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Barbie Smith, owner of Barbie Smith Massage & Associates, gets ready to step into the ball at a park in Spotsylvania. |
B arbie S mith, age 37,
is the owner of Barbie Smith Massage & Associates, a massage salon
EDUCATION: Graduated from Christopher Newport College, now Christopher Newport University, in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and health. Graduated from Piedmont School of Professional Massage in Woodbridge in 2000.
FAMILY: Husband of 11 years, Zack. Two sons, Jacoby, 8, and Davison, 4.
CAREER HISTORY: Taught physical education and health at Spotsylvania Middle School for seven years. Certified massage therapist and owner of Massage Associates for the past six years.
FIRST JOB: Working at Dairy Queen.
WORST JOB: Working in a clothing factory.
HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING A MASSAGE BUSINESS? After the birth of my first son, I wanted a career that allowed me the flexibility to be home. I became interested in massage after years of beating up my own body playing sports. It took about a year to become certified.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS CHANGING THE MOST? More and more people are becoming concerned about their health and wellness, and alternative therapies are becoming more mainstream.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION FACED ON THE JOB? Balancing someone's need for a massage with their ability to pay.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB? The misconceptions associated with massage and specifically massage therapy. The therapeutic value of massage is enormous if people are willing to be educated about different types of bodywork.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? I enjoy the flexibility of my schedule, and the fact that every hour of every day is different. One minute I am giving a relaxing massage, the next deep tissue, and then, later, sports related. I also enjoy the diversity of my clients and being a part of their lives.
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? The Fredericksburg area is growing in population, and our area seems to have a great number of residents who are into health and fitness. Massage therapy is an integral part of any athlete's training and for anyone trying to improve their health. We also have a lot of very stressed commuters!
WHAT'S THE WORST? As property values go up in this area, so does the cost of maintaining a storefront.
WHO IS THE MOST PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS LEADER YOU KNOW? WHY? Financial advisor Ric Edelman. He began his career in Northern Virginia in a small office and developed it into a multimillion-dollar company.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? I would love to go to Hawaii or some great tropical island, but for now Las Vegas has been the best.
FAVORITE BINGE FOOD? Of the many, cheesecake, especially with chocolate involved, is the best.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? I tried to give my son a haircut with a "home haircutting kit." I then had to take my son to a real barber to have it fixed.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK? WHY? Ric Edelman's "The Truth About Money." It has great information for the average homeowner and small-business owner about how to begin managing your assets.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I love being mom, playing softball with great friends, following my husband's band (Dixie Power Trio) and getting MASSAGED!
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST YOU'VE COME TO A BRUSH WITH A CELEBRITY? Massaging Kenny Chesney's band backstage.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I always wanted to be a teacher and a coach.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Dale City.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT? Opening my larger office in 2003 and realizing my dream of owning a viable business.
WHAT'S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN YOU? Robyn Pirog told me early on to buy my office location if I ever could, as I would always have an investment and be in control of my environment. She was right.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TRYING TO ENTER THIS FIELD? Find the type of work that is right for you, and just focus on that one thing.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? To eventually open a second location, possibly teach massage therapy, and continue to see my clients happy and healthy throughout their lifetimes.
--Kafia Hosh
