We recently connected with Rashida Irvin and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rashida thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My husband and I was having a general conversation about his day. He has been a barber for over 30 years and has worked in various a barbershops. Needless to say he stands on his feet all day and normally complains about his discomfort after a long day of work. For years I’ve been telling him that he need to get a pedicure but he refused to go, because he didn’t want to be in a salon with women getting their nails polished. One particular day after listening to him, and watching him torturing himself with unidentified objects doing his own makeshift pedicure the lightbulb came on in my head. I asked him “How do you feel about a spa that would cater to just men?”A place where men can go to get Manicures, Pedicures, Barbering services, Facials, and Massages in a masculine atmosphere. A place where men wouldn’t feel like they’re compromising their masculinity by getting the self care they need. I asked “Would you go to a spa like that?” His answer was “Absolutely! “. From that conversation we moved forward with creating Mister Relaxation Spa & Lounge!

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.

Mister Relaxation Spa & Lounge is a full-service day spa for men that provides clients with the ultimate alpha-male experience and maintenance products. Services include MANicures, pedicures, facials, massages, barbering, and more! We also offer luxury maintenance products such as Beard Balms, Oils, Soaps, Beard Wash & Conditioners. Mister Relaxation is the first all male spa in Philadelphia. We have successfully become a gem for the male community. It’s a pleasure to know that we’ve solved the problem with men being apprehensive about self care. Our staff teach our guests how to maintain great result in between visits so they’ll never fall back into wanting to neglect themselves again, because men deserve to be pampered as well. We’re elated knowing we’re making a positive change in men lives.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team can be a challenge especially after COVID. In the Service business maintaining a reliable and loyal team can be a daunting task. I have always learned to lead by example, stay firm and always fair.

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

When we first opened no one walked through our doors. We may have had 5 clients the first few months. However, we made sure we still showed up every day, opened on time, and stayed the entire day. I questioned myself as to what I had gotten myself into many days. However, I refused to quit and kept coming up with creative ideas along with the team as to how to get the word out about who we are, and what we have to offer. I’ve written letters, did indirect, and direct marketing daily, and one day I felt like the floodgates opened. Consistency is the key to success. Bottom line I didn’t give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: misterrelaxation.com
• Instagram: @misterrelaxation
• Facebook: MisterRelaxation Spa
• Twitter: @Misterrelaxati1