What do you think of this idea?

[SingingSabre]

So, my main (and trained) job is as a massage therapist. I love photography and would like to make some income in my non-massage time. I, more than most people, know the value of my time, so I won't be under, or over, charging and hurting any competition unfairly.

My idea is as follows: I want to open my own massage studio with a gallery in the lobby. One of my current coworkers wants to go in with me and help me with renting the building (as we can't both be there 100% of the time it's open). I'd have spaces so other togs, painters, and those of the artistic varieties could commission their work, too.

My clientele is in a rather affluent part of the city and I may even be able to get a couple of investors to help me open this joint.

So, waddya think about this? I'm going to be talking with my dad who's an über-business guru and can help me find a place to rent (as he's a mortgage loan officer engaged to a real estate agent).

Thanks for your input!

[John Mireles]

The only thing I can say is don't think you can do this part time. It will be a full-time commitment that will take a long time to pay off. I have my own photo gallery - in addition to commissioned photography business - and I can tell you that it's a tough road to hoe. If you think you can just open up shop and make a bunch of money - or even break even, you'll be unhappily surprised.

John

[SingingSabre]

I'm not expecting to make money on the gallery right away, just run it as a suppliment to my massage business.

[John Mireles]

I'm not expecting to make money on the gallery right away, just run it as a suppliment to my massage business.That's exactly what I was thinking when I started my gallery. I didn't expect to make money, nor really need the gallery to break even. Unfortunately, the gallery lost a lot more money than I expected. I quickly realized just how much work it takes to make it even a semi-successful venture. Galleries are like boats - you pour lots of time and money into them.

One thing I learned is that there are very few people who will buy art. It's not like you're selling ipods or fancy Louis Vitton handbags that everyone wants.. Art is a luxury item - which means few people can afford it. Not only that, it's a luxury item that doesn't convey status. When you drive a BMW or wear a Louis Vitton bag, everyone sees you as you go cruising down the street. People who aren't rich will buy the LV bag just because of the feeling of status they get from friends and strangers.

Since you put art up in your walls of your home, very few people get to see it. That means that there's very, very few people who will spend money on art. Not only do they have to have the money, they actually have to love art.

That's not to say that those people aren't out there. They are. The challenge is to get them into your gallery and spend their money. That's a full time job and a half. Running a gallery is an uphill battle all the way. Of course, if you have a lot of money and don't need it, then you can be a dilettante with a gallery and throw fabulous openings. You won't care that almost nothing sells.

Oh... the other thing about a gallery is that lots of people will come through. People enjoy looking at art. They just don't like to buy it. Frustrating when you run a gallery, not a museum. For my gallery, I'm turning it over to someone else who'll be there full time and use it as a storefront for her products. My art will still be on the walls, but I won't be absorbing all the costs.

I don't want to discourage you from doing this. You just need to understand that the financial and time commitment is probably far more than what you're planning on.

John

[SingingSabre]

John, thank you for the information!

That's exactly why I was going to be using it in the lobby area of my business -- because I want nice, intimate, unique to me art there, with the potential to sell and commission pieces.

[PhotosGuy]

just run it as a suppliment to my massage business. Seems as if you'd reach more people for sales in the tons of places on the i-net?
Allposters.com (http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?CID=63322DE5E73A485DACF7EEE987839A39&startat=http%3A//www.allposters.com/startpage.asp), or Printroom.com come to mind first.

[notapro]

I think it's a good idea for two reasons:

1/ It will add to the atmosphere of your massage parlour (is it jus me or does that have a totally dirty connotation? :confused:) as long as you are displaying photos that are in keeping with the atmosphere you want to achieve. Since you have the massage business anyway (I assume it's not just a facade for a photo gallery) - why not?

2/ It won't cost you anything. If you use your own photos and/or offer to sell by consignment for others (i.e. you pay them nothing for the piece - just display it for them, and take a cut of the sale).

Every business is a risk, and you probably know that. If you are at the point with your massage business that you have enough clients to be renting space, then you obviously have some business sense already.

[SingingSabre]

I think it's a good idea for two reasons:

1/ It will add to the atmosphere of your massage parlour (is it jus me or does that have a totally dirty connotation? :confused:) as long as you are displaying photos that are in keeping with the atmosphere you want to achieve. Since you have the massage business anyway (I assume it's not just a facade for a photo gallery) - why not?

2/ It won't cost you anything. If you use your own photos and/or offer to sell by consignment for others (i.e. you pay them nothing for the piece - just display it for them, and take a cut of the sale).

Every business is a risk, and you probably know that. If you are at the point with your massage business that you have enough clients to be renting space, then you obviously have some business sense already.

Thanks.

"Massage studio" is the generally accepted term for a place which offers therapeutic massage in the US (I've used this sentence SO many times in the 3 years I've been a therapist!).

The reason I wanted to do this was exactly because of what you said in #2. I want the decor to be mine, to be a reflection of what I do and how I function. :)

You're absolutely right that every business is a risk. I've finally built up a clientele to support me going independant and break away from the evil corporate spa world, so now it's just planning, logistics, and sweat.