Isn't it grand? ...

A "Grand Opening", that is.

This past Friday our store had it's official Grand Opening! While I wouldn't say it was a run-away success, which is naturally what I would have liked, we still did very well. I'm pleased at the response. I know it will only continue to grow.

Technically, Paul and I opened the center/store on April 23rd. In business, it's referred to as a 'soft opening'. It gets the doors open, gives the public a chance to learn about the business being open without the worry of grand opening pressure. People come in and see what you have, services you offer and you get an opportunity to find out what people are looking for. Come time for the 'grand opening', typically scheduled about a month after the soft opening, you are more prepared.

And what did we add to our center in the past month? Well, exciting stuff!

• A friend and naturopathic physician-in-training, Judy LeRoux, has put some of her products in the store and is now offering in-house consultations as well. This woman really knows her stuff and I'm tickled pink to have her services available to customers.
  
• Ralph Timmerman, whom I've known for several years as an acquaintance but had no idea he was a licensed massage therapist, has taken one of our rental areas and is offering a variety of massage therapies at the center. I started getting my very first massage the other day but was interrupted and had to get back to work. Trust me, I'm getting a full-fledged appointment ASAP! Wow! It's really nice that Ralph is such a nice man, too. Not hard on the eyes either, if you ladies know what I mean .... :)
  
• A new friend, Char Mullen, has gifted us with a consignment arrangement on a large selection of her stones and crystals, as well as a good selection of essential oils. The stones/crystals really add a wonderful display and sparkle (y'all know I love me some sparkles!) to the retail space. Char is also a licensed spiritual counselor and offers astrology consultations, sacred card readings (which she's very good at!!!), medicine wheel teachings along with other classes and groups. I'm glad I've met her and I'm looking forward to building this new friendship with her.

One of the draws to our grand opening was the 10 minute freebie Reiki sample sessions Paul and I offered. I'm not sure how many we ended up doing (a lot!) and every single person walked away impressed and/or pleased. I'm sure we'll end up booking full appointments from most all of them. That's a good feeling. To know that we are bringing something so foreign to this area, to these people and their traditional, if not somewhat narrow, way of thinking about health and wellness and they are surprisingly receptive to it.

Out of all the people who've come in since we opened the doors, I don't think I've had but maybe one client so far who knew anything about Reiki. All of them have never even heard the word, have no clue what it is, but a strong enough of a cord was struck for them to get past their hesitations and reservations and try it. Several are already repeat clients. It makes me happy to think Paul and I are planting seeds of change within our community, we're building a true wellness center. I find that amazing.

But most of all, I find it humbling.

Namaste y'all ...