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

LisaMarie , 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?

The decision to start my own practice, LA Bodywork, was a significant turning point in my career. After dedicating seven years to The Massage Place, where I worked grueling six-day weeks, each day consisting of twelve hours and ten hours of manual work, I found myself fully booked and craving a new challenge. Although I had never considered myself capable of managing a private practice, largely due to my lack of knowledge about the business aspect, I decided it was time for a change. In a pivotal move, I sought guidance from a business coach who equipped me with the tools and knowledge I needed. Three months later, I opened the doors to my own practice, initially renting a room within a chiropractor’s office. This experience not only gave me insights into running a practice but also allowed me to work alongside established doctors, leading to valuable referrals. As I continued to expand my skill set through certifications and conferences, my space requirements evolved, leading me to an opportunity to share a physical therapy space with a local PT who had been referring clients to me. This new space was perfect, and it marked a significant milestone in my journey as a practitioner. I am thankful for the people who have trusted ne with referrals and the opportunities to expand.

For several years, I operated as a one-woman show, driven by a commitment to honing my craft and providing exceptional care to my clients. In 2019, I took a leap of faith and hired another practitioner, though it didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped initially. However, in 2022, I found the perfect fit – a practitioner with a strong educational background in both massage therapy and physical therapy aid programs. She came in eager to learn and contribute, quickly becoming my right-hand person and an invaluable part of the team. Her enthusiasm and dedication inspired me to further expand, opening another location in a different city while empowering other practitioners in my practice. My primary goal has always been to foster the growth and skill development of fellow bodyworkers and provide effective care to more people. To any young professional considering starting their own practice, I would advise surrounding yourself with experienced mentors, hire that business coach, seeking knowledge not only in the physical aspects of your work but also in the emotional, mental, and business aspects of your practice. Success comes not only from mastering your craft but from understanding the holistic nature of running a practice.

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

First and Foremost, I am a Business Owner of At LA Bodywork working and building my team. Secondly, I am a Health Focused Business Coach.

At LA Bodywork, we offer a unique blend of services and products that cater to the holistic health and well-being of our clients. Our offerings include:

Specialized Fascial Work: We specialize in advanced fascial work, going beyond the traditional massage experience to address deep-seated issues and enhance your body’s natural healing capabilities.
Educational Focus: We don’t just provide treatments; we educate our clients about the benefits of bodywork, self-myofascial techniques through foam rolling, and effective stretching routines. Knowledge is power, and we empower our clients to take charge of their own well-being.

Business Coaching: In addition to our hands-on practice, we provide business coaching services for health-focused practitioners. We guide fellow practitioners to build successful practices, sharing our expertise in both the healing arts and the business side of the industry.

Problem Solving:

At LA Bodywork, we’re dedicated to problem-solving, whether as a Business Coach or a Business Owner. Our approach involves addressing various issues to help our clients:

Physical Ailments: We alleviate physical pain, discomfort, and tension through our specialized bodywork techniques, improving our clients’ overall quality of life.

Business Challenges: We support fellow practitioners in overcoming common business challenges, such as marketing, client acquisition, and operational efficiency, ensuring their practices thrive.

What Sets Us Apart:

We pride ourselves on being more than just an average massage place. What sets us apart is:

Fascial Expertise: Our in-depth knowledge of fascial work distinguishes us, offering a more comprehensive and effective approach to bodywork.

Client Empowerment: We are passionate about educating our clients, enabling them to proactively maintain their physical well-being through our “Physical Principles of Maintenance.” Myofascial Release, Mobility and Maintenance.

Proud Achievements & Key Messages:

We are most proud of our ability to combine our passion for holistic health with our expertise in business coaching.

Here are key messages we want our potential clients, followers, and fans to know:

Holistic Approach: We believe in a holistic approach to health, addressing both the physical and business aspects.
Education & Empowerment: We empower our clients to understand their bodies better and offer health-focused practitioners the tools to succeed in their businesses.
Personalized Care: LA Bodywork is committed to personalized, attentive care that exceeds traditional massage experiences.
Innovation: We continually seek new ways to improve the well-being of our clients and the success of fellow practitioners.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

There’s been a few strategies that have worked for me. And these are things I also pass along to other practitioners.

Commitment and Client Retention: Building a strong and loyal clientele begins with a deep commitment to their well-being. High retention rates are achieved through consistently providing exceptional service. This involves actively listening to your clients, understanding their needs, and tailoring your approach to address those needs. The more your clients feel valued, understood, and cared for, the more likely they are to return. This commitment extends to ongoing education and self-improvement, ensuring you stay updated with the latest techniques and knowledge in your field.

Adding Value: The concept of adding value is essential for both client retention and attracting new clients. You must invest in your own knowledge and skills to consistently offer top-tier services or products. Clients should feel, see, and understand the value of the work you provide. Whether it’s a massage, a therapy or bodywork session, or any wellness product, it’s vital that they recognize the benefits and positive impact it will have. I tell my clients, I am here when you need me but it’s important that I not only educate you on the methods you can do at home but to show you how it benefits you to do implement things on your own as well.

Strategic Marketing: Having a well-structured marketing plan is crucial for attracting new clients. Developing a game plan that spans 6 to 12 months in advance allows you to align your marketing efforts with seasonal trends, special promotions, and events. Utilize a mix of online and offline marketing channels, including social media, email campaigns, partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals. Consistency in branding, messaging, and promotions can help create a strong and memorable presence in your target market.

The most effective strategies to grow a clientele in the wellness and health industry involve a combination of unwavering commitment to clients, continuous self-improvement to provide value, and a well-planned, consistent marketing approach. By focusing on these, you can build a loyal client base while attracting new clients to your practice or business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Embarking on the journey of opening a second office was like jumping into the deep end of a pool with no life jacket. I knew I was risking everything I had saved, and, at first, it felt like I had made the worst decision of my life. Those initial 6-8 months were filled with doubt and anxiety, where survival seemed like a distant dream. But as the saying goes, “no risk, no reward.”

Fast forward a little over a year, and I can confidently say that taking that risk was the best decision I ever made. Having two locations now feels like living a dream. Not only do I have the opportunity to help more people feel better & move better but I’m also on the path to building a thriving community of wellness enthusiasts and practitioners. The expanded horizons have brought me many exciting opportunities like panel speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and the development of multiple projects. They say life isn’t a fairytale, but in the hard work and dedication we pour into our endeavors, I’ve found my own kind of fairytale.

Through all the moments when I felt like throwing in the towel, I stuck it out, and that perseverance has transformed me into an expert in my field. I’m eternally grateful that I didn’t give up on myself and others. It’s proof that sometimes the most extraordinary chapters in life are written during the most challenging moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lisamarie-arreguin.mykajabi.com
• Instagram: lisamariearreguin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamarie-arreguin-171a4659
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-bodywork-and-massage-studio-city-2
• Other: Can you add both Instagrams : @lisamariearreguin @labodywork Add both Websites: https://lisamarie-arreguin.mykajabi.com www.labodywork.com