India native living American dream with business

In another life, half a world away, Molly Kapoor obtained a master's degree in business administration and worked in marketing for India's leading five-star hotel chain and television channel Zee TV.

After a traditional arranged marriage, Kapoor moved with her husband from Bangalore to Cedar Rapids for his job at Rockwell Collins.

For the next 12 years, she raised two children and fantasized about owning her own business. On Nov. 15, Kapoor celebrated the grand opening of Cedar Rapids' first Massage Envy Spa.

'I aspired to be an entrepreneur,” she said. 'I looked at different business models, but my main dream was to do something that would promote health and wellness in the community.”

Massage Envy Spa is a national franchise based in Scottsdale, Ariz., that provides therapeutic massages and dermatologist-designed skin facials. Kapoor's spa is the third Massage Envy location in Iowa.

Kapoor was drawn to the Massage Envy model because of its focus on personal wellness.

'Massage Envy has more than 1,000 locations nationwide,” Kapoor said. 'Health and wellness is the main focus, and they are devoted to the cause.”

Kapoor noted the benefits of massage therapy include increased blood circulation and joint flexibility, improved posture, relief from pain caused by arthritis and migraines, stress relief, and a basic sense of relaxation.

The biggest challenge Kapoor faced in opening her business was finding the right location. She selected a space across from Lindale Mall due to its central location and ample parking but, with another business also interested in the same location, it took several months to secure the lease.

The 4,000 square-foot clinic features 15 treatment rooms, including a room for couples massages and four rooms for facials. The clinic also features a tranquility room where guests can unwind and sip fruit-infused water before their appointments.

'I put a lot of detail in the design to make the spa a tranquil and peaceful place,” Kapoor said, noting the tranquility room's wall-mounted fireplace and imported stone wall. 'I've had many positive reviews, which are really heartening because I spent a lot of time and energy on all the little details.

The clinic is open seven days a week for a total of 90 hours for the convenience of clients. Walk-ins are welcome, as well as booked appointments. Membership plans also are available.

AT A GLANCE

Owner: Molly Kapoor

Business: Message Envy

Address: 1422 Twixt Town Road, Marion

Phone: (319) 377-9900

Website: www.massageenvy.com/clinics/IA/Cedar-Rapids.aspx

www.facebook.com/massageenvycedarrapids

l Know of a company in business for less than a year that would be ideal for 'Ground Floor”? Contact George Ford at george.ford@sourcemedia.net.