We recently connected with Suzanne Chilton and have shared our conversation below.
Suzanne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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.
As a lifelong artist, I have always been the kind of person who likes to create something out of “nothing” and using my creativity, ingenuity and practical side when starting my business was no different.
When I was first certified as a Reflexologist, I had no prior experience in the health or wellness industry. But I knew I wanted to establish my own practice where I could design my days to suit our busy family life with a 2 year old and a husband that struggled with his health.
I had a decision to make. Work at a clinic or wellness spa, give away a percentage of my earnings and work on their schedule. Pay to rent out my own space but deal with startup and running costs whether I had clients or not. Or… start in a way that allowed me grow as the business did, go at my own pace, start with low overhead and carve out a unique niche that didn’t exist in my area before.
A mobile practice allowed me to start without risking too much investment and test the waters to see how I liked my new vocation and how the community responded. I had no idea if there would be a demand for what I did so being able to start with just some simple equipment (a reflexology chair, stool, towels, pillows, blanket and basic supplies) and our car allowed me to gain maximum profit from every session. Also, working evenings and weekends allowed me to be at home with our daughter in the day (daycare savings there!) and trade off with my husband in the evening. I had a lot of pushback in the beginning from family who wondered if visiting homes would be safe (or if clients would even want that!) so I committed to a boundary of seeing women only in-home which made me feel a lot more comfortable and then referrals took things from there.
Right from the beginning, I spent a ton of my time being consistent on social media – sharing my clients, their experiences, testimonials and photos in the chair to give a visual to what I had to offer, demystify the experience, introduce myself to prospective clients and educate about reflexology. I had a strong theme of relaxation, escapism and nature through all of my content to really paint the picture of what a session could be and feel like. I also posted helpful information to peoples questions about their feet/foot pain in moms groups and started an email subscriber list early.
Over the years as my client list grew, maintaining my own practice gave me the freedom to shift my schedule and boundaries (summer vacations, covid restrictions etc.) to suit my changing life which, for me, was the best way to feel in control and excited about my work.
Suzanne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Reflexology is not what I ever dreamed of doing but I’m so glad I found this community of alternative and holistic healing!
I grew up committing to the arts and even got my honours degree in theatre. The big pivot came after my husband was diagnosed with cancer and experienced lots of unpleasant side effects from treatment. During that time I started to look at the world differently, question a lot about what really mattered to me and discovered the benefits of the natural healing modalities. I realized I felt called to help people but still in a creative way, and using my hands to encourage healing with bodywork really appealed to me. I took a course on Reflexology and was hooked!
Foot Guru Reflexology was created in 2017 and is a private practice providing in-home sessions for women and children in North and West Vancouver, BC, Canada. I help busy moms carve out time for self care and realize how important it is to put themselves first. I make it super easy to commit by coming to them so they can avoid the annoying stuff like traffic, parking, travel time and cancelling because they’re too busy or overwhelmed.
As a Registered Reflexologist and “Foot Guru”, I also share the ancient healing benefits of reflexology in practical and accessible ways via my foot maps and online tutorials, courses and trainings for beginners and professionals. My mission is to guide people all over the world to health and happiness, one reflex at a time :)
Over the last 6 years, I’m most proud of being able to 1. create a successful business from something I’m passionate about (I had a few failed attempts before!) 2. Run the business “my way” so that I have been able to build it in tune with my life, family and all the continued challenges that have popped up over the years. Being able to work less when I need and more when I want has been one of the ways I’ve kept balanced and sane. I’m also really proud to say that I love my clients. Most of the time the work doesn’t feel like work at all. I have been conscious of the type of energy I put out into the universe and this has drawn similar energies to me. Compared to my younger days in customer service, I am so grateful that I’m able to keep my days positive.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
There are a few things I did in my business that I feel were the most effective in helping me grow my clientele.
1. I really listened to them and connected to what they were going through. Because I was seeing them in their own home, I think it was even easier for clients to open up to me and this extra information on an emotional and energetic level, allowed me to connect deeper with them and give them an even better treatment (which always leads to them wanting more and sharing with others!)
2. With more listening came more time spent with clients. With the luxury of being mobile, I often left myself extra time (off the clock) to make sure a client didn’t feel rushed and they left the session feeling transformed. I think this really helped clients see reflexology as an invaluable part of their monthly wellness. I also always made sure to rebook them at the end of their session so they were set up for next time.
3. As I mentioned previously, harnessing the power of social media to educate my audience and prospective clients not only drew local clients, but also opened up the opportunity to share reflexology online to the masses which I pursued with lots of interesting content like self care tips, tricks and tutorials for self reflexology. When I connect with trending audio I do love to jump in there with my creative skills to make interesting or funny reels and change the way someone might view reflexology or a reflexologist.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think kindness and authenticity always wins. Both with people in person and I definitely think that comes through online as well.
I can’t tell you how many times over the years of “slow but steady” growth that there’s been the pressure to do something different, something fast, something super lucrative right out the gate. But I am committed to finding this in my own way while helping people heal, spread love & light and to make the world a better place. It sounds cheesy but so many people need support and if I can make a change in their lives by sharing a simple way to tap into their own internal healing, then I am so happy. I’ve also just kept committing to my own growth despite any imposter syndrome and personal/business setbacks cause isn’t that the point of the entrepreneurial journey? Plus I’m just the kind of gal who doesn’t give up and I’m confident that will take me to where I need to be in life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.footgurureflexology.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/footgurureflexology
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/footgurureflexology
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@footgurureflexology
- Other: www.footgurureflexology.com/links for foot pain tips, my healing list, foot maps and online courses & trainings www.tiktok.com/@footgurureflexology
Image Credits
Kerry Lawrence Photography