From inception up until the setting up process, how did you start your business?
My business started in 1992.
I began seeing clients from home and started working 2 sessions a week at Windana Community Centre in St.Kilda.
Windana offered natural therapies at a reduced rate for the local community, as well as for clients of the drug withdrawal house it was associated with.
As my shiatsu business increased, I would “down” my previous work which was civil engineering.
Did your Greek Australian background help you or impede you during your early days?
My Greek background helped me in communicating with clients.
Growing up in a bilingual household gave me the practice and flexibility to connect and communicate with people from all walks of life. It is an important skill that has served me in life in ways I did not realize, until I reflected back on things.
What would you say stands out as the comparative advantage of your business over the competition?
The advantage is the ability to cater for clients coming for a range of conditions, symptoms or illnesses.
I am able to address clients’ needs physically through hands on massage, whether through shiatsu or massage.
I provide counselling or dialogue to identify areas/options clients can incorporate into their lives, to improve their health, and provide corrective exercises or disciplines to deal with stress or factors affecting their health.
Programs are individually tailored for clients to suit their needs and lifestyle drawing on a number of areas.
How is business currently?
Business is going through a growth stage.
What has been happening at a local level financially has made it even more important for clients to look after their health.
Tighter financial constraints have created more stress in our lives.
Clients are now more discerning where they are spending their money.
It no longer is just about the client feeling good and relaxed after a massage.
I believe providing lifestyle health guidance is also necessary.
Being multi skilled to offer arrange of options for clients is a valuable commodity.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
The vision is to continue the current growth and incorporate workshops specialising in areas I have a particular interest in such as mens’ health and resolving neck and back pain.
Do you have any tips for young entrepreneurs?
Keep taking that one step at a time which is needed to nurture a business.
At times one feels they have hit a brick wall or come to a dead end.
Find out what needs to be done next and be prepared to do it.
Know that you do not know everything and seek out people who have been through what you are going through.
Remember to have fun and enjoy the journey.
Money is important in that it provides for our needs.
Work must also sustain us spiritually by enjoying what we do and allow us to have a life purpose.