We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deitra Hickey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deitra below.

Deitra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

Over the last 14 years, I have run my business with my customers’ direction. After every service, we call our clients and ask them how we did. We consistently ask them for feedback and have an open door policy. In addition, we frame customized birthday signs and other celebratory signs when they come in. We walk them to their car with an umbrella when it’s raining. If we missed the mark, we make it right.

It’s not one act of kindness, but a comprehensive intentionality to make sure our customers know they are cared for, valued, and never taken for granted.

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.

We were the first wellness center in Toledo. I was an educator with Toledo public schools for 16 years and always gravitated to the counseling aspect and helping others with their mental and overall health. I grew up with a lot of adversity. I knew I had a choice to make once I finished school. I could use my life, circumstance and challenges as a crutch, or I could use them to strengthen my character and help others with their journeys. Through Serenity, I am very proud to be able to achieve this goal each and every day. Our wellness center offers counseling, massage therapy, esthetics, sauna services, yoga, reflexology, and many, many other holistic health, and beautification services. I am also proud to be a motivational speaker to share my story and experiences with others to help them with their stress, maintenance, work life balance, and overall health and wellness.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was a child, both of my parents were shot in front of me, and my father was instantly paralyzed. My mother was OK but she had multiple sclerosis that progressed and she was eventually also paralyzed. I took care of both of my parents from 11 years old until my mother passed away when I was 21. Statistically, I am not supposed to be a successful business owner. I am fortunate to have been wired with bold resilience, and inner strength that I didn’t know I had.

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

I know it’s cliché, but word of mouth is really the most effective strategy that we were able to secure over the years. Our gift certificate sales and client referrals are the largest portion of our business. The strategy is simply humbling yourself and understanding that even though you are a business owner, all of your clients are your boss. The strategy works, in combination with understanding that you must always evolve and grow and never become complacent

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.SerenityMaumee.com
• Other: www.DeitraHickey.com