We recently connected with Ann Everhart and have shared our conversation below.

Ann, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

I’ve always wanted to open up my own business for many years now. Especially one that represents the ocean, which is what inspired Ocean Serenity. All of my services have ocean-inspired themes. All of my decor, music and lighting makes you feel like that your actually under the water.

Within the past year or so, I felt that I was ready to take the leap. I started brainstorming ideas about how I would reach my ideal clients, what items I would need for the spa, where my suite would be located, and what legal documents I would need and any requirements I needed to follow.

I researched several locations snd toured a few different places but they were all very expensive, especially for just starting out on your own. I finally decided to contact Salon Lofts at the Palm Harbor, Florida location. I met with Theresa, who is the Salon Lofts manager for many of the locations in and around the Tampa Bay area. We went over the details, and then toured the building. A couple of the rooms were the perfect size & price that I was looking for.

About I believe for over a week or so, I still was indecisive on whether or not this was the right time to start. I had a major surgery coming up in mid September that required me to rest for 6-8 weeks, and I was worrying about how I was going to budget for the space while I was in the hospital and at home healing. The price was more than a bargain and I have already envisioned of what the space would look like.

I went and talked it over with my husband. We decided that we would make it work by taking out a small loan to help cover the rent for the space while I was out of work recovering..

I was able to sign the lease, have the room painted, cleaned and had a sink installed and then we were ready for the next steps.

It was definitely a challenge through the next phase.. we ordered a lot of the things that we needed for the spa and had majority of the equipment set up..my husband and I spent a lot of time putting shelves together, hanging things on the walls, working on social media, and handling the proper legal requirements so we can have the spa ready for inspection.

I then had my surgery and my recovery took much longer than expected..For I became extremely sick and was in the hospital for many days. I was finally able to go home, nearly a week later Helene came through and it added more of a delay-It took several weeks to recover from all of that. Then Milton in October..

After all of that, we were working on getting my fingerprints sent in and a few other things required for my establishment license.. We were then able to complete the inspection and were ready to open soon!

Fast forward to January 2025. It’s been a real challenge for me. We’ve dealt with a lot more setbacks since the hurricanes, but things are starting to fall into place. I do have some struggles getting clients in., but networking and word of mouth is the best way to go in getting clients.

I also have another part -time job at another spa in a great town that is very flexible and pays well. I can work whenever I need to. I can add in a few extra hours a few times a week to help supplement the rental for the loft.

I’m attending some wellness events my local communities offering massage therapy and promote my business. it helps to establish yourself more, network, and word of mouth. This is something that I’m passionate about-if others see that in you, they are more willing to book with you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve dealt with really bad headaches for a long time that comes and goes. I have scoliosis in two area in my spine and massage therapy has always alleviated that, as well as chiropractic care.

I’ve always wanted to be in the healthcare field, and becoming a licensed massage therapist definitely fulfilled that.

I currently do swedish, therapeutic, and deep tissue massage and well as hot stone and reflexology.massage. I offer aromatherapy, foot scrub, CBD oil, biofreeze and hot towels.

I offer seasonal specials, and I even offer The Ocean Serenity Signature Massage. It includes hot stones, hot towels, Sea Salt body oil & scrub, and aromatherapy

I am certified in prenatal massage as well as certified in fertility massage.. not many LMTs practice this modality, especially in the Tampa Bay area.I am currently working on a program for fertility massage, as it will be my niche.

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

Networking & word of mouth are the most effective ways to grow my clientele.

I find that establishing a personal connection and engaging in meaningful conversations fosters trust, which greatly increases the likelihood of clients booking your services.

I have several exciting events planned over the next few months to connect with my community and help create awareness of my name and business..

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would always choose massage therapy as a life-long career!

My only regret is that I wish I started massage therapy sooner in life. In my mid twenties I actually earned a degree in medical administration and worked as a pharmacy technician for many years

I later decided that being a pharm tech was no longer for me, Massage therapy was always on my mind, i did some research and found a school that was local to where I lived at the time. They offered only the classes that you needed, They also taught continuing education courses there, and even have clinicals there to help prepare you. This school was an excellent value compared to other schools. It was early 2014 when I enrolled and I absolutely loved it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocean_serenity_massage_spa?igsh=ZGllcmV1NjN2OTI1&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTbodFeUx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Thaina Cordero
Starr Lynn