Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Straus.
Hi Paula, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ain’t Nobody But God Did It……….
I spent 30 years in Corporate America, as a Human Resources professional. I was traveling 90%, working 70+ hrs/week, making great money but at a huge cost.
While I thought I was doing big things, I was missing important time with family and friends, because there was always something I needed to do for work.
I lived a very fast and high lifestyle for many years, with a focus on always leveling up for more – – chasing things that people chase – only to find that those things didn’t make me happy at all. I had lots of “things”, but no real happiness. Then, one day, things finally collapsed.
I decided Corporate America was not for me and I was not for that world anymore. I had spiraled to a point of despair – – I had been sober for 6 years and I still couldn’t find happiness. To say I was broke Mentally, Physically and Financially would be an understatement.
June 12, 2024 – I Was DONE! I Mean DONE! We’re talking DONE – Checking Out – Done with the World – DONE!
We’re Talking – Will/Trust Done, Cemetary Plot Purchased, Funeral Home Arrangements Made, House Up For Sale – Everything in Order, so I didn’t leave a mess for everyone. 🥲
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Something Happened – I Remember it CLEAR as Day!
I Heard – “I’m not done with you yet”. 🙏💕🙏
I woke up the next day, with $850 and a stack of credit cards and decided to start a small spa. No business plan, no investors, no clue what I was doing – – just a lot of Faith in the plan that God had for me and for my life. I truly believe when God gives you a business idea, he doesn’t check your bank account; he is checking your belief. He doesn’t give you that dream if you don’t have what it takes to build it. God provides and He keeps showing up!
I rented a small building on Westover St, remodeled it, and put in 3 tanning beds, 1 stand-up, 2 massage chairs. Those were our humble beginnings.
Fast forward 1 1/2 years and I bought a building, completely remodeled it, and have grown to a full-service Relaxation Destination offering Hybrid Tanning, Red Light Therapy, a Float Pod, Infrared Sauna, Anti-Gravity Massage Chairs and an extensive line of Facials! (Did I mention I also got my Esthetician license along the way?)
This little business is doing GREAT things – Boosting Client’s Vitamin D, Improving Their Health & Wellness, and we created a COOL Place for OUR COMMUNITY!!💪🌞🏝️😎
This is PROOF that ANYBODY Can Make it, but ONLY by the Grace of God! As I said at the beginning – “Ain’t Nobody But God Did It”
Pray A LOT!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Find Humility!! 😳😳
Realize Your Worth & Your Gifts!!! 👊💪
Make it Happen!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a small business is definitely not easy and the road for Relax LLC has had incredible struggles and challenges along the way, but God had a plan and has been with me every step of the way.
You can see it in every little detail – from the beds and Float Pod that fit perfectly in the rooms to the “suddenlies” that help us to keep going, God has orchestrated every WIN for us.
I remember the day before we opened our first facility – I was in tears because I didn’t have enough money to make change for new customers, but God provided. There were several times when I didn’t know how I was going to make payroll, but God provided. We spent two weeks of setting up the Float Pod, because the supplier didn’t provide all that was needed, but thru the struggle God provided and the Float Pod is thriving!
What I can say, without question, is that there have been many struggles, challenges, and obstacles, but my Faith in God is what has gotten me thru.
I look back over the last few years and there is only one way a person can go from being completely broken to owning a thriving business and a new home – – Ain’t Nobody But God Did It!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Relax was built with a focus on helping clients to improve their mental and physical well-being.
In today’s fast paced world, having some time to ourselves to relax, refresh and rejuvenate is so important in not only taking care of ourselves but also in being the best that we can be for our families, friends and co-workers.
All of the service offerings at Relax are geared toward providing a moment to pause and improve your mental and physical health.
Our Hybrid Tanning beds offer both UV and Red Light Therapy, so Clients get the benefits of RLT (skin tightening, reduced pain & inflammation, decreases in psoriasis, ezcema and acne, doubled Vitamin D) but also get the Glow and Tan from the UV.
Our Float Pod offers 11 inches of water and 1100 lbs of Epsom Salts & Magnesium, which has incredible healing benefits. It reduces pain & inflammation (Clients report that they have stopped using pain pills after floating), increases mental clarity, relieves stress & anxiety, and improves skin conditions.
Our Infrared Sauna Detoxifies, Improves skin conditions, Clears congestion, and so much more!
Our 4D Anti-Gravity Massage Chairs work out all of those achy muscles, while providing a tranquil setting where individuals or couples can enjoy a 30 or 60-minute session to unwind and reconnect.
Our Facials are excellent for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The gentle massage techniques and soothing environment during a facial can help you unwind and reduce stress. Additionally, they stimulate blood flow, exfoliate dead skin cells, hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and fight premature aging.
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Every service offering has the Client’s Relaxation and Rejeuvenation in mind. We focus on creating a clean, friendly, safe and inclusive space providing self-care options at affordable prices. We are the Relaxation Destination in the small town of East Tawas, MI.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We are so grateful to the community and all of our wonderful clients who have contributed to our success.
We have been so fortunate to be able to benefit so many people and that is the greatest success anyone could ever ask for.
Pricing:
- Hybrid Tanning ranges from $39.99-$59.99/month unlimited with no additional service charge.
- 4D Anti-Gravity Massage Chairs – $24/30 mins & $45/60 mins. We offer Couples packages for $45/30 Mins and $85/60 mins.
- Red Light Therapy with Vibration Plate – $99/month for 3x per week. Discounts apply when paired with Hybrid Tanning.
- Facials – Express to the Ultimate $125 – $225
- Float Therapy – $75/60 min session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RelaxTawas.com
- Facebook: RelaxTawas
