Meet Sarah MacDonald | Licensed Massage Therapist, Owner of Cape Cod Wellness Works & Old Cape Apothecary
We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah MacDonald and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a Massage Therapist, I had grown tired of working for other people. From the time I had completed my Massage Therapy education, I had previously worked as an employee and as a (misclassified) Independent Contractor at Franchise locations, Spa locations and other wellness offices. I wanted the freedom of creativity, control over my schedule and the services I offer. I was well aware that it would be an immense amount of work to start a business from the ground up but I had faith in myself, the quality of the service I provide and the ideas I had about running a conscious business. It was my “Field of Dreams” moment – If I build it they will come – If I do good work, they will come back and tell their friends and family. When I told my mother in law that I was opening my own practice, she had a look of concern on her face. She asked me, “How do you know this will work out?” My reply was, “Because it has to. Because this is how I will house and feed my children.”
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What started as a small Massage Therapy Practice nearly 10 years ago has now evolved into a Wellness Center with a full compliment of services including Massage, Infrared Sauna, Body Treatments, Reiki, Facials, Waxing, and classes like Yoga, Sound Baths and more! This evolution was not easy by any means. It involved many hours of hands on work with clients, teaching myself new skills like coding and SEO, and trial and error. I made it a practice to set goals for each year in business, lay out a step by step plan to achieve those goals and implement them. Some early goals were harnessing the reach of social media to gain visibility and getting my website on the 1st page of Google search without paying someone to get it there.
As my schedule filled to where I could no longer accept new clients, I added members to the Team of Practitioners and began incorporating their specialized services. I am, perhaps, the most proud about the fact that the lives of those who are employed at the office have changed for the better – that it has been a force of positivity in their lives. From a single mother with two children working 4 jobs to make ends meat, she now works solely at the office, providing her services, and has bought her own home. It’s like ripples of positive change that make their way from the office, into their daily lives and out into the world.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
People come from all over the world to visit Cape Cod and there is so much to do and see! If you’re into natural settings, a trip down Cape to Marconi Beach in Wellfleet to take in the breathtaking beauty of sea cliffs. For shopping and walkable sightseeing, Main Street, Hyannis is a must-stop! Filled with local boutique stores, restaurants, and the Walkway to the Sea. And, of course, beaches, beaches, beaches! Cape Cod is, in effect, an island. There are many beaches to choose from depending on what your vibe is. Keys Beach in Hyannis is great from families and small children as it a a gradually sloping shore with little in the way of rip currents to be concerned about. There’s also Whale Watch tours, a trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, and even concerts at the Melody Tent in Hyannis.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my local community here on Cape Cod. My incredible and supportive clients and clients who see other Practitioners at the office. The incredible Team of Practitioners who work at the office, providing the highest caliber of care to their clientele. The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod for always supporting my business and celebrating our successes. Brett Tendler of Cape Cod Daily Deal for generating visibility and promoting my business, our services and our amazing Team of Service Providers.
Website: www.capecodwellnessworks.com
Instagram: @capecodwellnessworks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodWellnessWorks
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cape-cod-wellness-works-marstons-mills-3?osq=cape+cod+wellness+works
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