Michelle Kameka was two years old when she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, an inherited red blood cell disorder that M left her with persistent chronic pain. When she was in her 30s, Michelle and her husband, Karim, began searching for holistic pain remedies. That's when they discovered massage therapy. It literally changed my life, Michelle says.
She was a professor of health services administration at the time, and Karim was a software engineer, but the couple felt a new sense of mission: They wanted to bring this service to others. It was important to open something like this in a community of color, because growing up, it felt very much out of reach, Michelle says. After a thorough exploration, they landed on MassageLuxe-a St. Louis-based brand that now has more than 70 locations in 16 states-and opened a spa in Pembroke Pines, Florida, just north of Miami. Five years in, the Kamekas share what it's meant to be business owners in an underserved area, and the challenges of figuring out what kinds of leaders they wanted to be.
How did you land on MassageLuxe as a franchise?
This story is from the July - August 2022 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2022 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Grow
Big companies take a long time to pay their suppliers. Sometimes, so long that the supplier goes out of business. Two entrepreneurs wanted to find out why this system is so broken-and wound up creating a solution.
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.
Serving the Underserved
When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.
When Life Is Preparation
Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.
WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER
For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.
