The Struggle Always Comes First

Emily’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t a direct path. In 2008, when she became a single mom, she made the tough choice to leave massage school. Her focus needed to shift to her children, and deep down, she knew it wasn’t the right time.

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Nine years later, Emily returned to her hometown in Alberta, feeling it was the right place for her and her family. The move brought positive change, and in 2018, she re-enrolled in massage therapy school. This time, she was confident she was doing it for the right reasons. Two years later, Emily proudly graduated, ready to start her new career.

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But 2020 had other plans. The pandemic hit just as she was stepping into the massage industry, and no training could have prepared her for the challenges ahead. Despite the chaos, Emily secured a position as an independent contractor, grateful for the chance to get her foot in the door.

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Yet, something didn’t sit right. After a year of juggling work with motherhood, Emily realized she couldn’t continue working under someone else’s schedule. With her kids at home, flexibility wasn’t just a luxury—it was a necessity. She needed to be present for her family, not tied to someone else’s business hours.

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Starting her own business seemed like the answer, but fear held her back. She didn’t have a big network in town, she wasn’t sure how to step into the role of “business owner,” and the thought of managing everything on her own felt overwhelming.

Overcoming Fear

During her reiki training, Emily learned that fear isn’t a sign to stop—it’s a signal that you’re growing. If you’re not afraid, you’re not moving forward, and Emily was determined not to stay stuck.

"The biggest challenge was my fear," Emily admits.

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Despite her fears, she pressed on. Her motivation was simple: create a life where she could contribute to something meaningful and still be present for her children’s important moments. The only way to achieve that was by gaining control of her own time and becoming her own boss.

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In 2021, Emily founded Serene Intuition, offering massage therapy, reiki, and reflexology. She also expanded into retail, crafting aromatherapy products like roll-ons, bath salts, and hot/cold packs, helping clients continue their self-care at home.

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While her business is still young, it’s thriving. Emily now sees about 50 clients a month, with her practice growing every day. She’s not in this alone—working alongside three other independent therapists in a shared space, she’s found a community that supports and uplifts each other. This network has been a key part of her success and fulfillment.

“It was a big leap of faith to take the step from working for someone else to working for myself. And seriously, it was the best step I ever took,” Emily shares.

Balancing single motherhood and running a business isn’t without its challenges, but Emily is thriving in both. As her practice grows, so does the time she gets to spend with her kids, building a life she can be proud of.

Software To Support Your System

Even before graduating, Emily knew which software she’d use to run her business. During her massage therapy program, she researched several options, but ClinicSense stood out. Its simplicity and ease of use made it the ideal choice for someone who wanted to focus on clients, and not get bogged down in admin work. Plus, it was affordable.

"It's simple, easy, and affordable," Emily says.

When she launched Serene Intuition, ClinicSense became the backbone of her practice management. She seamlessly integrated online booking through her website with a "Book Now" button and set up automated reminders to ensure her clients never missed an appointment. This feature alone brought a sense of flow to her business, helping both her and her clients manage their time effortlessly—and that’s just the beginning of what ClinicSense offers.

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By handling the administrative side of things, ClinicSense allows Emily to focus on what truly matters: her family. She syncs her work schedule with her personal calendar on her phone, eliminating scheduling conflicts and ensuring that she’s always present when her kids need her.

"It’s been amazing. Amazing," Emily reflects.

With the support of ClinicSense, Emily is making her dreams come true—building a thriving business while being there for the moments that matter most to her family. It’s not always easy, but she’s found a way to balance it all.