Background: A Solo Start, A Big Vision, and A Business Built to Last
Holly is the founder and owner of Everything Zen Massage, an established and respected massage and wellness practice located in Connecticut.
Founded in 2009 as a solo practice above a hair salon, Holly has grown the business into a full-fledged wellness destination with five treatment rooms, two front desk staff, twelve practitioners, and a stellar reputation in her community.
Holly brings a unique background to her business: a licensed esthetician and massage therapist, she also spent time teaching esthetics and working at multiple spas during her early years.
Like many entrepreneurs, her path wasn’t linear, but her determination, resourcefulness, and commitment to high standards have propelled Everything Zen into long-term success.
What began as a solo hustle, working seven days a week across multiple jobs—has now evolved into a structured, profitable, and steadily scaling group practice. And Holly is just getting started.
Listen to our first podcast episode here:
The Big Achievements
✅ Expanded the business footprint, adding a 5th treatment room in 2023
✅ Increased revenue by 20% year-over-year since 2022
✅ Currently generating $650,000/year in revenue
✅ Consistently hitting $52K–$57K/month in sales
✅ On track to reach $1 million in revenue by 2027
✅ Built a strong internal marketing system using her existing front desk team
✅ Created a reputation as one of the top wellness destinations in her community
The Core Problems
When Holly and I began working together, her business was already successful—but had hit a plateau.
She was consistently hovering around $38,000/month in revenue, occasionally breaking through with holiday promotions but then slipping back down. Growth was happening, but it wasn’t predictable. She had maxed out her capacity as a solo manager and needed to level up her systems, leadership, and team alignment to move forward.
In particular, she faced:
- Lack of internal systems and standard operating procedures
- Inconsistent growth and revenue plateaus
- Team dynamics and leadership challenges
- A need for more consistent accountability and strategic planning
- Underperforming staff and difficulty handling misconduct appropriately
Despite being in business for over a decade, Holly was now facing the challenges of a scaling company—and she knew she needed help stepping into the role of CEO.
The Evolution and the Upgrades
#1 – From Operator to Strategic Leader
The first shift for Holly was a mindset one: moving from working in the business to working on the business.
“Before, I was focused on the clients. Now I ask: how do I support my team to succeed?”
This perspective allowed Holly to begin delegating more effectively and investing time into guiding her team, rather than doing everything herself.
#2 – Building Systems for Stability
We worked together to build out the foundational systems and structures her business needed to scale:
- Operational procedures and SOPs
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Regular check-ins and accountability
- Hiring systems and performance expectations
This structure not only freed up Holly’s time, it gave her team the clarity and confidence to succeed.
#3 – Growing With Intention
Rather than growing “by accident,” Holly began to scale with clarity. She expanded to a fifth treatment room, refined her service mix, and created goals tied to long-term vision—including hitting $1M by 2027.
One key decision? Assigning internal marketing to her front desk team.
“It was a personal decision that aligned with how we work—and it’s been a total game changer.”
This move led to more consistent outreach, rebooking campaigns, and client engagement—without needing an external agency or full-time marketer.
#4 – Navigating Team Challenges with Leadership
One pivotal moment during our work together was handling a case of employee misconduct. Holly stepped up to lead with integrity and professionalism, creating a plan to protect the business, maintain morale, and move forward.
This moment marked a significant milestone in her growth as a leader and business owner.
The Final Results
- Revenue up 20% year over year
- $52K–$57K/month in consistent sales
- Expanded to 5 treatment rooms
- 12 practitioners + 2 front desk staff
- 370+ 5-star reviews
- Internal systems & SOPs fully implemented
- Internal marketing system using in-house staff
- Business runs with more stability, consistency, and focus
- Clear path and strategic plan to reach $1 million in annual revenue by 2027
Holly’s Advice for Other Practice Owners
“Start early with your systems. Work on your business—not just in it.”
Here are Holly’s top tips:
- Set standards and protocols early: This makes everything easier when you start to grow.
- Carve out time to work ON your business: Even just a few hours a week can make a massive difference.
- Do a Google Listing: It’s simple, powerful, and one of the biggest drivers of visibility.
- Stay aligned: Don’t say yes to everything. Focus on what you’re passionate about and let that guide your growth.
- Keep learning: Whether it’s leadership, massage, or marketing—stay curious, and stay driven.
The Power of Structure and Support
From implementing SOPs to refining hiring practices, building systems, and developing leadership confidence, Holly’s journey has been one of steady evolution and scaling without burnout.
What stands out the most? The impact her business has had on the community.
What’s Next?
With momentum behind her, Holly is focused on continuing her upward trajectory. With $650K in reach and $1M in her sights, her goal is to grow Everything Zen into a 7-figure business that still feels local, grounded, and personal.
As she expands, she remains committed to doing business her way—centered on integrity, leadership, and community care.
Ready To Scale Your Business?
Want to increase your revenue, grow your team, and make your business less dependent on you?
