Relaxing idea becomes a growing business

Erika’s tips for women considering an MBA

Where I am now is a direct result of the MBA for Executives Program. I had a great career in corporate America with no intention of leaving it. But, while completing my MBA, I caught the entrepreneurial bug.

It all started because I was stressed from balancing school and my job, planning a wedding (I got married while in the Program!), and not having an idea for my MBA for Executives Project. So, I went to a spa to clear my mind.

While lying on the massage table, I had an idea that changed my life: My project would be a market feasibility study for a relaxing spa where people can get professional advice on health and wellness. I completed the study and the results were favorable, so I decided to follow through and actually launch the business.

The scary part was deciding to leave a well-paid job to build from scratch, earn next to nothing initially, and take on the risk and opportunity cost (learned about that in the Program) of a new business. It was one of the hardest, and best, decisions I ever made.

I quit my job, opened the first Iatria Spa and Health Center, became its CEO, and (as if I didn’t have enough to balance) learned that I was pregnant!

Meanwhile, Iatria was growing faster than my belly! My new team building skills were critical to the company’s success. I had to identify talent, match skills with needs, and provide development opportunities.

Iatria has since been recognized by Day Spa Magazine as the Top Medical Spa/Day Spa Chain in the U.S., received First Place among mid-size businesses for Best Places to Work in Triangle Business Journal, and made the Inc 5000 List for Fastest Growing Private Companies in the U.S. …and my 8-year-old daughter is thriving, too.

The professors I had at UNC are amazing lifelong mentors. In fact, they inspired me to teach marketing and branding at University of California (in my spare time!). And teaching brought international consulting opportunities, which ultimately turned into…yes, another new venture.

This year I handed over the reins to my capable Iatria team, so I could focus on my new consulting business: Aesthetic and Medical Practices, LLC. My clients range from some of the world’s largest companies to budding entrepreneurs with a dream. It’s incredibly rewarding. My success is a direct result of my time at UNC Kenan-Flagler, and helping others reach their entrepreneurial goals is my way of paying it forward.

Update:  Since this original post was written, Erika joined the Laser Spine Institute as Vice President and Executive Director.