30+ Profitable Spa & Massage Business Ideas

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Spa and massage businesses are booming as the trend for self-care and a healthy lifestyle has become a priority in many peoples every day lives.

In addition to the traditional spa business, we've outlined a list of innovative spa & massage business ideas you can start today.

Whether you offer these services in your home, at your clients home, or in a spa, there are plenty of ways to build a successful spa/massage business.

Here are some ideas to get the wheels turning:

1. Start a pet spa

A pet spa is a specialized service that provides grooming and pampering treatments to pets, aimed at improving their well-being and appearance.

These treatments typically include baths, haircuts, nail trims, and even therapeutic massages.

With the growing trend of treating pets as family members, pet spas present a lucrative business opportunity by catering to the increasing demand for high-quality and personalized pet care services.

As more people prioritize the health and happiness of their pets, a well-run pet spa can tap into this thriving market and offer a rewarding venture for animal enthusiasts.

How much you can make: $20,000/month

How I Started A $20K/Month Pet Spa That Provides A More Comfortable Grooming Experience

This case study details how the founder of Pawsitivity Pet Spa started a $20k/month appointment-only holistic grooming salon in Asheville, NC, which prioritizes the comfort and happiness of canine clientele, and has grown by word of mouth referrals and a strong focus on the quality of work provided.

About
Olivia started Pawsitivity Pet Spa over 9 years ago
Revenue
Olivia grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Olivia $25000 to start the business
Read by 6,515 founders

2. Start a tea business

Tea is a hydrating beverage that comes in various flavors and types. History shows that people across the globe have been drinking tea for centuries.

According to experts, tea has a lower risk of different ailments, including cognitive issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and much more. Besides, some types of tea provide better sleep quality and help people relax, which lowers the risk of depression.

If you love drinking tea, starting your tea business could be profitable. First, decide the type of tea to start producing. The niche will depend on the audience you intend to reach.

Then, it would help if you determined the business type. Options include:

  • Tea farming
  • Processing and packaging plant
  • Tea tasting
  • Distributor or wholesaler
  • Tea shop
  • Tea blog

Register a legal entity and complete the tax registration for your tea business. Consider applying for insurance cover before launching your tea business.

How much you can make: $9,000 — $707,997/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How Andy Hayes Started A 7 Figure Tea Business Online

How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.

About
Andy started Plum Deluxe Tea almost 12 years ago
Revenue
Andy grew the business to $75K/month
Read by 23,868 founders

3. Start a herb farm

Herb farm is dedicated to farming herbs for commercial purposes. Since herbs are not commercialized to a large extent, herbal farming can be profitable.

Herbs are used in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, and food production.

Consuming herbs may prevent and help manage heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Besides, some herbs reduce blood clots and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

How much you can make: $6,100 — $30,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month Plant-Based Organic Body Care Brand

Everlasting Herb Farm co-owner Wendy Mackenzie made $6,100 in revenue on average each month selling plant-based, organic skincare products, including a Skin Salve, and is working hard to grow her business by taking courses, formulating new products, rebranding, and finding large retailers to white label/wholesale to.

About
Wendy started Everlasting Herb Farm about 21 years ago
Revenue
Wendy grew the business to $6.1K/month
Costs
It cost Wendy $500 to start the business
Read by 6,355 founders

4. Start a mobile hair salon

With the ever-increasing number of people in the world becoming increasingly mobile, the demand for mobile hair services will also increase. Mobile hairstyling is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Making money while driving around in your car or truck may sound enticing.

Listed are the steps to start a mobile hair salon business.

  • Plan your business
  • Register your business
  • Secure permits and licenses
  • Get certificates
  • Purchase needed materials and supplies.
  • Connect with clients. Promote your business

5. Become a massage therapist

Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.

Building a successful massage therapy business is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.

Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $275,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Make A Living Professionally Cuddling With People

Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.

