- May 3, 2024
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Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa opened in Port Orange Feb. 5, and franchise owner Arlene Walker reports the massage and aesthetician rooms are already busy. The business has had a presence on Facebook for a month, and they have introductory offers.
“It’s been great. People have been calling and asking if we’re open,” she said.
There are 14 employees at the franchise, located at 1781 Dunlawton Ave., Suite 7, including massage therapists and aestheticians.
Walker is a 26-year veteran of the corporate world, where she worked in information technology. Now with her children grown, she looked into starting her own business, and decided to go with Hand and Stone, where she had been a client.
“I wanted to do something different,” she said.
She liked the business model of catering to the general public with affordable prices. Also, there are no long contracts and clients can choose a massage or a facial.
“We give people a chance to try something,” she said.
Their signature service is the hot-stone massage.
Walker relocated from Orlando, because that area was already well-served by Hand and Stone franchises, and she likes the growing Port Orange area.
Walker said she’s discovered running her own business is quite different than the corporate world, where she was in charge of only her department. Now, she must get involved with inventory, staffing and everything that goes with a business. She realizes the success of the business depends on her.
“I feel responsible not just for me but for my employees,” she said. “But it’s been good. It’s a challenge but it’s been a very good experience.”
Visit handandstoneportorange.com, find them on Facebook or call 261-1285.
