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From a “Second Home” to a First Business

One young woman’s successful journey with Massage Envy – from entry level employee to franchise owner

While most teenagers are thinking about standing out on social media, summer vacation or maybe even where to go to college, Stephanie Bautista already had a vision of her future life: she was going to be a business owner one day. But what’s even more notable about this story, her journey from front desk to franchise owner of the Davis, California Massage Envy only took six years! Stephanie’s Massage Envy story began in 2012, when she was 16 years old, but, even at a young age, Stephanie developed a deep connection to the company – a connection that would inspire her to live out her dream.

“Massage Envy has been like a second home to me. I grew up in this brand"

"The franchisee and other people I was working with were very nurturing and knew how to extract my potential. I felt very taken care of, and I still feel that way today." During her tenure at the front desk, Stephanie was recognized for her leadership skills and management potential. She was promoted to manager while pursuing a business degree at California State University Sacramento. Even at this early stage, she knew what she wanted to do. “I asked the owner, Sherif Boctor, ‘Can you hold this until I graduate college?’” Boctor sold the location to Stephanie in 2017 when she was just 22 years old, shortly after graduating college. “I am so grateful to Massage Envy for giving me the opportunity to progress through the ranks. There is so much opportunity for therapists, estheticians and other employees in this brand if they’re willing to take it,” she says. Stephanie has now owned her own Massage Envy franchised location for five years. While there have been challenges along the way, she has never looked back. She’s thinking even bigger now and has plans to eventually own more Massage Envy locations once her children are a little older.

Here are a few of Stephanie’s leadership life hacks:

Do what you love!

“When I realized how much Massage Envy can positively impact people’s lives, I knew I wanted to be a part of this brand. I would constantly hear about members who experienced relief from aches, pains and ailments after a few sessions. I have always had an empathetic heart, so when I realized I could be part of something so impactful on someone’s life and it was achievable, it made me really excited about being a franchisee,” Stephanie said.

Atmosphere is everything!

“I love being able to create a space within the clinic where our team members love to work. I find it very rewarding that the Davis clinic provides a positive, loving and fun atmosphere for our team members, guests and members. The world can be challenging, but if we can create an environment where we can love on our team members, who can then in turn love on our members and guests, that’s what it’s really all about.”

Leading means connecting!

“What’s been really fascinating for me is applying what I learned during my college years in business school to what I do every day now as a franchisee. Massage Envy really helped me understand how passion and communication are important factors in building deep connections with people. That’s helped me be attentive to the needs of our team members. I have learned the complexities of being an owner of a small business while also being able to connect with team members on a personal level so that they feel heard, valued and safe.”

Face your fears and go for it!

“I would urge people that being a business owner is so much more than just collecting a paycheck and owning a small business. Starting a business was scary, but it can be one of the most rewarding careers if you’re willing to invest in and care for people. Like me, Massage Envy could be their beginning and their career. The opportunities are endless.”

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Each individual franchised location, not ME SPE Franchising, LLC ("MEF") or any of its affiliates, is the sole employer for all positions posted by a franchised location, and each individual franchised location is not acting as an agent for MEF or any of its affiliates. Hiring criteria, benefits, and compensation are set by each individually owned and operated franchised location and may vary from location to location. ©2023 ME SPE Franchising, LLC. All Rights Reserved.