Meet Elizabeth Triplett | Massage Clinic Owner & Massage Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Triplett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe in taking calculated risks. In my years as a business owner I have learned that I thrive on change and challenges, and I enjoy doing one big thing a year that pushes me way outside of my comfort zone. I truly believe this is the best way to grow: professionally and personally. In fact, at this time I am in the middle of my yearly “risk”, or uncomfortable growth stage. I am in the process of moving my business into our brand new spa in Fort Collins. It’s been a seven year dream of mine to have my own beautiful massage clinic and we are just about there! I recognize it’s funny timing to be expanding so drastically as we’re still experiencing a pandemic and I’m six months pregnant, however this incredible opportunity fell into my lap and I’m going with it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I first decided to begin my own business, I was faced with two choices. The first was the have a back up job, something to support myself on while I built a larger clientele. The other was to jump in fully and to trust that things will work out. It seemed like an easy choice back then: I didn’t hesitate to jump right now. One of the first goals I had was to sustain my business without having to have any outside financial help. I don’t quite remember how I did it, but I am proud of getting to where I am without having had any loans to pay off. It was very difficult in the beginning, however it was a goal that I was committed to reaching. I remember in there was a time when I first started out that if a client cancelled, it usually meant I was eating buttered pasta for a few days. My family always knew I was stubborn, but this tenacity was such a positive force in building my business. Each year my business has grown little by little, always just outside of my comfort zone. Now that I’m in a position to create more jobs in our community, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to fight “healer” poverty and burnout in the massage industry. Massage therapists are typically givers, by nature, and Pure Pondera is dedicated to creating a work environment that celebrates that, in addition to teaching boundaries and the self care necessary to remain in this industry for more than just a few years. We are committed to paying our therapists comfortably for their physically demanding work. Looking back, the biggest struggle I had was with raising my service rates. There was a big part of me that wanted to make everybody happy and I kept my rates low for too long. Now that I’m responsible for helping other people eat (hopefully something more nutritious than buttered pasta) and live comfortable lives, I know financial hardship doesn’t have to be a lesson repeated. I have raised my rates quite a bit in the past year, and I love the abundance that is flowing in for my team members and myself. The team of massage therapists that are gathering at Pure Pondera are highly, highly skilled, nurturing, and enthusiastic about creating a sustainable life for themselves, and our clients can feel the passion we have for wellness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My ideal little vacation would be to a hot spring destination! I have to say, my favorite at this point in life are the Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs. I love the underground tubs that are rustic, earthy, and quiet. A trip up the Mishawaka is also a must, probably after a nice hike to Grey Rock!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people in my life that I’d love to shoutout to, and let them know just how grateful I am for them! First for my husband, Todd, that has been with me on this wild ride and has encouraged me to keep my head up when things get tough. His support and love have helped me achieve all of my goals. I also shoutout to my first team member, Mandy, that has taught me so many incredible lessons over the past year and has pushed me to become a better employer and recognize the power and necessity that’s in creating a truly healthy and positive work environment. I give a huge thanks to my business coach, Kirsten Foss, for teaching me all the “behind the scenes” parts of growing into spa ownership and to the other beautiful business women that have given me support and love throughout the years. Finally, of course, I need to shoutout to my incredible clients. They have been with me from a tiny shared room in a chiropractor’s office, to a room that was so hot we still laugh about it, to my current massage suite and soon into our beautiful massage clinic with three treatment rooms, a beautiful reception area, and attached yoga studio. I feel so supported in this community and am honored to be a part of it!

Website: www.purepondera.com
Instagram: @purepondera
Facebook: Facebook.com/purepondera