When Life Gets Tough, Build a Spa!

In 2019, while working in the Maldives, I began to experience the early signs of mental health struggles.

However, in April 2020, as the world shut down due to the pandemic, the Philippine government sent a plane to the Maldives to bring back Filipino workers, including me.

I found myself back home after 15 years of working abroad, uncertain of what the future holds. With the spa plans on pause indefinitely, I needed a way to support my family.

I took on a job as an online English teacher, helping Japanese professionals with business English. Though the spa business stayed at the back of my mind, it was placed on the backburner as I adjusted to this new routine.

There were times I almost gave up on the idea altogether. Working from home had become comfortable and safe, and the thought of starting a business felt risky and overwhelming.

By March 2023, I was seriously considering telling Ela that maybe the spa wasn’t meant to be. But when she came to visit for our class reunion, I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

A week passed, and I still hadn’t found the courage to tell her, until I noticed a massage bed tucked away in one of the rooms at her uncle’s house.

I was working in the Maldives, one of its island paradise and probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen but mentally, I was falling apart.

Loneliness and isolation were getting to me, and eventually, I hit a low point of depression.

One day, feeling lost, I blurted out to my best friend Ela, during one of our usual phone calls, “I want to build a spa, but I need money to do it.”

Honestly, I didn’t expect anything to come of it. But without skipping a beat, she replied, “How much?”

And just like that, she agreed to be my business partner and even funded the entire thing! That’s when everything started to feel real, and we began planning.

It was an unplanned moment, but something inside me stirred.

Without thinking, I turned to Ela and said, “Get undressed and lie face down on the massage table right there.”

As I started giving her a massage, the familiar feeling of excitement and purpose washed over me.

This was it—this is what I really wanted to do. At that moment, all doubts vanished, and I knew: the spa business was my calling.

In that same year, life had somewhat returned to normal, and I finally launched the business.

The first six months? Brutal.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but seeing our business bleed money was terrifying.

There were days when I felt like throwing in the towel, but Ela’s unwavering support, along with the encouragement of my family and friends, kept me going.

More than that, my faith in God played a huge role. I believed that He would provide and show me the good this business could do for people and the community.

It gave me the strength to push through, trusting that I was on the right path.

Here’s what helped me stay motivated:

1. Setting Realistic Goals and Celebrating Small Wins: Every tiny victory—like our first positive Facebook comment, a repeat client, or selling a treatment package—was a reason to celebrate. I’d treat the team to simple joys like pancit palabok, ice cream, or a homemade meal. It made the tough days a bit brighter.

2. Leaning on Support Systems: Ela was my rock, but I also leaned on my family and sought advice from fellow entrepreneurs who’d been through similar challenges. Their support, paired with my faith, gave me the strength to persevere.

3. Staying Adaptable and Resilient: The pandemic taught me the value of flexibility. If one strategy failed, I tried another. While social media was our main marketing tool, I realized that old-school methods like flyers and signage still worked wonders, especially in our small town.

4. Investing in Self-Care: I made a point of taking care of myself—morning stretches, deep breaths—anything to keep my energy and focus up. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

5. Keeping an Eye on the Bigger Picture: Whenever doubt crept in, I reminded myself why I started this journey. The vision of what our business could be, the impact it could have, and my faith in God’s guidance fueled my determination to keep going.

Slowly but surely, things started to pick up. Customer feedback improved, revenue increased, and I finally felt a glimmer of hope.

Almost a year has passed since we opened, and while the start was rocky, the experience has been a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of strong support systems.

If you’re facing something similar, remember that setbacks are part of the process. Keep going, stay flexible, and never lose sight of your vision.

Even in the darkest times, the right support, unwavering faith, and a bit of perseverance can light the way forward.

Inspired by the journey of turning dreams into reality? You can be part of our story!

Book a massage at ME Zone Spa and Massage.

Experience the relaxation and care that our passion brings to each treatment!

About the Author:

Mildred, affectionately known as Mild, is a budding entrepreneur with a 20-year career in the hospitality industry. Although she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy, she has dedicated much of her life to mastering the art of massage and spa management. Living in Pangasinan, Philippines, with her teenager and her mom, Mild is passionate about sharing the luxurious experience of 5-star treatments with others. She aims to spread awareness about the numerous benefits of spa visits, believing that everyone deserves a touch of indulgence and relaxation.