Saturday Spotlight
Kate Wilson, Shiatsu Therapist
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you offer/sell?
My practise is geared to Therapeutic Shiatsu Massage with other Eastern Modalities (Reflexology, Chinese Fire Cupping, Moxibustion, Tuina)
2. Where are you located?
Home based business at 306 Wedgewood Drive (Huron/Adelaide Area)
or where do you travel?
I am also a travelling Therapist.
I will bring Shiatsu/other modalities to you.
House calls are a very small portion to my business, but still very important to be able to reach people who like the house call appointment or need the house call do to a disability/mobility challenges.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
My website is www.Shiatsu4life.ca
4. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I graduated the Shiatsu Therapy program from the Shiatsu School of Canada in Toronto, in July 2011. I started building my Shiatsu Practise immediately and officially began practise on September 1 2011.
This will be year 6 of practise and growth is still taking place.
5. Who or what inspired you to get into this business?
The story behind how I got into Shiatsu is really a mystery to be honest.
Never had I ever had a treatment, or even heard of anyone talk about Shiatsu Therapy.
This is a small confession, but the truth is, I was 24 years old, unsure of what to do with myself and I was feeling sorry for myself. I had been drinking some wine, while having a self-pity party. The word Shiatsu popped into my brain and I immediately went upstairs and googled it.
I read about it, and a light bulb went off. Call it my “ah-ha” moment, but in that moment I knew that Shiatsu was my calling. I didn’t know where it came from or how it would all come to be, but it made sense to me and for the first time in a long time, I felt like my path was clear.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
In my treatment space you will find music always on during treatment time.
I have a large selection of relaxation CD’s and I-tunes has become my friend.
Relaxation based music compliments all treatment and encourages my clients to reach a deeper state of relaxation.
7. What do you like least/most about your business?
The biggest challenge for me, business wise, is keeping on top of paper work and staying organized from an accounting standpoint. I feel like I would benefit from someone coming in and getting me organized with software, spreadsheets and assist me in administration organization. I try my best, but find I do struggle with the admin aspect of business.
There are so many amazing aspects to my Shiatsu Practise.
One, is that every person that walks through my door is happy to see me. You can sometimes even see stress and tension melt away before we even start treatment. It’s a great day when everyone is happy to see you, and you, as the therapist look so forward to seeing your clients.
8. Describe your workspace?
When you arrive at my Shiatsu location, you walk through the back yard garden oasis, and enter into a small waiting nook.
The treatment area consists of a small lobby, the worlds tiniest, but cutest bathroom and a relaxing treatment room.
Treatments take place on an oversized massage table, which is covered with soft cozy blankets, soft music is playing in the background and the lights are generally off during the day.
Natural light streams gently in through the large windows and sometimes an essential oil diffuser is running in the corner.
The gentle aroma of lavender, peppermint or lemongrass fills the room, as you enter into relaxation mode.
9. What is one of your best moments in your business so far?
Organic Growth has been a constant positive through building my Shiatsu Practise.
Patience, time, trust, strength, wisdom, knowledge, inspiration, failure, lessons learned are all part of this process.
When entering out on your own, from ground zero there is endless pressure we put on ourselves. We want to succeed and sometimes growth takes place too fast or not fast enough, but moving forward and believing in yourself keeps you going, and Organic Growth has allowed me to be present through every step of my practise.
I had very large expectations, that I had to breathe in and let go of because they were actually hurting me, and the pressure I placed on myself was not realistic.
One of the best moments this year was just two weeks ago at my Open House. 70 people showed up to celebrate this next chapter with me.
For the first time, the past 6 years blended together and I saw the beginning and truly for the first time my future with Shiatsu!
I realized I was here, roots are established and organic growth continues at a pace that is healthy and balanced. For this I am grateful.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own business?
You have to believe in what you are doing.
Comparison is the root to much suffering.
Do not compare yourself to anyone, as this only holds you back.
Be unique, grow organically, don’t lose yourself in the shuffle and you will manifest what you invest in your business.
Stay focused on goals, and surround yourself with people who are supportive, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help and guidance if you need help with any area of your business.
Look after yourself too. Your business cannot grow and succeed if you are not looking after the brains and the body behind the operation.
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