Today we’d like to introduce you to Unique King.
Hi Unique, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started out as a nursing assistant, and after years of being a caregiver I began to feel complacent. “I’m too young to live a life where I just go home and go to work.” So, I enrolled at Alpha School of Massage in Jacksonville. I didn’t know much about massage, I was more interested in their tuition flexibility program that would allow me to go graduate debt free! It wasn’t until I started in their student clinic that I realized I had a gift. I quickly became one of their most highly recommended students and I was extremely driven to ensure each client left feeling amazing. When I graduated, I got a job at a spa, while still working as a CNA, and tried my hand a running my own business where I travelled to the clients. Nothing really seemed to keep my focus and after 6 years of working for someone else, running my body into the grown as a caregiver, and barely having personal clients I grew tired of it all, and wanted to venture into something else. I prayed for my life to have more purpose, excitement, and fulfillment. Then there came the day I was offered an opportunity to rent my own office for massage. At first, the idea didn’t seem appealing. I questioned if my heart was still in it and if I was even able to afford it, but I felt it strongly in my spirit to move forward. It felt exciting, scary, and a little unreal. I never imagined myself being a boss, but God had other plans for me and I had a support system that seemed to have more faith in me than I had in myself. The opportunity was presented to me on August 8th, I signed the lease on August 11th, and I opened my fully functioning massage suite on August 25th. When anyone asks me how i did it, I respond, “God.” The same faith I had to decide to finally bet on myself, is the same faith I used to quit my job two weeks after opening day, and run a successful woman owned massage therapy business that is constantly growing everyday. People say that those with good hearts always finish last, but I beg to differ. My good heart, nurturing spirit, and faith in God allows me to live a life that most only dream of.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, No! It has not been a smooth road. Before my life changed in what seemed like overnight, I was used to relying on very practical habits. I knew how many hours I would work a week or how many shifts I planned to pick up, and I could gauge what my checks would look like depending on those factors. The reality is, when you bet on yourself you still have to show up ready even when nothing is working. You still have to promote your business even when it seems like no one is watching. It humbled me quickly. I had days where I panicked and wanted to pick up a shift, but in those moments, I got down on my knees and I prayed. Its building character in me for sure, but there is something I have learned; when you’re in the field… and what a blessing it is to be in the field, you’re gonna get dirty, and its gonna hurt but when you keep your eyes on the goal it all seems to just workout. Along this journey, I have lost friends but also gained new ones. I have lost clients because I wasn’t willing to compromise my integrity or my character. Again, I gained new ones. Running a business isn’t supposed to be smooth. It’s supposed to challenge you, make you uncomfortable, and build an unshakable foundation within you. I am proud to be on this journey, and I am so excited for what’s to come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I decided to call my business “Care is Care, Love is Love” because I firmly believe that no matter where you go or who you meet, each individual can identify with what care & love feels like. I provide massage therapy services that align with who I am; a nurturer, and everything I do is with love, intention, and purpose. Every interaction is special and I make it my priority to ensure each client feels catered to, seen, heard, and valued. My business is Unique because I tailor each session to my clients expectations, goals, and needs to enhance their quality of life and create a calming space where they can be comfortable, rest, and heal.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Keep the company of those whose values and goals align with yours! Focus on being more in the community by supporting other businesses, non-profits. and events because most of the time that support comes back to you abundantly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://careiscareloveislove.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careiscareloveislove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D3SvK188f/
