We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brenda Samuel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brenda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

How did I get my first client? Wow. Well, I was working full-time at a Hiatus Spa in Dallas and part-time building Sensory Spa Boutique, providing mobile massage services, taking classes and vending at local events. After months of hustling, about Jan 2019 I put my plan into motion to fire my employer on my 37th birthday.

For weeks, I searched for a location to settle into, but I didn’t understand I couldn’t find what I wanted because it wasn’t time. I wanted to run when God was telling me to walk. So here comes my first hard lesson..I leased a 100 sq ft “shoe box” in Richardson that I could barely breathe in, let alone afford. It was a you know what show, if I had let that experience shake me, I wouldn’t be sitting here today discussing my business. Oh the tears I cried.

Back then, MassageBook was one of the go-to  platforms for most independent LMTs, I created a website and connected with Square so my clients could book online. The first week in my new location, my first paying client booked through the system and got on my books. It was my husband! He gave me my first 5-star review on Google, which you can scroll down about 70+ 5 star reviews to find. Somehow after that, I started getting booked, clients started finding me on Google, previous clients from Hiatus Spa literally tracked me down and I was on my way!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey guys! My name is Brenda Marie Samuel, originally from Chicago, living in Dallas. I’m a mom of 2 boys, 1 headed to college this fall the other is an adorable 4th grader. I’m married to an amazing man/business partner and have been in business for myself for 3 years. I received my massage license from Sterling Health Center in December 2015. My superpower is my ability to connect with my clients on a deeper physical and mental level than they’ve ever experienced with another bodywork practitioner. We will tap into every sense from the look of my spa, the smell, the Passionfruit Mimosas handcrafted by my mixologist husband, my exclusive R & B playlist and of course My Touch. I’ve had clients hunt me down from Hiatus, bring their entire families to me or end their memberships at “big” spas to start one with me, because I’m that good.

We are 5-star rated on Google, Facebook and Yelp. I’ve collaborated with BossBabes Brunch Tour, Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour, Jmblya Fest, Grow Desoto Market & the winner of SBTs 2019 & 2021 Best Massage Therapist award & and this our second feature in Voyage. Love & Libations is my new baby, it’s a couples date night experience my husband and I created to help the lovers and friends of Dallas connect and build trust in a intimate way. We serve cocktails, amazing food and couples learn hands on Massage techniques. It’s pretty dope!

Sensory Spa Boutique is located in Dallas Texas at 12830 Hillcrest Rd, (972) 799-6188, we’re open Tuesday – Sunday, Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Sensory Spa Boutique.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

From to fighting to stay open 8 months after opening due to Covid, a horrific house fire that same year and struggling with my own mental health as a result. I did the work needed to heal while still helping clients with their own pain.

I don’t want to get emotional today, because it’s been a long journey to get where I am now. So many obstacles had come to destroy my vision and shake my faith, I almost questioned what the heck I was doing it all for back in 2020. From to fighting to stay open 8 months after opening due to Covid, my family experienced a horrific house fire that same year. Being fully transparent I struggled with depression and my own mental health as a result of it all. I’m grateful that Im still standing, unfortunately, I know a lot of small business owners didn’t make it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I began properly building my business plan and exit strategy when I found Candace Holyfield also known as Sixfigurespachick on Instagram. She is a marketing genius, I repeat Genius, who helps spa and beauty professionals grow and scale their business. Outside of my hard work and dedication, she is the reason I was able to quit my job and why I’m still open today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://SensorySpaBoutique.as.me/
• Instagram: sensoryspaboutique
• Facebook: Sensory Spa Boutique
• Google: Sensory Spa Boutique

Image Credits
D Lacy

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