About
Samantha started Snuggle with Sam over 7 years ago
Revenue
Samantha grew the business to $8.8K/month
Read by 14,907 founders

6. Start a soap business

Soap-making business is a growing industry that can be home-based or a small local business. Soap business is one of the most lucrative home-based businesses that perfect your decision to work in your free time while you earn good cash.

Starting a soap business sounds simple enough. You can buy supplies for probably less than $1,000. Popular skincare products are now being sold online, and this doesn’t seem like a challenging field to break into. Below are some success stories of the soap business that will inspire you.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

Leaving The Cubicle To Start A $23K/Month Soap Company

Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.

About
Danielle started Outlaw almost 11 years ago
Revenue
Danielle grew the business to $380K/month
Costs
It cost Danielle $200 to start the business
Read by 22,954 founders

7. Start a selfcare subscription box

How much you can make: $1,000 — $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $50K/Month CBD Subscription Box Side Hustle

Hemp Crate Co is a CBD subscription box delivering over $125 in value to their 1,000+ subscribers, generating $50k+/month in revenue, operating as a side hustle while offering a low-capital, prepay-based startup model.

About
Ryan started Hemp Crate Co. almost 5 years ago
Revenue
Ryan grew the business to $50K/month
Costs
It cost Ryan $20000 to start the business
Read by 8,680 founders

8. Start a hair loss treatment product

According to healthline, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day.

The American Hair Loss Association recognizes that baldness is a devastating situation. Therefore, starting a hair loss treatment solution can be a great business idea. Ideas and opportunities for starting your hair loss treatment business include:

  • Manufacturing own hair loss treatment solution
  • Become a distributor
  • Start a hair loss prevention coaching class
  • Hair loss treatment blog

Manufacturing a hair loss treatment product may be a tedious approach because you must go through the approval stages to get your product to the shelves. Besides, starting a manufacturing line is more capital-intensive than starting a distributorship. Therefore, choose an opportunity that will suit your budget and focus on business growth.

How much you can make: $50,000 — $76,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 548 days (?)

How I Battled My Own Hair Loss And Created A $1M Product

Sayar Care's flagship product Retain, which prevents and reverses hair loss, has a 100% success rate at stopping hair loss and a 70% success rate at stimulating new hair growth, and its novel, scientifically-driven approach to creating new formulas has drastically reduced the cost of drug development from over $2B to under $10K per new formula.

About
Zee started Sayar Care over 6 years ago
Revenue
Zee grew the business to $76K/month
Read by 5,532 founders

9. Start a mobile bodycare business

Now than ever before, people have demanding schedules and appreciate services that allow them convenience. Are you have a professional background in the beauty industry or have dreamed of owning a cash business in a dynamic industry, consider starting a mobile body care business.

Rather than renting space, you can operate mobile body care in a customized van or truck. Like a physical salon, a mobile salon will need a water source, power supply, chairs, mirrors essential styling tools.

A mobile salon allows you to set your prices and staff your business according to the services you offer. Expand your reach, and promote your services on social media accounts and local Facebook groups.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Mobile Bodycare Experiences Business

Jenni Jo, a licensed massage therapist, shares her story of creating a mobile body care spa in a custom Airstream to cater to the niche market of touring entertainers, with features such as massage tables, lounging spaces, custom cabinetry, lighting, music, and aromatherapy, inspiring other entrepreneurs to keep taking steps towards their dreams.

About
Jenni started Jenni Jo - Tension Tamer®️ over 4 years ago
Revenue
Jenni grew the business to $5K/month
Read by 6,139 founders

10. Start a bathrobe business

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How This Couple Launched A Premium Robe Business

Highway Robery is a sustainable robe company in Austin, Texas, producing colorful, all-inclusive, gender-neutral robes in the USA, having increased their sales up 49% YoY as of May 31, 2019.

About
Evan started Highway Robery about 7 years ago
Revenue
Evan grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Evan $7000 to start the business
Read by 10,777 founders

11. Start a fitness facility

How much you can make: $20,000 — $39,875,000/month

How long does it take to build: 501 days (?)

