Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bre Daniels. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bre, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Becoming a business owner is the best decision I have made in my lifetime so far! Prior to owning a business, however, I did work several jobs that were hourly and/or commission based. Therefore, I have experienced both worlds. Since I wear many hats at my job (owner, employer, massage therapist, receptionist, marketing and social media, and the list goes on and on), it can be a bit overwhelming and there are almost no days off. So yes, I can definitely remember a handful of times in the last 3 years I have been a business owner that I have reminisced on the days of a 9-5. I opened my business, Vera Massage & Spa in Sevierville, TN, in February of 2020. My name is Bre Daniels and I am the owner of and an LMT at Vera Massage & Spa in Sevierville, TN.. Needless to say, those were the times I contemplated the most on going back to an hourly paid job once everything reopened. However, with all the support and love I had from friends and family, I persevered and gave it my best efforts. It has been a rough road, as it is for any new business at the start, but it has been more than worth it. I am so happy with my decision to continue on and I would not take it back for the world! I love my job and I look forward to going every single day, and that is something I never thought possible!
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?
My name is Bre Daniels and I am the owner of (and one of the massage therapists) at Vera Massage & Spa in Sevierville, TN. I have lived in the smokies since I was just 2 weeks old! I went to Northview schools in Kodak, TN from Kindergarten-12th grade. After I graduated I went to Tennessee School of Therapeutic Massage in Knoxville, TN, where I completed massage therapy schooling. After I received my state license for massage therapy, I worked at a few spas before I opened my own! Vera Massage & Spa opened in February of 2020, so this February will be our 3rd anniversary! We offer many types of massage therapy, foot soaks, ionic detox foot soaks, some body wraps/body scrubs, facials, waxing, eyelash extensions, professional makeup application, spray tans, and more! We are on Facebook and Instagram; you may book online or call 865-384-5517. We love every single client who walks through our doors and will take the time to make sure you are happy with your services! If you need some relaxation, you slept wrong or strained a muscle at the gym, or you have chronic muscle pain/tension and need some relief, we are here to help!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Before the start of the business and throughout the first 2 years it was up and running, I actually had multiple jobs. I did massage therapy at the spa of course, but I also would bartend in the evenings to make ends meet. I also sold Paparazzi Jewelry and Arbonne online as well for some side hustles. It was very tough because I was working 24/7 and had little time for sleep, but it has paid off now. The goal, of course, was to be so busy with my own business that I wouldn’t have time to or need to work anywhere else. Now, that is finally the case and I am able to focus on the spa full time!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Word of mouth has definitely been the largest factor in our reputation, as it is with most businesses. Of course we do a lot of advertising (Facebook, Instagram, Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Chamber of Commerce, etc.), but our clients telling their friends and families about their experiences at Vera Massage & Spa has been the biggest help! We treat every client like they are our only client; we want them to enjoy their services and feel appreciated, because they are. I believe that is what has built, and continues to build, our reputation in the community. We are so thankful for that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.massagevera.com
- Instagram: massage.vera
- Facebook: Vera Massage & Spa