Elyse Badewitz
Spa Haus Nashville
I’m Elyse Badewitz, a wellness professional. I am a licensed Esthetician and the owner of Spa Haus Nashville. Ever since a young age, I have had an entrepreneurial spirit. From picking flowers at state parks and selling them (highly illegal, but my 9 year old self didn’t understand that), to organizing and choreographing musicals in my backyard at the age of 12. When I was 16 years old, I was offered a position to manage a dance studio and enjoyed the logistics of how a business worked. Shortly thereafter, my mom gifted me a facial at a local day spa and I immediately had a vision of opening up a wellness spa.
In 2007 I turned 18 and went to Esthetician school, while reading every business book out there. In 2014 I opened Spa Haus Nashville as a solo business and have grown it to 12 treatment rooms and 23 employees over the years. My childhood dreams literally became my reality.
I am a hard worker, committed to growth and learning, but also enjoy the pleasures of life. I also find delight in curating environments and teams, especially in the wellness industry. I pride myself on running a business that is not only monetarily successful but also an environment where employees are treated with respect and love. A business that is a sanctuary where clients can find solace and care.
When I am not in the spa, I enjoy reading, meditation, the outdoors and travel. In March of this year, I spent 2 weeks on a solo adventure through Portugal and Spain! My passion for building connections doesn't stop at the spa's doors. I am the president of the Berry Hill Business Association and enjoy connecting the local business community while fostering an environment of collaboration and shared success. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing person, who truly cares to connect with others. I am excited to be a part of the Entrepreneur Organization as I love to learn and share experiences of the entrepreneur's life.
What is a personal piece of advice (business advice/saying/quote) that you lean on and could pass on to others?
"Get out of your head and tune into your body." - Tony Robbins
Best business book you’ve ever read?
So many. E-myth is a classic that I recently read and wish I had read 10 years ago. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero is my favorite motivational fun book.
One misstep you took in your business that you could caution others about?
Hire slow, fire fast and trust your gut. I was burnt out, in a bad spot mentally and hired the wrong fit for a management role. It completely changed the way my business ran as well as the way our clients and staff were treated. It took over a year to make up for a 3 month wrong hire and boost morale and trust.
How do you de-stress after a particularly hard day?
Happy hour and great food or for my healthier days, peloton and sauna session
What’s something about you that would surprise everyone reading this?
I can tap dance! I used to do musical theater and tap dance was my specialty.
What EO benefit has been most valuable to you?
The Forum and speakers. I am so excited to get to know my forum better and all of the EO members more! Grateful to be around other entrepreneurs that understand the highs and lows of the lives we were meant to have.
Any exciting plans for this Winter?
I'm from San Diego, so Christmas on the beach!