Connect
To Top

Meet Trailblazer Sarah O’Connor

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah O’Connor.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was going through a major life transition during the summer of 2017. I was full of emotions that I was struggling to balance. So, I made it a priority to practice regular self-care in an effort to keep myself healthy and on track with my overall well-being. I regularly worked out, practiced yoga, and meditation. I also allocated funds for massage and facials when possible. Under the direction of my doctor, I had been doing Infrared Sauna sessions to detox from a prescription I was trying to come off of.

It was August in Phoenix and running all over town to “take care” of myself was arduous and time-consuming. In a sauna session, I had a moment of clarity – I call it “my lightning bolt”. What if there was ONE place I could go and do all my self-care AND have people that were familiar to me. A Tribe. Women I could connect with on a regular basis that would be my support system. I needed all of that and I knew in my heart there were other girls and women that needed it too. So, I left that Infrared Sauna session and literally started Empower Wellness Studio that day! Family notified, Company name incorporated, .com secured, and a walk through with a commercial real estate agent all before dinner.

I got the keys on October 1st and swung a hammer until the last minute on opening day January 17th, 2018.

From that point on, I have been busy learning on the fly, growing my business, and meeting the most amazing women. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been anything but a smooth road. I have started and operated businesses for over 15 years, but I had done it side by side with my husband. This was very different in so many ways. I had no idea how much I needed to learn until I was already neck deep in doing it day to day.

I am a planner by nature. In business, you can only plan so much. The service industry was a very different animal and had many moving parts I could not prep or plan for. I didn’t know what wasn’t working until it didn’t work.

My advice for anyone starting a business is don’t give up! Especially for women. We can be our own worst enemy and feel pressures from all sides. There is NO way to be everything to everyone. I re-learn this every day.

If you found your way to starting a business or a passion you brought to life – believe in it! Remind yourself every day – every day – it is a journey. You cannot know where you will end up, but if you don’t enjoy the process of getting there you will miss all the reasons you started in the first place. Ask for help from other women that have traveled the road you are on and listen to them!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about EMPOWER WELLNESS STUDIO – what should we know?
My background was not in this industry so when I decided to launch Empower Wellness Studio, I looked at it from a client’s point of view. What would “I” want offered? In doing this, I maintained the perspective of what it was I wanted other women to gain from what I provided.

I am proud of the community that comes with the services offered. Anyone can go to a variety of places to receive the services we offer, but being able to do them under one roof WITH a community is what sets us apart.

My goal was to create opportunities for providers, teachers, coaches, and influencers to provide and promote their expertise with a community of girls & women to help enrich and inspire. To sew together a community of ladies that take care of themselves while taking care of each other.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
In my brief experience in a female lead role, I feel the biggest barriers are self-doubt and comparing yourself and your success to others. I BELEIVE women can do almost anything they set their mind to… if they don’t get in their own way.

Pricing:

  • Group Classes start at $10.00
  • INTRO Specials for Massage & Facials $50.00
  • Monthly Unlimited Class & Wellness Memberships Available starting at $59.00

Contact Info:


Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in