Who are you and What do you do?
My name is Jennifer Durand and I am the owner of The Nurture Nook. A variety of services are offered in an inviting, peaceful atmosphere where one can relax during each session. Services include 12 styles of massage and bodywork, spa treatments, and skincare.
How did you get the idea for your business?
I have always been a touch person and a nurturer at heart. I’ve been working in skincare for 30 plus years and I did trade shows that would allow me to travel and help people through massages and skincare. People have asked me about being a massage therapist and after that, it started to evolve where I wanted to care for others in a powerful way.
How did you make your first sale?
I made my first sale by networking with people and businesses. I told about 50-100 people about what I was doing and offered a care package that people could invest in. This allowed me to get the tools that I needed for my business as well as give back to a potential client. Therefore, my first sale was through networking.
What is unique about owning & running a business in Murfreesboro?
One thing that is unique about running a business in Murfreesboro is how good the connection is between the communities and small businesses. I have lived here for more than 20 plus years and I did a lot of volunteering so I see how much Murfreesboro has improved. Even though this is a small town, it feels like there are big opportunities.
How do you advertise your business?
I advertise my business by networking with other companies and using social media to get involved in the community. I believe that getting connected in the community is the best marketing strategy.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
There are multiple things that keep me up at night such as staffing issues, disappointed clients, and the demand for our services. You have to be licensed in order to have this type of job and there aren’t enough people in this particular field. That does affect business in a way because we need more workers and if we don’t have enough then it’s hard to keep a lot of clients.
What is one way you’ve had to pivot or change course to grow your business? What led to you making that decision?
I have learned that being open-minded had helped me change course in my business. Sometimes you think of the idea and it just hits a brick wall. That’s what you have to be open-minded for change in order to grow your business.
If you could wave a magic wand and make one problem go away in your business, what would it be?
if I could get a handle on time management better I believe a lot of things would go more smoothly. I am very Hands-On in my business and hiring more people would allow me to have more time to spend with friends and family.
If you could time travel back to the day you started your business, what advice would you give yourself?
I would say not to take things so seriously. I started to stress that the beginning of my business and I should have just breathe through it. No matter what you face there will be some difficulty along the way. If you don’t know how to do something, find someone who does. don’t stress about the problem, find a solution and breathe through it.
What’s the one thing you’re doing right now from a marketing perspective that’s getting you more customers?
Staying connected to our customers and putting more energy to connect with small businesses and companies is what I have done from a marketing perspective that has been getting me more customers.
What’s one business lesson you’ve learned that you’d be willing to share?
Don’t just jump into a business idea without doing the proper research that could end in a bad way. Ask other companies in the community around you for some advice and do the research that is needed in your particular company.
What’s a podcast, book, or website you’d recommend that has inspired you to grow your business?
Byron Katie is a writer that talks about personal growth that will help you in all aspects of your life I would definitely recommend reading her book.
What do you use for your daily to-do list?
I use pen and paper for my daily to-do list although it’s not super organized. However, it definitely gets the job done.
What social media tools do you use that other business owners could use? (For posting, for graphics, phone apps, etc.)
Canva is a great tool that I used to my advantage because you can design many things that fit your particular business. I used some of the designs for my giveaways and contests.
Learn more about The Nurture Nook by visiting their website!
