Starting up a spa business can be a challenge on its own. But, when you’re a single parent, it makes that mountain even higher. If you do decide to tackle becoming a business owner, know you’re not alone. Over 15 million children are living with single mothers in the U.S., and just over 3 million living with single fathers.
So, what can you do to take on the daunting task of starting a spa business while maintaining an active role as a parent? Let’s cover a few tips.
Rely on Resources
You might think that you have to go through the process of starting a new business on your own. But, there are so many resources that can make the process easier for you. If you’ve never jumped into the business world before, there are a few things you should consider to get started:
- Getting a business degree
- Finding a mentor
- Setting up a solid business plan
- Decide on a structure
- Get all of your licenses and certifications
If you feel like you don’t have the time or finances for some of those things, look into assistance programs for single parents. Some community colleges offer less-expensive degrees and certifications that you may be able to take online at your own pace. If you’re worried about how to pay for your space, you can contact the Small Business Association to learn more about financial assistance and loans.
Even if you aren’t currently familiar with the ins and outs of a small business, including how to prepare your taxes, there are resources available to help. Do your research on those things to hone in on the structure of your business, how to write off startup costs, and how you can successfully grow each year.
Make Your Spa Kid-Friendly
Spas are often viewed as places where kids aren’t allowed. But, if you’re trying to make it work as a single parent, why not change the narrative? You could open your spa up to a completely new target audience by making it a kid-friendly environment.
That doesn’t mean your entire place of business needs to have kids running around. But, having a childcare center within the spa, or a place where kids can play while parents get pampered could be a huge draw. It will allow tired parents in need of self-care to come in and not have to find someone to watch their children in the process. You can look online for dozens of nursery ideas that can transform into rooms for childcare services.
Starting a business in the spa industry as a single parent is a big endeavor. But, it isn’t an impossible one. It’s a fantastic way to show your kids resilience and determination. Don’t let being a single parent keep you from following your career goals. Striking a balance might be easier than you think.
