Of what? You may be asking.. Well one year ago, I had an idea that I wanted to create something innovative, something new to the market. I had an idea that brought nostalgia to mind. I had an idea that made us smile. I had an idea that allowed me to tap into something completely new.
I have been a massage therapist focusing on athletes for over two decades, starting when I was just 20 years old. I have always been an athlete, a people person, felt the most comfortable in small groups, intuitive, and a visual learner. Massage therapy was the best way I could cultivate all those things into one. Plus, I was able to work for myself, which was the best choice I could have made so early on.
I come from generations of entrepreneurs dating back to my great grandparents, well, that is as far back as I have researched. I am sure there are more. Working as a massage therapist has been a gift. It has taught me to focus, connect, and thrive. I have been building strong relationships over the years to help other folks, and now I have a chance to use these connections to build something new.
Over the years I learned so much from my clients with different business backgrounds and goals. I had a particular client who kept suggesting I run a race. It sounded fun, but I hadn't raced since high school track and cross-country. One day her strong suggestion became a reality for me, I signed up for Portland’s Shamrock Run with my childhood friend. I had gone to a St. Paddy's Day party; woke up the very next morning very early(not feeling so hot), and we went for a run with thousands of other runners. I had so much fun! I felt that little kick at the last mile( the sprinter in me), and that was it- I was already signed up for another race a few weeks later.
I was hooked! I raced anything from a 5k to a half marathon, some solo and some accompanying my sister. It was only a few months that passed before I decided to sign up for my first ultra. It was great that long training runs were on Saturdays, which made me go to bed early on Fridays. Sundays were my punishing miles, because I would be out later on Saturdays and tired from the day before. It was a cycle that had its healthy and positive benefits. As an ultra runner, I strive for life balance. :)
I had spent much of my time on the coast leading up to this moment and I wanted to get back to the mountains. I wanted to explore all of our state's beauty. Oregon is a spectacular state- with very diverse ecosystems. I was exposed to beautiful trails I never knew existed, even though I grew up in this area. This was my exploration and confidence building journey. When you can push yourself 32 hours continuously without sleep, you realize you can do anything you put your mind to.
Am I quitting massage therapy? No, I am actually growing my practice from Oregon to Florida. Over the past few years(during covid), I expanded from Portland to Bend, seeing clients in several towns along the 97 or the 35. Business growth is good to keep things interesting, and remind yourself of the hardships of starting a business. It takes patience, yet, there is a constant hustle to build out a new business.
So a year ago, I had an idea to use those connections I built over the past two decades. I started to hustle, and put myself out into a new territory- the CPG world. I feel like I can do anything with the support from my partner, he is always encouraging me to go BIG! My family has also been behind me all the way in this endeavor, especially after seeing how much time I am putting into it.
I created and developed my product in the very early stages, and began giving samples to my closest friends and family. It has been a hit! My 8 year old niece is my strongest believer. She always says with simplicity, "It's not hard, you just have to package it and sell it!" I listen to her and CPG podcasts, "How I built this" with Guy Raz and I already feel like I am telling the story; I will tell him in the future. I am fascinated by every story, some have made me cry, well, most to be honest. I am really connected with their stories, because, yes, I also have a lot to learn from them. We are not reinventing the wheel! I learn from their mistakes and success stories.
I have been so VERY lucky to be from Portland where there is so much help and opportunity for entrepreneurs in the CPG world. I have mentors and advisors through the SBDC, SCORE, Mercy Corps, MESOPDX, Community Co-Pack NW and Xcelerate Women. I have utilized programs through the SBLC, PSU, and MESOPDX. I took so many business classes through these programs last year, that when it came time to renew my Oregon LMT license I didn't need to do much in terms of CE's. I have spent countless hours connecting, classwork, research, grant writing, and product development. This is a full time job, and in a year I am almost ready for launch.
My current challenging topic that I am deep diving into is marketing. Simultaneously, learning about wholesale suppliers, co-packers, and packaging. There is so much here to learn. I am absolutely captivated for the first time in my life, 100% excited about every goal reached, every positive lead, every acceptance, every little bright star this new venture brings. I cannot wait to share more of my journey with you.
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