Hot stone massage studio

Local residents seeking stress and muscle relief, regular clients on monthly plans, gift buyers, and visitors booking through online listings.

Per-session fees, packages and memberships, gift certificates, and add-ons like aromatherapy or scalp treatments. A second therapist can add capacity later.

• Massage technique and safe use of heated stones
• Client care and building repeat customers
• Basic bookkeeping and marketing

• State massage license, plus possible separate facility or business licensing from your city or county
• Lease terms, build-out costs and zoning for massage use; read the lease carefully before signing
• General and professional liability insurance, and workers' compensation if you hire employees
• Slow early months while you build a client base, so keep enough cash to cover rent
• Health and sanitation rules for linens, stones and surfaces; check with your state board

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you rent a room in a shared suite or fit out a small studio. This is an estimate, so check lease terms and build-out costs first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your prices and how full your appointment book is. Early months can be slow while you build a client base, so keep enough cash to cover rent.

Check your state massage license, plus any separate facility or business licensing from your city or county. Also check zoning, lease terms, insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, and health and sanitation rules for linens, stones and surfaces.