Ep/019: The REAL Cost of Starting a Business No One Talks About
"The most important thing I’ve learned is that client relationships are at the heart of business success. It’s not just about offering a service—it’s about truly understanding and connecting with the people you serve."
Janis Isaman
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In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we sit down with Janis Isaman, founder of My Body Couture, a wellness and fitness studio. Janis shares the highs and lows of running a brick-and-mortar business in the wellness industry. From managing a historic studio space in Canada to balancing product sales and client services, Janis opens up about the financial and emotional challenges she’s faced along the way. She also offers practical insights into customer service, marketing strategies, and how to adapt to changing market conditions. Janis’s story is an inspiring example of resilience and commitment to building a thriving business despite the odds.
Timestamps
- [00:00] – Introduction and Janis’s Background
- [02:30] – What Inspired Janis to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Wellness Studio
- [04:45] – The Unexpected Costs and Time Demands of Running a Business
- [06:50] – Daily Operations: Managing Both Physical and Online Services
- [09:00] – The Importance of Excellent Customer Service
- [11:30] – Memorable Customer Experiences
- [14:00] – Marketing Strategies and Word-of-Mouth Success
- [17:30] – The Challenges of Social Media Marketing
- [21:00] – How Janis Has Adapted to Changing Market Conditions
- [25:00] – The Stress of Managing Inventory and Supply Chains
- [30:00] – Future Plans for Expansion
- [32:00] – Advice for New Wellness Studio Owners
- [34:00] – Where to Find Janis and My Body Couture
Key Takeaways
1. Customer Service is Key: Whether it's in-person or online, resolving customer concerns directly through personal phone calls can transform negative experiences into positive ones.
2. Adapt Your Marketing: While social media may work for some, it’s important to find marketing strategies that align with your strengths and business values.
3. Manage Inventory Carefully: Maintaining the right stock levels is crucial for cash flow and customer satisfaction, but supply chain delays can be stressful and unpredictable.
4. Start Small and Scale Slowly: Janis emphasises the importance of starting small with a manageable space, ensuring you can handle both financial and operational demands before expanding.
5. Personal and Business Balance: Owning a small business is deeply intertwined with personal growth. Janis shares how managing her wellness studio required personal resilience and constant learning.
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Special Thanks:
Special thanks to all our listeners joining us for this journey. Your engagement and feedback fuel our mission to empower each business owner to succeed.
Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and actionable advice tailored for bricks and mortar entrepreneurs. Let's build strong foundations and thriving businesses together!
