Small wellness studio with massage and sauna

Local professionals, active people and couples looking for recovery or stress relief, plus anyone buying gift cards or memberships.

Fees per treatment or sauna session, monthly memberships, multi-session packages, gift cards and add-ons such as aromatherapy or body scrubs.

• Customer service and a calm, welcoming manner
• Hands-on treatment skills, or the ability to hire licensed therapists
• Scheduling and basic bookkeeping

• Massage therapists and estheticians usually need a state license, so check your state's licensing board for you and any staff
• Check with your city or county about business licenses, zoning, and any health department rules for saunas, towels and sanitation
• General liability and professional liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Heat-related health risks for guests, so use health screening forms and clear safety rules
• Lease costs and build-out can be high, so negotiate terms and test demand before spending heavily

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, build-out, sauna equipment and treatment rooms. Negotiating lease terms and testing demand before spending heavily can help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, session prices and how well booked you are. These are revenue figures, not profit, and the estimates assume at least about 25 hours a week.

Check your state licensing board for massage therapists and estheticians, including any staff. Check business license, zoning and health department rules for saunas, towels and sanitation with your city or county, plus liability insurance and guest health screening.