The owner of Elite Massage in Elm Grove was experiencing the two worst problems a business owner can ever encounter.
Not enough space and and not enough parking.
So, Kristy Ferguson simply fixed the issues with one big decision.
She moved.
Elite Massage had been located along National Road across from the Ohio County Schools Central Office for nearly four years, but now Ferguson’s popular operation can be found at 2112 Lumber Avenue.
“The business has been steadily growing since I originally opened in June of 2019,” the owner explained. “Year after year I have seen a growth of at least 50 percent in annual sales and client count, and earlier this year I had to make the decision to hire staff to meet the client demand. It was a hard decision after working alone for three-plus years, but with that growth came the need for more space.
“Now, I had no desire to make a move until 2024, but I suppose you could stay the current real estate market had other plans,” she said. “Because of my position with the Elm Grove Business Association, I did refuse to leave the Grove, and Lumber Avenue was the right space and the perfect location with the parking that is available. We now have 13 spaces and that’s going to eliminate a lot of problems and a lot of complaints.”
The new location also will allow Elite Massage to expand services, including sculpting, permanent cosmetics, lashes, and Botox.
“We’ve always offered more than just massage like skin care, spraying tanning, and other services along those lines, but now we’ll expand into more on the beauty side of things,” Ferguson outlined. “We now offer cavitation, emsculpt, and cellulite reduction. With this larger space we will soon be able to host ‘Girlfriend Parties’ where they will be able to have multiple services all while having the space all to themselves.
“And we’ll also add a few positions to the business, as well,” she confirmed. “Once we are settled into the new location, I’ll take a good look around and see what else is possible with all of the new square footage. And Lumber Avenue is very accessible and that’s something I know our clients are going to really enjoy.”
Ferguson, who is the president of the Elm Grove Business Association and the lead organizer for both the “Elm Grove Fall Fest” and the “Groovin’ in the Grove” event each spring, revealed she plans to stage new events outside of the new Elite Massage location. What are when are two questions she’s unable to answer right now, but she’s firm on food trucks.
“I do plan on having some of my food truck friends use our lot to feed the residents of Elm Grove and the employees of local businesses in the future,” she said. “As far as events, I am not sure. The doors are wide open, and most people know my mind never stops dreaming of future possibilities.
“Right now, I can say we are in love with this new space. Not only is it stunning, but it sets a vibe from the moment you walk in,” Ferguson added. “The people who have visited already have said the new space allows them to relax right at the start, and that means they can leave the stress outside.”
