Northshore Women Rising: Tanya and Sarah

We sat down with Tanya Alves and Sarah Sourile, owners of The Shop Beauty and Wellness Collective, to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up, and why they decided to open their doors to other women-led businesses along the way.

The Shop Beauty and Wellness Collective includes Tanya Alves Massage, Sarah's Addict2Glam nail salon, Zen Den Skin Studio, and The Lox Box for your hair needs.

Read the full interview below.

How did you find your way into your craft?

Tanya: Working with the body was always my goal. Originally, Kinesiology and Physical Therapy were my college focus, until I found out about massage therapy. I dropped out of college and went into the massage program, where I met the most incredible instructor and idol in the holistic field. She opened my eyes to so much more healing, nurturing, and homeopathic care. That was when I knew I was where I was meant to be, in a career where I can help people with my own two hands.

Sarah: I found my way into being a nail technician after being a stay at home military wife overseas. Talking with other women about getting their nails done there was always one common problem: everyone wanted a tech they could communicate with, who would execute what they were asking for. Also being a stay at home mom, I wanted a career that would allow me the flexibility of still having my children around, and a career I could take with me anywhere I went.

What has surprised you most, positively or negatively, about being a small business owner?

Tanya: So many answers come to mind. On the negative side: not having clear boundaries for your business. Schedule, personal versus business, clients versus friendships. Having clear boundaries for yourself, and enforcing them, is huge. They're always evolving too. On the positive side: you truly have the freedom to create your own vision for what you want your business to be. You're in charge. If you don't like it, you change it.

Sarah: Something that surprises me about being a small business owner is how much time I spend working my business. People think because it's your own business you can take off all the time you want, but that simply isn't the case. If you don't work, you don't make money. As a small business owner, we don't have PTO, so taking sick time or vacation literally comes at a cost to us.

After starting your own practice, what motivated you to create a home for other women-led businesses rather than solely expanding your own?

Tanya: Sarah and I met at the perfect time. We both wanted to have our own businesses but needed the space to do so, and we did that for five years. When our building had a vacancy, we knew we were ready to expand and make that space available to others who might be where we first started, and just needed that space and encouragement.

What is the energy like when you have a room full of women all practicing their own craft under one roof?

Tanya: A force to be reckoned with. It definitely makes my heart happy to be part of a successful group of independent business women.

Sarah: The energy we experience when the collective is full of clients and everyone is doing what they love is unmatched. It's a feeling of joy and accomplishment.

As someone who focuses on the wellness of others, what does self-care look like for you personally?

Tanya: I'll be honest, I don't get enough massages. Traveling is huge for me. I try to get out of town as often as possible and see new places. I love life experiences. Being with my daughter anywhere is my therapy.

Sarah: Taking care of myself consists of monthly therapy appointments, dance classes, doing my own nails, and occasionally getting to indulge in a massage or facial.

What is your five-year vision for The Shop?

Tanya: The Shop will hopefully be full of successful, independent, career-driven women. The beauty and wellness industry is always evolving, so continual education and growth matter. We want women who are able to provide services with confidence and make clients feel their best.

Sarah: The vision for the shop in five years is that we're at full capacity with diversified providers. Maybe teaching could be on the horizon too, for high school stud

ents interested in becoming a nail tech.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received from another woman?

Tanya: Protect your energy and don't undervalue your skills.

Sarah: If you never try, you'll always wonder what if.