In 2010, I found myself standing in the shadow of the recession. The massage school I had just taken over had closed its doors due to declining enrollments, and I was left with a choice: let it fade into history or find a way to keep it going. Perfection was not an option—there was no time for ideal conditions or waiting for the perfect opportunity. I had to downsize the space just to keep the doors open.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary.

What I learned through that experience is that progress often comes when we let go of the pursuit of perfection. By downsizing, I was able to create a foundation for the school’s future, one that ultimately allowed us to grow into something even better.

Those early days were filled with hope and optimism. I hustled hard to get students enrolled in my massage program long before I had an idea of how to manage a massage school. I learned as I went.

Over the years, I've been involved in many coaching programs - and I've become a coach and a mentor to massage school owners around the country. What I've learned along the way is that so many people wait for perfection to get started. That's a tough lesson to learn and hinders growth.

Back in 2010 when I bought Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage, the school had been closed for over six months. The founder of the program had a financial goal that just wasn't met due to the recession and loan programs for vocational training were shut down.

I had to figure out a different way to run the school.

Here is the exact roadmap I followed:

A Plan for Financial Stability: Changed Tuition Payment Terms

The first thing I did was change the payment terms where I allowed students to pay tuition in smaller chunks and extended out the terms. Under the previous owner, students had to have tuition paid by graduation. I extended the term out several years. Since vocational school loans were a big challenge, I worked within the budget of most of my students. Some students took three years to pay the tuition. Others were able to pay it in full on the first day of school.

The lesson I learned was this:

• The pay in full students gave a great cash infusion to the business,

• The payment plan students paid the monthly bills

The Power of a Mastermind: Collaboration Over Isolation

One of the most important tools on my journey to massage school ownership success was being part of a mastermind. Surrounding myself with other driven individuals who were on similar paths provided me with the insight, feedback, and accountability I needed to keep moving forward. A mastermind isn’t just about networking; it’s about creating a space where everyone’s collective wisdom is greater than what any of us could achieve alone.

By sharing challenges, brainstorming solutions, and learning from others’ experiences, I found that the support and guidance from this group helped me overcome hurdles. This collaborative environment allowed me to stay grounded in my vision and make informed decisions that ultimately led to my success.

From Downsizing to Dream Space: The Power of Strategic Planning

By 2012, just two years after taking over the massage school, I had purchased the ideal building I envisioned. This space allowed me to combine both the school and a professional massage clinic under one roof—a dream realized not by luck, but through intentional planning.

It wasn’t an overnight success; it came about because of a strategic plan that I developed with the help of coaching, a clear vision for managing tuition, and sustainable growth. Every decision—no matter how small—was guided by this plan, which helped me balance immediate needs with long-term goals. This moment in 2012 was a testament to the power of having a clear roadmap and surrounding myself with the right support system to bring that vision to life.

Helping Others Begin Their Journey: Embrace Version 1.0

Looking back, if I had waited for the “perfect” moment to take over the school or to find the ideal space, I might still be waiting. The truth is, perfection is a moving target—and it can paralyze you from taking action. What I learned through my own journey is that you just have to get started. Create your Version 1.0, and correct as you go.

For those thinking about owning a massage school, my advice is simple: don’t wait until everything is perfectly aligned. Take the first step, even if it’s not exactly what you imagined. Build your foundation, and use each challenge as an opportunity to refine and grow. Success isn’t about getting everything right from the start; it’s about making progress and staying committed to your vision, just as I did.

You don’t need to have everything figured out today. What matters is that you begin—because once you do, you’ll find that the path unfolds as you go, and that version 1.0 will evolve into something far greater than you initially imagined.

Today, I own two campuses in Washington State and we graduate close to 100 students each year. I own my building in Tumwater, WA and am looking at a space to buy in Vancouver, WA.

I started small. Mainly, I just got started and figured it out as I went. I grew into the leader I needed to become so that I could help others grow as well. Bodymechanics School has now been open for 25 years! We thrived through the pandemic and led others to manage the pandemic, financial stability and student safety.

If I can help you get started, let me know. I've helped 14 massage schools around the US launch - sharing the lessons I've learned and doing the heavy lifting of building their massage school program.

You can learn more or schedule a call with me here --> Start Your Massage School

In gratitude,

Shari Aldrich, LMT