We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I started Miller Massage in 2017, after leaving a very nice day spa inside Sun City Grand. I had no clients and no clue what I was doing but knew I something had to change in my situation. I rented a little 10×10 suite and hit the ground running, teaching myself EVERYTHING along the way. I learned from trial and many errors, learning new skills all in the name of saving money. I needed a website so I learned how to build it. I wanted to be on the first page of google so I learned SEO. I needed to manage my books, I learned how to do it. I continued building these skills totally unrelated to massage or the treatment room but just as valuable to the business. After awhile, that self doubting voice who had held my dream back for years, had reared its nasty head again. ” You’re a fraud. You don’t know what you’re doing. You’re going to mess this up and go out of business.” Some days that voice is louder than others. On those days I remind myself that I’ve built this business from nothing. I’ve accomplished more in six years than I’ve ever accomplished in my life! I now own the day spa inside Sun City Grand, the same one I left years ago. Could an imposter do all that?
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m recently earned my national teaching credentials and am focused on creating new courses to elevate the massage industry. I am also working on transitioning my treatments to more barefoot modalities and body treatments to complement my current day spa offerings.
We have a growing team of 7 massage therapists, 3 Estheticians and 4 front desk team members. We have created a healing space referred to ” the hidden gem of Surprise”. We offer massage services you can’t find locally that may incorporate equipment like Vichy Showers and Vacuum Therapy. Our therapists are trained in modalities like Lomi Lomi and Thai massage and have adapted it into a tranquil spa setting.
All our guests are greeted by name and offered robes and slippers, and have access to private locker room facilities like a dry sauna and showers. We have our own private Zen lobby where we are known for our blood orange tea and cucumber waters. Don’t skip on the Madeline cookies!
Our team of professionals are highly trained, far past the state and industry standards. We continue our education every month to be known as the top professionals in our industry.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think the three skills most impactful to my journey are definitely gaining more perspective on digital platforms. I started the business afraid of online booking and just really had the idea that I was going to have all the control over my scheduling. How inconvenient that quickly became! The rest of the world is so use to having answers at an instant, it just didn’t make sense that my business wasn’t apart of the online world as well. Booking software was my first best choice for my business. It allowed me to automate most things so I could focus on my treatment time. I was then able to integrate that software into my website building journey. Once those two parts were solid, I was able to really fine tune keywords to have SEO and place higher on google. Within 6 months or less we were at top of google and never spent a dime on advertising.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My number one challenge is giving up control. I have such a great team, fully capable of helping lighten the load. The getting out of a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset and knowing that by giving up tasks I’m possibly leaving room for things to be done better/ differently. We grow as a team always.
This year I’ve started my transition from full time massage to full time ownership and teaching. My goal by the end of 2023 is to have all new standard operating procedures put into place on paper and visually. This is the year of growth and reaching new dreams. We are looking into future growth opportunities…stay tuned!
Contact Info:
- Website: Millermassage.com
- Instagram: millermassage
- Facebook: facebook.com/millermassage
Image Credits:
camryn smith photography
