Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Wills.
Tamara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It’s interesting to think about this journey and where it actually did begin! I would say that this path started when I received a facial from a dear friend about 25 years ago. I had never had a facial or any other form of bodywork, and was so moved by the grounding and nurturing of the experience and decided that I wanted to learn how to provide this for others. I was also still trying to complete university, attending part-time while working full time. Becoming a massage therapist seemed to be an ideal way to explore this industry of touch while also giving me a flexible way to earn an income in tandem with school.
Massage School was transformational for me. I had struggled with an eating disorder and depression for over a decade and learning to be present and to honor the beauty and magic of the physical form was healing on so many levels. Immediately following massage school, I opened my first space with a friend on Division St in Wicker Park, The Art of Healing. It was very small with only 2 treatment rooms, and we built it out ourselves with the help of friends. Interestingly the colors, texture, and feel are very similar to what Allyu Spa has today. Eventually, I took over that space alone and started bringing in other practitioners, then moved and expanded several years later, and eventually expanded to the space Allyu Spa lives now.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In most ways, it feels like a natural and organic progression of growth. Several years ago, I found a dream notebook I’d created very early on in the business. There were notes, plans, and photos of a future business – from core values to aesthetic – and we’re still on a path with that dream.
However, owning a business is like the rest of life… it’s an obstacle course and challenges don’t end. I’ve found it freeing to accept that fact, instead of allowing myself to feel victimized by difficulties. Take a big breath when you get over a hurdle, giggle at yourself if it was a messy jump, celebrate the moment of rest, note what you’ve learned, brush off and move on. Two years after, we opened Allyu Spa here on Chicago Ave, the Chicago River flooded into our space and we closed for weeks to rebuild. Two years later, a small chemical reaction created a fire in our laundry room and had to repeat that close and rebuild. I’m proud of the way we handled those situations! Yes, there was worry and tears, but we also took the time to work together as a community and support each other. Several employees from the “flood and the fire” are still here and I think it gave us a feeling of resiliency that has been a gift.
The first incarnation of Allyu Spa, the 2 room space on Division St, starting with a full tank of enthusiasm and dedication, very little money, and no business experience. I assume a lot of businesses start this way! I worked 7 days a week for years, both doing bodywork and learning how to run a business. Each growth brings a new set of challenges and list of things I needed to learn to do and/or learn to do better.
I love to brainstorm and chat with women starting their own business. I’ve worked with several women who have evolved out of working with me in owning their establishment. I share my process with them but also continue to learn as they share their process with me.
If I had to give advice?
Our Core Values at Allyu Spa are the truth, compassion, and empowerment. We use them to guide all our decisions. Is it honest and loving and mutually empowering? I highly encourage young women to define and name their core values and to proceed unapologetically and courageously with them. I believe claiming core values can be a light in the darkness to remind us who we’ve decided to be in the world. I believe our core values can evolve as we do as well.
We’d love to hear more about Allyu Spa.
I am the owner of Allyu Spa in River North. Allyu Spa is a full-service day spa offering massage, body wraps, reflexology, chakra balancing, facials and nail services.
Our design aesthetic and vibe is lush bohemian and is often what initially attracts clients. However, I believe it is our amazing staff that actually creates the experience and sets us apart from others. Even writing this and thinking about them all gives me a wave of emotion and gratitude. There are over 50 people working here and every one of them genuinely cares about what they are bringing to their clients, their teammates and the world.
I believe we create a safe space where a guest can feel genuinely acknowledged and accepted. Caring touch within that kind of safe space can be very healing and restorative. I know how powerful intentional and loving touch in a facial can be… it started my journey and changed my life. : )
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Wow, one thing, that’s difficult.
Know who you are, as a person and a business. Your business will always need to evolve and grow but stay true to your path and identity. This is where your passion and your expertise lie. You cannot be all things to all people and trying to do so will dilute the richness of what you provide to the world.
Try to stay in a place of curiosity about everything you don’t know. From leasing and licensing to staffing and insurance – part of the journey of owning a business is being ok with continually learning all the things you didn’t know you didn’t know. It keeps the journey adventurous and fun instead of overwhelming. : )
Contact Info:
- Address: Allyu Spa
600 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60654 - Website: www.allyuspa.com
- Phone: 312.755.1313
- Email: tamara@allyuspa.com
- Instagram: @allyuspa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allyuspa/
Image Credit:
John Faier (photos of space)
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