Angela Jia Kim, Founder and CEO of NYC-based Om Aroma & Co., shares her secrets to success in building a spa boutique small business.
We have been in this situation before: We create a business plan, covering every possible aspect we could think of. We thought that we have created a winning business plan, simply because we have done our homework: The market research, SWOT analysis, etc.
Unfortunately, having a well-built business plan is not a guarantee of success. And Angela Jia Kim of Om Aroma & Co. shared in the video that the best advice for success she has is for you to embrace a mindset that your business plan needs to be able to adapt to change, following what your customers need.
Accidental entrepreneurship
Om Aroma & Co was started in a response to a pressing need; in her 20’s, she travels a lot, and one day, she applies a cream to her body which causes hives. She noticed that there are plenty of chemicals added in the cream. She decided to create her own creams.
All started in her kitchen. She ended up creating amazing natural lotions, and she was giving the lotions to her friends. They eventually want to buy the lotions for their friends, and things started to roll.
Tough start
Ms. Jia Kim opened her small business in Chelsea, New York City. It was difficult, initially. How so?
Chelsea is a place where many wealth people, including celebrities, live – for one reason. It’s quiet and far from the hustle and bustle of a big city, which is a problem for a newly established shop.
Unfortunately – things were not starting out smoothly; 3 days after the store open, she only had 2 customers. She thought that the business will fail more sooner than later. However, Om Aroma & Co. is thriving today. How?
Success secrets
1. Listen you what your customers want
The first and foremost key to success is your ability to listen to what your customers want.
Ms. Jia Kim learned that some of her customers are asking for facials. She responded by offering facial services. Since then, spa treatment has become her primary service.
2. Hiring the best people to provide the service
When she started to offer spa treatment, she hired the best Aesthetician in NYC. And do you know what the best Aestheticians do? They offer the best service and will recommend your products to their clients.
3. Make your business plan flexible
Changing direction can make or break your business; in Om Aroma & Co., changing direction from only selling organic skincare products to also offering organic spa treatments is one of the reasons the shop is a success.
Be flexible and agile with your business plan, and when the situations and conditions demand changes, update your plan. Your ability to respond to changes is probably your biggest asset as a small business owner.
Please watch the video and share your thoughts below.
