This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
To me, being an entrepreneur means going on a spiritual journey. You never know where it’s going to take you. But, if you take that risk, for many it can lead you down the road to happiness. With the journey come many trials and tribulations. To those that are brave enough to delve into this world, you will also lean into the spirit from within you that has been waiting all along to be born and unleashed.
At the forefront of my journey, God has always been the light leading my way and lighting my path. I was once told by my great mentor, Massage Envy co-founder Shawn Haycock, that by owning this business I would have to bleed purple, Massage Envy’s brand color.
Not even knowing my style of leadership, I fell into it by being a servant to others. I led others to believe that we could do great things through our positive energy, positive actions, and positive relationships.
By serving others, miraculous things started to fall into place. Not immediately but in time we started to overcome obstacles and eventually experienced remarkable breakthroughs time and time again. It’s definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions and soul-searching.
As I think about the statement that my mentor made. I think about how I randomly started ending most of my lessons or teachings with a purple heart emoji – and being from a military family I know what earning a purple heart really means.
In the business world I think it has its similarities because you must make many sacrifices, take a big risk, and get into the line of fire. As an entrepreneur you do everything you can to make it work. That can mean digging in your heels to make things happen so you not only feed your family but also the families of those who choose to work with you.
Mario and I are fortunate to have chosen a business that connects and heals our communities one body at a time and in doing so have simultaneously connected and healed our own spirits.
So, a word to the wise: shift your power and your strength to follow your heart. When you do this, it will take you places you’ve never been to lift you up – and others as well.
This is what being an entrepreneur means to ME.
Happy National Entrepreneurship Day!
Massage Envy franchisee Marissa Hawkins
