A Day in the Life of a Small Business Owner: Practicing Self-Care at The NOW South Bay
By Jonathan Ochart, Founder & CEO of The Postcard Agency
Running a business is hard work, even if you love it with all your heart. Beyond the mental demands, it can wreak havoc on your body if you don’t take care of yourself (yes, even if you’re sitting at a desk most of the time).
Ever heard of tech neck? Lower back pain? Tight hips? Rounded shoulders?
I suffer from all four of these ailments, and then some. Needless to say, my posture isn’t what it used to be…but it has been improving after taking self-care seriously lately.
I’ve gotten into the habit of stretching (SaraBethYoga’s YouTube videos are lifesavers at the end of a long workday) and taking yoga classes (shout out to Jad at Equinox Beverly Hills). Still, you need an extra push, support and expertise to look and feel your best. There’s only so much you can do on your own!
That’s why I was so thrilled to connect with Lisa Nevins, a fellow Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) alum, on LinkedIn a few weeks ago.
Lisa is the Franchise Owner and General Manager of The NOW South Bay, a fabulous spa in El Segundo, California. After chatting with each other a bit and exchanging stories from our 10KSB days, Lisa invited me to her spa for a well-needed wellness break. As I sit on my sofa writing about my experience with a relaxed neck and shoulders, I’m so grateful I accepted the invitation.
First, parking was a breeze (yes, this is an important note if you live in LA County), and I was greeted with a warm welcome, offered a cool glass of water, and promptly taken to my massage room, which felt like an oceanside retreat in Tulum. Just look at the pictures!
The deep-tissue massage was just what the doctor ordered. The massage therapist worked through the knots in my back and shoulders, releasing months of tension brought on by the stresses of everyday life, running a business and that omnipresent LA traffic.
If I’m honest, I fell asleep halfway through the massage. I couldn’t help it. Everything was so relaxing: The beachy vibes, the calming aromas and the massage itself. I was whisked away to a peaceful oasis in the middle of Los Angeles County. Not even a drive back home on the 405 could rain on my parade.
Whether you’re a self-care savant or just beginning your wellness journey, I highly recommend visiting The NOW South Bay. There’s a service for everyone at Lisa’s spa, from Swedish and sports-inspired massages to cupping, hot stones and gua sha enhancements.
I can’t wait to return and try them all. The Fresh Eyes enhancement has my name written all over it after another long week of staring at my computer screen.
Knowing that I’m supporting a fellow small business owner and 10KSB alum makes the experience even better.
710 S Allied Way
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 455-6766
Until next time!
Jonathan
