Meet Lissette Ochoa

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lissette Ochoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lissette, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After spending more than 10 years working in luxury spas, I realized how deeply passionate I was about wellness and spa industry. When I became a mother, I decided to step away from managing spa operations and go back to working hands-on giving massages so I could create a more flexible schedule and work for myself while balancing being a mom.

Even during that time, I truly missed the spa environment and always held on to the dream of opening my own spa one day. The several years between working in the hotel spa world and eventually opening my own wellness studio helped me see there was a need for good quality massage and skin care services that were attainable.

Starting my own business became a way to combine all the worlds I loved such as wellness, healing, hospitality, service & connection. I had this dream in my heart for a very long time and after years of contemplating I took the leap to create something meaningful that genuinely helps others feel better, both physically and mentally. I went into opening Flow Wellness Studio hoping to fill a gap where people could get quality treatments that make them feel better in an elevated environment that is still accessible and attainable. It is important to me that people leave here feeling better than when they walked in.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets Flow Wellness Studio apart is that it was built from genuine passion, experience, and a desire to help people feel their best. After spending over 10 years in the luxury hotel spa industry, I fell in love with wellness, self care and creating meaningful experiences for clients. My spa career started at Acqualina and then really took off with 10 wonderful years at the Mandarin Oriental, I was the Training Manager for the team there and eventually was the Assistant Spa Director, it is safe to say quality and standards are ingrained in all that I do.

After leaving the spa and working for myself for several years, I deeply missed the spa environment. This time also opened my eyes to the fact that there was no in between a high end/high priced luxury day at the spa and the low priced, in and out mediocre massage and facial services from a chain membership massage establishment. It made me ask… What if I wanted a great quality service while feeling pampered, where I could relax a little bit after my treatment but not have to commit an entire day or paycheck to this?? I was inspired to create a space where wellness feels intentional, personalized & welcoming; A boutique-style day spa experience with highly trained therapists who genuinely care, offered at an accessible price and convenient location. My vision was to make consistent self-care (from massage to skincare) something that feels realistic and sustainable for everyday life. That’s how Flow Wellness Studio was born.

Building a business has definitely not been easy & has come with its fair share of surprises and growing pains. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to learn how to balance motherhood, leadership, creativity, and day to day challenges of running a business. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying adaptable , staying true to your vision and trusting the process. Trying to find balance in it all is something I constantly work through. Not only am I navigating the balance between work and personal life, but within my business itself, I’m also learning how to balance my time between being in the treatment room with clients and dedicating time to the behind-the-scenes needs of growing and running the business. I heard a quote that has stuck with me ever since: “You can have it all, just not all at the same time.” I think of this when I’m in seasons that don’t feel balanced, and I try to give myself some grace. Chances are that when I’m thriving in one area of my life or business there is definitely another area that is taking a back seat . I’ve learned that’s okay. Balance doesn’t have to mean everything is perfectly aligned every day. Instead, it’s about the bigger picture & making space for the things that matter over time, even if the seasons don’t always look equal.

What I’m most proud of is creating a space where clients feel cared for beyond just a service. At Flow Wellness Studio, we focus on education, recovery, movement, skincare and overall wellness in your everyday life. I am proud of how much this business has grown by means of word of mouth. So many of our clients and regular members have been referred to us by a friend or family member and to us that is the greatest compliment of all. The amount of clients who have referred us their friends and family is a true testament that we are doing something right!
Another thing I’m proud of is that I’m building this business with my children right alongside me. They are seeing their mom take a leap of faith, divide her time in impossible ways to chase her passion. I’m creating something I love and am proud of, while continuing to tend to my hobbies like running marathons and showing up to their school events. They are what keeps me focused all the time.

However, with that being said I am still very excited for the growth that awaits us. Flow Wellness Studio is only a little over a year and a half old and we have some really great things in store.

I want people to know that our brand I rooted in authenticity, quality and community. I want people to realize that wellness (regular massage and skin care) is not a trend or luxury but rather it is a NEED. I want people to incorporate this type of selfceare into their daily habits and rituals in order for them to feel healthier, more confident and more connected to themselves. Flow Wellness Studio is a place where you can come take care of yourself physically and mentally all with the intention of living a long and healthy life!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m a runner and fitness fan so we would definitely kick it off with a sunrise run over the key Biscayne bridge or a hard work out class. As cliche at it may sound we would have to go to the beach or spend a day in the Keys. There is something so grounding about being in the ocean and digging your feet in the sand and feeling the sun on your skin that reminds your soul to breathe and relax. We would squeeze in a massage at Flow Wellness Studio (duh) & We would have to go have dinner (and a Dirty Martini) at Hillstone , this is my favorite place to go for dinner. I also love a good concert too so if there are any good artists in town we could definitely catch a show at the Kaseya center.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been so blessed with such a strong support system and mentors in my life ! My Husband stands out the most here because he has truly been my number one supporter. I doubted my ability to be able to take on starting a business in the midst of motherhood (and dare I say marathon training) but he encouraged me in so many ways to move forward. Also, my family (my sister and parents) have been helping me every step of the way to make this dream a reality. Also, my wonderful mentor who was my boss at the hotel spa who basically taught me everything I know about running a spa operation.

Website: www.flowwellnessstudio.com

Instagram: @Flow_wellness

Image Credits
DippPhotography