We were lucky to catch up with Omayra Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Omayra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

My transition wasn’t overnight. While getting field experience working in both spa and medical settings, I marketed to my client base in my personal time, designating a separate schedule dedicated to my business. I connected with colleagues and mentors who guided me in my transition. Learning who my ideal clients were helped me get educated in the services that would be to their best benefit. My greatest challenge was shifting my mindset. When you’re an employee you clock in and out at a designated time and you know when you’ll be receiving a paycheck. Working for myself taught me how to adjust my budget to accommodate business expenses.

I had to get myself accustomed to being the manager, the employee, and janitor. My social life became networking events that helped me with visibility and taught me the communication skills necessary for leadership. My priorities changed and with that, my relationships changed. Just as I had to learn to readjust my financial budget, I had to learn how to budget my time. Time management has helped align my lifestyle to my goals.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Omayra Lopez. a Florida girl born on April 12, 1983 in Miami Beach, and grew up in the Orlando area. I have 3 children – a daughter, Katharine, 17 and two sons, Ian and Ryan, 16 (twins). I also have 2 dogs, a 16 year old female beagle mix named April and a 5 year old male lab mix, Jesse. My first passion was art, in the form drawing, painting, and in my adult life, photography. As a single mom, however, those outlets took a backseat when I decided to go back to school for therapeutic massage. As my eyes were opened to the ways massage helps the body, mind and spirit, I channeled my need for creativity into making an art out of using the massage techniques I was trained in to customize the best treatments to help my clients in their wellness journey. With this mindset, every session is different. In my personal time however, I’m now making it a point to make time for my creativity, just like I do for my children and my dogs.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A colleague in my field introduced me to the The E-Myth, by Michael E. Gerber helped teach me how to create a structured system for my business to succeed. Later down the road, I met my business coach who helped me apply the book’s teachings:

My spiritual coach introduced me to the book, “The Illusion of Money,” by Kyle Cease, helped me find ways to enjoy life throughout my career journey without money being the main focus or end goal.

Being a member of my local Toastmasters International Club has helped me develop the communication skills necessary for marketing and leadership.

My membership to a local Business Networking International (BNI) Chapter has been helpful in building professional relationships necessary to build my client base.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the “9-5” mindset, and the habit of living from paycheck to paycheck. I have unlearned the lesson of “job security”; the pandemic was a very rude awakening that forced many to unlearn this lesson.
Unlearning the job security illusion made me realize that living life on my own terms is worth the leap of faith. All of this can be tied in to how I set up my business. I have unlearned the need to seek support from family and friends first – when they’re truly supportive it’s wonderful but most of the times, it’s strangers who are the first to support you in entrepreneurial endeavors. I know there are still many lessons I have yet to unlearn while I continue learning. Business can always be better, but it’s the best it’s ever been right now.

Contact Info:

• Website: rootedbodywellness.com

Image Credits
Ken McCoy Gerry Katz Photography