I had the privileged to interview two amazing women, Monica Hahn and Kristin Adams, about their experiences owning Elements Massage franchises, what made them decide on an Elements Massage franchise, and what they are up to next! Take a look below.
Interview by Jane Stein, Franchise Consultant with Monica Hahn
1. Tell me about your background
I spent a whole career in the corporate world, leading Marketing for several well-known companies, including a couple that were franchised. I now own one Elements Massage studio in Greenbrae, CA (just north of San Francisco), and am the Area Director for the east Bay Area as well as the Denver market.
2. What was happening in your life that caused you to want to own a business? (What was your motivation or as we say in the business” your pain”)
Like many senior executives, I had a really hard time getting excited about looking for another corporate job. I was disillusioned with short-term decisions that weren’t good for the business long-term, & wanted more control of my own destiny. I enjoyed consulting for a few years, but knew there was no way to scale it.
3. Why franchising (did you consider a startup)?
Yes – the first realization I had was, “I need to run something of my own,” so of course I explored the various ways I could do that. I talked with two different companies that were interested in having me as their CEO, but they were both pretty risky ventures & I realized I would still be working for someone else. I had neither the idea nor the desire to start something from scratch. With a franchise you have an existing model that is proven, at least to some extent (depending on the franchise).
4. Why Elements – did you look at any other options?
We looked at several other options – my husband and I take months to pick out a new car, never mind a business! The first thing that struck me about Elements Massage was that they start by talking about their consumer – who are they, what are their demographics and psychographics, what about their lives is driving the massage industry. As a marketer, I believe passionately that success with any brand starts with understanding your consumer. I was also really impressed with the openness and transparency. Though they were very careful not to make “earnings claims” beyond what’s in their FDD, their FDD is very thorough, and they share lots of analysis to help you evaluate potential locations. Once I was close, Elements also talked to me about being an Area Director (essentially the market leader) for one of their biggest markets. That really leveraged my corporate experience, was something I knew I would excel at, and offered me an additional income stream.
Ultimately though, this was a business I could be passionate about – I was very interested in doing something that would support healthy lifestyles. It may not be important for everyone to choose a business they’re passionate about, but it is for me. I know I’m going to be “all in” and work really hard at whatever I do. If I’m doing something I’m passionate about, that makes me feel great; otherwise it just exhausts me.
5. What was the biggest surprise (something you didn’t expect) when you opened your business? (this could be good or bad)
I think it’s how many hours I’m working. I really don’t have to work this many hours, but I keep finding myself drawn to do “just one more thing.” I’ve never felt that pull so strongly before in my career.
6. What would you have done differently now that you know what you know?
When we bought the studio from an existing studio, everyone told us not to make any changes right away. I think we should have “ripped off the bandage” very quickly.
I’ve also been reminded to listen to my “little voice” (aka my gut), to hire slowly and fire quickly.
7. What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
I love being so close and connected – to my team, my clients and my community. When you work for a large corporation, even at the executive level you often feel as though no matter how hard you work it’s hard to see the impact. In this business, I see the impact every day. From the Massage Therapist who gives me a hug and tells me how much she loves her job to the client who leaves in happy tears because the range of motion in her frozen shoulder is the best it’s been in years, there’s constant positive reinforcement.
8. What’s next for you?
We’re getting ready to open a new studio in Walnut Creek, CA.
Connect with Monica:
Interview by Jane Stein, Franchise Consultant with Kristin Adams
1. Tell me about your background
After working in the corporate tax world for 10 years – I was looking for a change. I knew I wanted to own my own business – and I knew I wanted that business to be in the health and wellness industry. I started to research some business opportunities – and one day – I stopped in at an Elements in South Denver – and had a massage. I had never had a massage before – and after that first experience – I knew I wanted to open my own studio.
2. What was happening in your life that caused you to want to own a business? (What was your motivation or as we say in the business” your pain”)
Have you ever seen the opening scene to the movie “Horrible Bosses”? Well…that was my life! I was in the “rat” race and I wanted out! Too much stress! I HAD to make a change for the sake of my health and sanity!
3. Why franchising (did you consider a startup)?
I like the franchise model and that certain aspects are handled – studio design, marketing materials, brand messaging!
4. Why Elements – did you look at any other options?
Yes – we did look at other options – but to me – I have to believe in what I am doing and I have to have a passion for it! Once I had my first massage at Elements – I knew I wanted to open my own studio!
5. What was the biggest surprise (something you didn’t expect) when you opened your business? (this could be good or bad)
The biggest surprise to me was that when I started my company – and to this day – I wanted it to feel like we are a big family. We have each other’s back. In 2014 we had a therapist go on an “extend leave” to have surgery. We organized meals to be delivered to her while she recuperated, and a “get well card” sent to her home once a week until she came back to work. We routinely organize bridal showers, baby showers, birthday celebrations and “studio outings” for when we hit studio goals (night out with the Colorado avalanche, Cirque Du Soleil show, 4th of July bbq). The family oriented culture of the studio, our team atmosphere and goal oriented focus is the reason why our studio is so successful.
6. What would you have done differently now that you know what you know?
Early on – I would have been more particular about who I hired and invested time and training into developing the right people. At the end of the day – it’s all about the people!
7. What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
Beside the big family – I really enjoy being involved in our community. I joined two chambers of commerce and I belong to many women’s networking groups. We began doing chair massages at any local event that would have us (5k’s, 10’ks, half marathons, book clubs, chili cook-offs, car shows, dog shows, bridal fairs, wine festivals). We started to sponsor sports teams in our area (triathlon clubs, roller derby, swimming clubs, running clubs, cycling clubs). I began to attend every business after hours, business over breakfast and any networking event that came my way. I feel very connected to my community and I LOVE THAT!
8. What’s next for you?
Another studio!