her original vision.
It was a humbling chapter–watching something she built with love begin to unravel. For a moment, she
questioned if it was time to walk away.
But Tammy chose something different: reinvention.
She paused, re-centered, and reconnected with her “why.” With courage and clarity, she restructured Spa Bleu
from the inside out. She re-evaluated her leadership approach, streamlined operations, and rebuilt a culture
grounded in accountability, purpose, and growth. It wasn’t easy. It required tough conversations, letting go of
what no longer served the mission, and learning new ways to lead.
And slowly–but surely–success returned. Only this time, it was deeper, more intentional.
Today, Spa Bleu stands stronger than ever–proof that even after years of success, a fall isn’t the end. With
heart, humility, and hard work, Tammy Coakley rose again–and she brought her team, her community, and Passion back to an industry she loves.

Tammy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started working as soon as I was able to get a job my first job Rosatis pizza at age 15. I loved working and customer service. Growing up I worked in my parent’s restaurant/ bar businesses.I learned hard work from both my mom and my stepdad at the time.
Years later I experienced a Destination Aveda Spa In Wi. With a friend and new I wanted to be a part of bring beauty and wellness to our community. Went to school at the Aveda institute in MN. and the rest was history.
My work philosophy in customer service has been treat my team as my guests in turn they will treat our guests as they are treated. Always seems like a simple concept… treat people the way you want to be treated.
Although navigating the world of human relationships and business isn’t easy. Although I have been blessed with amazing leadership by my side.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

I sold Bleuroot a business I founded and loved to the chefs. Which has done an amazing job since then.
The main lessons I learned were invaluable reflecting back.
I wanted out quickly I realized quickly after 1 year of opening the stress of 3 large operations without investors was financially stressful on myself and my family. I wanted it to remain open it was in the prime of its peak for growth opportunities.
My regrets were making impulsive decisions and not communicating and going through proper channels of selling. I was in a get out quickly mode and I didn’t prepare myself for the proper exit strategy. It’s an emotional process selling something you love even if the right thing to do.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

I recently bought a business that was closed.
I ended up actually receiving a great opportunity for a space to rent at a great price with a space that was ready to go for a salon/ spa. We ended up doing a minor buildout and redecorated with minimal costs.
In a thriving location.
We are excited for the new opportunities this will bring.
It’s still building a business from the bottom up. Never easy … back to grass roots

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spa-bleu.com
• Instagram: Tammycoakley_
• Facebook: Tammy Coakley
• Linkedin: Tammycoakley
• Yelp: Spa Bleu

Image Credits

https://photos.nicoledefilippisphotography.com