Small Business Start-Up: BodyWise Wellness & Spa (+ A Giveaway!)

Life can be busy and chaotic at times. Or let's be serious, most of the time. There always seem to be some event popping up, a project due at work, or daily duties that outstretch even the most organized person on the planet. Working in the mental health field myself, I noticed a trend contributing to accumulated stress and fatigue. Pointing to a common theme of self-care. Or should I say a neglect of self-care. When life gets stuck in autopilot mode it's easy to forget how imperative it is to take care of ourselves. But at the same time it's such a necessary part of a fulfilling life. Even success with work, relationships, and our own personal goals depend on how we are taking care of ourselves in the process and responding to our needs.

Therefore today we are talking self-care as we are back with another installment of our small business start-up series, where we take a behind the scenes look into the minds and hearts of entrepreneurs who take the leap of faith and follow their dreams. Today we are talking with the passionate and visionary owner of BodyWise Wellness & Spa, Kristina Ochoa. 

I have had the pleasure of personally knowing Kristina from our high school days, and one thing that still stands out in my mind today was her drive and determination with setting and achieving goals. We competed in sports together, and even at the time, I knew she could take off in life given the right resources. And boy has she succeeded. More like dominated.

 How calming is this yoga studio? You can even do aerial yoga!

 A tranquility room where you can rest and relax before, after, or in between services.

 Enjoy a beverage while you wait.

Pamper with a little pedicure...

Or massage. Or grab your buddy and get a couples massage!

Kristina designed BodyWise as a space for individuals to meet all their wellness needs in one place. I was SO impressed after touring her building and learning about all the various services they offer, such as: yoga, acupuncture, health coaching, and massage therapy to name a few. I couldn't wait to have her be a part of this series. 

So without further ado let's take a look behind BodyWise and the incredible mastermind who created it all...

Your Name: Kristina Piehl-Ochoa

Hometown: Kenosha, WI

What services/products are offered? Therapeutic Massage, Esthetics (Facials, Microdermabrasion, waxing, eyebrow threading, body wraps), Yoga, Pilates & Meditation Classes, Tai Chi,  Nails, Ayurveda (Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Bliss Treatments, Rain Drop Therapy), Health Coaching, Acupuncture (Herbal Consultations, Shiatsu, Blood Type Diet), Essential Oils

How would you describe BodyWise? BodyWise is a wellness center and spa that offers a combination of services that work well together, because as a person becomes interested in one aspect of a healthier lifestyle, it naturally leads to interest in other aspects of the health and wellness field, and the components we offer are part of a larger healthy lifestyle continuum. The atmosphere and ambiance allows our clients to relax, calm their minds and feel peaceful. BodyWise is a great place to escape from all the stress and chaos we tend to have in our everyday lives.

Where can readers find out about the services you offer? www.bodywisekenosha.com

What prompted you to start your own business? I’ve just always liked the idea of having something of my own. I chose to open BodyWise in Kenosha because we need something like this here! I have a passion for health and wellness and I want to share that with everyone.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself as a result of launching BodyWise? That I am a strong person and I will stop at nothing to reach my goals. I basically lived at BodyWise for a few months through the renovations. I would be there some days from 5am – 2am non - stop working.  I’ve realized that nothing is ever easy and the only way to get what you want is to work hard, figure it out, stay positive and have a good sense of humor.

What was your biggest challenge bringing your idea from concept to fruition?

Getting everything done in the time frame that I gave myself. I set very lofty goals and I haven’t always been able to accomplish everything in the time that I planned for it. I wish that there were more hours in a day; that’s for sure!

How do you find inspiration? I give about 25 massages a week and each massage is usually an hour long. I have a lot of time to think about ideas and brainstorm plans that I have. I am obsessed with Pinterest and that is where I’ve found my inspiration for the décor and room set up. 

 

What motivates you? I’m very self motivated. I’ve always been an independent person with big ideas.

How do you find balance in your life between work and personal time? Now that all the dust has settled, I’m starting to find a balance again, but for a few months during the build-out, my life was pure chaos! I came to work one day with the same clothes on that I slept in and wore the previous day. For a while sleep, showering and eating were not priorities. But when you do something like this, you have to make some sacrifices. I figure while I’m still so young and have all of this energy, I’ll work really, really hard and one day it will pay off and I can relax a little more. 

What advice would you give to any readers looking to start their own business?

Don’t do it if you think that by owning your own business you get to set your own hours and do whatever you want. Running a business is a 24/7 job and it’s not easy. 

What’s your favorite quote? I have a ton of favorite quotes, but this one is perfect for the place I’m at in my life now. I will breathe. I will think of solutions. I will not let my worry control me. I will not let my stress break me. I. will. simply. breathe. And it will be okay…because I don’t quit.  –Shayne McClendon (The Good Girl)

What do you enjoy most about running BodyWise? I enjoy the clients we have at BodyWise. I love hearing the positive feedback they give about how much better they feel and how our wellness professionals have helped them to reduce their pain or reach their wellness goals. 

What is your vision for BodyWise this year? My vision for this year is to keep growing and build awareness in the community of our new location and all the amazing services/classes that we offer.

About the Giveaway! 

Kristina is giving away a FREE WEEK OF YOGA CLASSES at BodyWise in Kenosha for one lucky à la Carte reader! What do you have to do??? Simply write a comment below on why you love yoga, and "LIKE" the BodyWise Facebook page HERE to be entered.

*Giveaway will be announced on Tuesday!

Don't forget to link up with me HERE!

In case you missed them, check out other Small Business Start-Ups below:

Sew Jolly 

Adorn Event Styling  

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