When Rei Leigh Harmer’s hip was broken in three places after a horrific car accident in 2014, no one knew if she’d ever walk again. Yet, despite being in excruciating pain, with grit, determination and a program of physical rehab and massage therapy, she came back stronger, And, she had a plan for her future - to bring the power of massage to everyone who needed it. Here she shares the story of how she got back on her feet – literally, and her journey as an entrepreneur, thus far.
What did you learn about the power of massage for well-being?
I didn’t realize until after my accident that massage therapy isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity for our bodies. So many people deal with physical ailments, aches, and pains on a daily basis without thinking about it, but consistent massage therapy can reduce these symptoms dramatically, improving quality of life. When you feel good, you do good, and I’m determined to continue this feel-good movement.
What did you learn about yourself when you had to learn to walk again?
I figured out I could get through anything life threw at me. There are many moments in my life when things get tough and I look back and remind myself of that. I know now that if I set my mind to something, I am capable of working until I’ve accomplished my goal. That was true in my physical rehabilitation, and it’s been true as I’ve built my businesses as well.
Describe the moment you decided to open your own business.
Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood. I’m a Capricorn to the core. Growing up, I always had multiple jobs. I would work 9-5 during the week, attended college courses at night, and squeezed in a weekend job. I’ve always been a hard worker, something I inherited from my parents. They taught me you have to work hard for what you desire in life. After working in different industries and enduring that car accident, I was ready to be on my own and put every last dollar I had saved into opening a day spa. I was all in. I had everything to lose but also everything to gain.
Tell us about the beginning of Spa Sway.
Spa Sway started as an idea I put down with a pen, paper and a glass of wine. I would make lists of different treatment ideas I would enjoy. I started researching the market, visiting different spas to see what they had to offer. I noticed there were basically two options in the spa world in Austin at that time: an extremely high-end hotel spa experience that would cost upwards of $500, or alternatively, lower-end massage places that didn’t quite get the job done. My sweet spot was the white space in between.
What were some highs and lows the first year?
It was a wild ride in the beginning. I knew nothing about, but I figured it out along the way. I found out Fiat in The Domain was moving to a larger location, leaving their retail space available. It was a risky move, considering there were only a few businesses on that block at the time, but I’m glad I took that leap of faith. I’ve now been in business for almost seven years, and I’ve been honored to be voted Austin’s Top Day Spa for over five years running.
What’s surprised you most about yourself becoming an entrepreneur?
No one tells you about the nitty gritty of owning a business. It seems at the beginning like it should be all sunshine and daisies. People fail to mention all the weeds you have to climb through to get there. I surprised myself with my own resilience and ability to pivot. Getting ahead of the pandemic very quickly is something I can look back on with pride. It was a stressful time, but focusing on wellness really centered me and helped me to make clear-minded decisions that reached far beyond my personal life and into the lives of those affected by my business.
Who are other powerful woman do you admire and look to for inspiration?
Whitney Wolfe, a fellow Austinite, who founded Bumble and was the youngest woman to have taken a company public at only 31, and Sara Blakely of Spanx, who has been doing amazing things like celebrating a billion-dollar deal by giving all her employees two first-class plane tickets to anywhere plus a $10,000 bonus. That kind of positive company culture is something I strive toward in my own businesses.
What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs just starting out?
Celebrate your victories, even the ones that seem small. Manifest big, audacious goals. Journal everything; you’ll thank yourself later. Lastly, get yourself a mentor and surround yourself with like-minded businesspeople.
What would you tell your younger self?
Give yourself grace and patience, for one. Be kinder to yourself. Your worries are not as important as you think they are. Just be you and trust that authenticity will pay off in the end. And perhaps most importantly: your intuition is spot-on. As women in business, we are encouraged not to process things emotionally, but I have found following my gut always leads me to the place I want to be.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years professionally?
Ultimately, my goal is to grow the Spa Sway brand to have more locations throughout Texas and hopefully beyond into other states, whether that is through ownership or franchising. I hope to serve what I consider to be my higher motive and purpose in life: giving back. For example, we recently teamed up with #TeamSeas to help remove 30 million pounds of debris from the ocean by 2021.
And personally…
I’d like to think I’ll be married with children. I picture myself living in Austin and having my children grow up here, hopefully on a small piece of land with a beautiful green garden, some horses, and even some chickens.