Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sin Kennedy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
As a small business owner in the health and wellness industry we are taught not to give away free services. For me I do just that. I believe in the power of community! I would have no business if it wasn’t for the people that believe in me, to offer and trust me to do what I do. If there is one thing that I value most it is time. The biggest impacts in my life have always been free. It doesn’t have to been limited to a product or service but the act of listening and educating the community in what you are passionate about can bring awareness and self discovery. Giving away my services and teaching others about health and wellness through alternative medicine is a door for so many opportunities and knowledge.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Sin Kennedy owner and founder of Radiant Massage in San Diego. I focus on Massage Therapy & Asian Bodywork using a blend of Eastern and Western techniques for mental and physical health. Inclusivity and safety are my top priority by supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and offering body positive touch. As a Queer and BIPOC person I aim to offer my services to those who never felt comfortable getting massage as it can be a very vulnerable and intimate experience. I accept all shapes, sizes, genders, race, ethnicities, and anyone in need of healing in a safe space.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I started my business at a very difficult time and one that I never thought was even possible! The devastation of Covid 19 for Massage Therapists hit really hard as we were deemed nonessential workers even though we are healthcare workers for a majority of our clients. Navigating through the many hoops and adapting to the new standard of precautions took a toll mentally, physically and financially for many businesses. Being laid off felt like the end of the road for this career I had just begun. Finally finding work after being unemployed for several months gave me some relief, but financially I was never going to recover. June of 2023 I had been working as an employee for about 6 months as a full time MT and it was going well, until it wasn’t. Yet again another halt in my career that set a fire in my soul. Being on the receiving end of wage theft was something I never had dealt with before but I was willing to fight for myself and my coworkers. In pure desperation I applied to many, many jobs and contacted anyone that had an open position. The job pool was officially dry. I was at my wits end and needed to figure something out, so being the determined person that I am I decided to open up my own business and do it right the second time! I had just enough money for the deposit and first weeks rent and my only job was to network, connect, and tell the world about what I do. I still have not finically recovered yet but I am so fulfilled in my heart and I will never give up!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Social media and getting out there in your community. Share everything, the process, the struggles, highs and lows, share it all! Transparency is key. Not everything goes perfectly running your own business and there are only so many things you can control but sharing your stories and connecting with others that are going through it as well makes us stronger. I can’t run a business if I don’t have clients so offering monthly deals, discounts, sharing on social media and connecting with followers getting them engaged creates conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: radiantmassages.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sinofself
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sin-kennedy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/radiant-massage-san-diego