From Employee to Solo Spa Owner: How Simple Online Booking Helped Me Grow

The funny thing is, I had always said I had no desire to become a small business owner.

I spent nine years working in spas. I loved the work. I loved my clients. I learned so much by watching what worked in other people's businesses and what could be made even better. But owning my own place? That wasn't the plan.

Then early this year, something shifted. I had a wonderful colleague who had offered to coach me if I ever decided to go that route. When my mind started opening up to the possibility, she was the first person I called.

I realized I wanted the freedom to operate from a foundation that aligned fully with my values. I wanted to create and execute new ideas in timeframes that were efficient and dependable. I wanted more authentic relationships with my clients. More independence. More flexibility. A space that truly reflected my personality.

Becoming my own boss was the way to make all of that happen.

Taking the Leap

I was SO excited. I had so much support from friends, family, colleagues, and fellow small business owners. I felt sure and confident in my decision. Each step of the way, I saw all my needs being provided for.

It was a lot of work, but absolutely doable.

When I told my previous employer I was leaving, they allowed me to tell my regular clients where I was going. That's rare in the beauty and massage industry because there are a lot of non-competes. I was very blessed.

My clients' responses meant everything to me. Some were surprised. Others told me they just "knew" I would take that leap someday. One said, "I was waiting for the day you would tell me this!" Another said, "Of course, I'm following you!" And one that really stuck with me: "You were made for this."

I remember wondering if they wouldn't follow me because the building I used to work at was so beautiful. One client looked at me and said, "I like you more than a building!"

Twenty-four clients followed me on day one.

That was such a huge boost of confidence. It showed me that people came to me because of what I had to offer. Watching them stay was heartwarming. I felt so valued. So grateful. It really motivates me to continue providing my best for them.

Building Something Simple and Beautiful

Those 24 clients were my foundation. But I still needed to grow beyond them. And I knew that meant having the right systems in place.

Over the years, I had been through a handful of booking systems at different spas. There were pros and cons to each. But the biggest complaint I heard from clients, and experienced myself, was the overcrowded, congested booking experience.  Busy websites and booking combos that lent to a confusing booking experience.  It seemed to me that some of the excess could be cut out to create a more user friendly experience.

I'm a simple gal. I believe that many times “less is more”. I wanted a very straightforward, aesthetically pleasing and yet informative booking platform for my clients. Something that felt easy from the moment they clicked.

One of the top things I was looking for was HIPAA compliance. That's something I legally need in Indiana. But beyond that, I needed something beautiful and simple.

Finding Noterro

I was pleasantly surprised that I could make a  booking site look so pretty. It was well organized, easy to navigate and also allowed generous-sized description spaces for services that are generally placed on an adjoining website. 

I don't have a separate website that connects to my booking site. I don't need one. I'm fine with just using Noterro as my website because you can make it look nice and it's just so simple.

One thing I really love is the downloadable QR code. I put it right on my business cards. It was free. People just scan it and they're right there, ready to book. It's easy marketing just handing out my cards.

So many clients have told me how grateful they were for how easy it was to book with me. That feedback means so much. When you truly care for your clients, they feel that. And when the booking experience is simple, they can focus on what matters: the care they're coming to receive.

"Wait, You Have Your Own App?"

One client said to me, "Wait, you have your own app! You're fancy!"

I'm encouraging all my clients to download the app. I think it's such an amazing feature. Having my logo on their home screen, being able to book right from there. It benefits the clients who want that extra convenience.

For a solo practitioner just starting out, little things like that make your business feel established. Professional. Real.

Growing Through Care and Connection

I've over tripled my clientele since opening. And I haven't spent any money on marketing.

I had a grand opening event. I connected my Google business review link to the follow-up emails that Noterro sends after appointments. Building positive reviews helps with visibility online.

But really, it's been word of mouth. If you take amazing care of your customers, if you truly care for them, they feel that. They share on social media. They come into my space, which is really cozy, and ask if they can take a picture and tag me.

I've lived in my city for decades. I have a huge network and connection with different health clubs and groups on social media. I can post in local Facebook groups and health living communities. People find you that way.

I was able to share with potential new clients what my current clients were saying about how easy it is to book. That's something that would attract me to a new establishment. And it attracts others too.

For Practitioners Thinking About Going Solo

If you're feeling stagnant or frustrated where you are, it may be time to grow in a new way. The resources are out there to get started. It is a lot of work, but it's certainly doable and well worth it.

Be patient with yourself and the process. Develop the discipline of being organized and timely, even in your small daily personal tasks. This character trait will benefit you greatly in becoming a responsible and trustworthy small business owner.

If clients trust you, they'll follow you. And if booking is easy, it helps them stay.

You don't always need an additional website or expensive marketing to be successful. You just need a clean, simple booking experience that people appreciate.

There would be no business without a booking site. Noterro gave me exactly what I needed to start, and it's helped me grow beyond what I imagined.

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