10 Things We Learned from Wellness Entrepreneurs at Ladies Lounge

Last week, JUGs writer Colleen Gordon, interviewed an incredible panel of wellness entrepreneurs as part of our virtual Ladies Lounge series, including:

Elise Caira, Founder and Owner, Sweat Fixx
Mavis Hicks, Founder and Artisan, Beauty N Simplicity
Molly Allene, Founder, Apothe Spa (soon to be Brooklyn + Rye)

The conversation was jam-packed with advice for entrepreneurs, tips for practicing self-care and ways to find your own niche in a crowded market. Here are our top 10 takeaways to help inspire your own wellness journey:

Challenges are normal.

Elise adds, “pay attention to who you hire/surround yourself with/pace yourself.”
“Being overweight is a barrier in wellness, and the industry is broken – be an advocate,” says Molly.
“Don’t take everyone’s advice for face value, people are helpful but it can be overwhelming. Trust yourself and find your own path,” adds Mavis.
Mavis opened up about her challenge with burnout during the pandemic. She recommends having a routine and slowing down. She says. “It’s key to give your customers the best when you’re at your best. Take a break when you need one, listen to yourself and honor your feelings.”

The rewards of starting a business:

Elise says, “It’s great to wake up and be passionate. We’ve really created a community and every day is different. It’s much more than just a studio, we also hold fundraisers for local causes.”
Mavis adds, “The flood of orders and people waiting on products – it’s really rewarding to see messages of people rooting for me. Plus my products are helping people be more confident with skin issues and nurture themselves.”
Molly shares, “The community is huge and having a network of people. But I never feel like I’ve made it – I want to see a bigger impact and my passions have evolved. I’m waiting to see how advocacy helps the industry as well.”

On advice for others in the wellness industry:

Mavis: Hone into what you really want to do. You can’t do it all – ask yourself what you’re passionate about and become an expert at what you do well. Find your lane and master what you’re good at.
Molly: Show up as you are and be your 100% authentic self. Bring your passions and experiences – people will authentically connect with you and support you. On the other hand, people will smell if you’re fake. COVID-19 has shown us that being real and having priorities down to earth is vital. Don’t change for the world, change the world.
Elise: Don’t be jack of all trades and a master of none. Collaborate with people who are like-minded. Start now, don’t wait. Go network with people, pick other business’s brains and do your research – there’s never going to be the “right time.”

What’s next for these ladies?

Elise: “Fixx opened in January because we found new niches. People come in to feel better. I also love startups and collaborated with someone to invest in helping others be entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
Mavis: “We’re rebranding our entire business and changing the name. The pandemic showed me a lot of things and I appreciate wellness more.”
Molly: “We’re also rebranding and changing the name to Brooklyn + Rye, plus we’re opening a new location in Hudson, MA. We’re looking to be incubator for lines and provide a platform for inclusion in wellness.”

Remember, everyone’s wellness journey is unique, but most importantly it’s key to embrace your passions and practice self-care along the way.

View the full recordings of our past events.

If you’re looking to get started on creating your own wellness business or learning about the latest wellness trends, head over to the JUGs blog to learn more. Keep in touch with our latest events and Ladies Lounges here.

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When Meghan Barrett, Boston-based content contributor, isn’t writing about wellness, work or places to go in Boston, she’s whipping something up in the kitchen or practicing yoga at her local studio. Keep up with her adventures on Instagram @meegzb.