Today we’d like to introduce you to Candra Smith.
Hi Candra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For 7 years after massage school, I worked in various settings as a massage therapist all in Haywood County. It wasn’t until after the birth of my son in 2012 that I knew I wanted to change my economic situation. I remember being so poor that my debit card declined when trying to buy a cup of tea from the coffee shop. I was working in a one-room tiny house right next door to the wellness center and was simply in the right place at the right time. The wellness center building became available for rent, and I went for it. I immediately enrolled in the mountain biz works program and began my business plan. I borrowed $10,000 from them and opened what is now Maggie Valley Wellness Center. It was the most stressful time of my life. I had a two-year-old son, a mortgage payment, and a new business that felt like I was trying to start a locomotive engine by hand. Everything was so hard but all of the signs told me that I was where I was supposed to be. Eight years later, I have 15 staff members, gross over $350,000 annually, been selected for Scale-up, entrepreneurs on the rise, and soon-to-be business of the month for Haywood County Chamber of commerce. I am grateful every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would dare to say that no one who opens a small business calls it a smooth road. I think the greatest struggles come with relationships that don’t work out in the end. This could be a relationship with staff or a relationship with a client or a vendor. I really love equanimity and fairness and take pride in who I am as a person. It just really stinks when someone else doesn’t view you that way. It hurts. Relationships are the very fabric of our being. No matter what, I think we all need to be more gentle with each other and practice kindness. It’s ok if a relationship has to end but it doesn’t need to blow up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work and the work of the wellness center are incredibly heartfelt and intuitive. So much happens that is beyond words. I see an incredible exchange and connection with our clients that is holistic and powerful. The modalities we offer are massage, private yoga, skincare, and Ayurveda. The staff that we hire come from an incredible background of 10-24 years of experience. Both the ambiance and the treatments experienced by our clients are top-notch.
Massage is definitely our most sought-after treatment of choice, however, what I am most excited about lately are the local and remote wellness retreats we are hosting. The retreats really give us an opportunity to blend all of our services, while creating an opportunity for our guests to really deep dive into a healing experience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Come see us or tune into our social media pages to stay connected!
Pricing:
- $95-$130 massage
- $115-$175 facials
- $50-$75 private yoga
- $135 Ayurveda consultation
- $299 3-week Ayurveda cleanse
Contact Info:
- Instagram: maggievalley_wellness
- Facebook: maggievalleywellnesscenter
Image Credits
Adam Taylor Pictures