How We Started A $20K/Month Fitness Facility

Hexbox Fitness is an upscale fitness facility that created their own unique model, combining their own branded class and 24 hour Member access; in their first 6 months they surpassed 200 members, and are working on locking in a few franchise and licensing deals to expand.

About
Paul started Hexbox Fitness over 4 years ago
Revenue
Paul grew the business to $20K/month
Read by 3,954 founders

12. Start a candle business

The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.

A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $20K/Month Southern Inspired Candle Business

Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.

About
DShawn started Southern Elegance Candle Company about 8 years ago
Revenue
DShawn grew the business to $140K/month
Read by 69,702 founders

13. Start a natural beauty product business

Natural beauty products include aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter. They contain no chemical or synthetic elements.

The global natural skin care products market size was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021.

Thinking about launching a beauty product line? What’s holding you back? Check out our case studies below to see how others have done it!

How much you can make: $300 — $325,000/month

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

How A Mother Of Two Started A $5K/Month Skincare Business From Home

A mother-of-two started a $5k/month skincare business after experimenting with beeswax and honey to create luxurious all-natural products, growing her business to attain over $7,500 in sales per month via multiple sales streams, including $4,000 per month at markets.

About
Mel started Flowerdale Valley over 6 years ago
Revenue
Mel grew the business to $5K/month
Read by 23,353 founders

14. Start a skin care product line

The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.

The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How Two Moms Started A Business Selling Homemade Body Butter

Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.

About
Meredith started Oh My Balm about 7 years ago
Revenue
Meredith grew the business to $2K/month
Costs
It cost Meredith $10000 to start the business
Read by 32,695 founders

15. Start a bubble bath product

Bubble bath products are a popular self-care item many people enjoy relaxing and unwitting after a long day. Starting a bubble bath product business can be lucrative and fulfilling for those passionate about creating high-quality bath and body products.

To start this business, you must research and source ingredients, such as essential oils and fragrances, to create your bubble bath formula. You will also need to consider packaging options, such as a bottle or bag design labels for your products.

One key to success in this business is to differentiate your products from others on the market. This can be achieved through unique fragrances, added ingredients like Epsom salt or herbs, or by offering different packaging options.

Another important factor to consider is the target market for your products. Are you aiming for a luxury market with high-end ingredients and packaging, or are you targeting a more budget-conscious market with affordable options? Identifying your target market will help you tailor your product offerings and marketing efforts.

To effectively market your bubble bath products, consider using social media and online platforms like Etsy to showcase your products and reach potential customers. You can also consider collaborating with influencers or other businesses to increase your visibility.

Finally, it’s important to prioritize customer satisfaction in your bubble bath product business. This can be achieved through high-quality products, responsive customer service, and flexible return and exchange policies. You can build a loyal customer base by prioritizing customer satisfaction and drive repeat business.

Starting a bubble bath product business can be a rewarding and profitable venture for those passionate about creating bath and body products. By carefully researching ingredients, identifying a target market, and prioritizing customer satisfaction, you can build a successful business in this line.

How much does it cost to start: $495 (?)

16. Start a meditation app

Meditation apps help users learn and master various meditation skills by offering technology-based tools like mood trackers, guided meditations, meditation timers, and a platform for connecting with other meditators.

To build your meditation app, generate and consolidate ideas before starting the app development journey or hiring an app developer. To ensure unique features, research what your competition offers its users and write out their features.

Finally, build the application and put together the application marketing plan.

Your meditation application should provide users with a wide range of guided meditations for novices and seasoned meditators.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $8,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 68 days (?)

I Built A $120K/Year App That Helps Pregnant Women Relax

Tara Menzies created the Christian Hypnobirthing App, which has 5,000 downloads a month and average revenue of US$10K a month, to help expecting mamas feel more relaxed and connected to God throughout pregnancy and birth, and later expanded to include a childbirth education course.

About
Tara started Christian Hypnobirthing about 6 years ago
Revenue
Tara grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Tara $200 to start the business
Read by 4,487 founders

17. Start a lip balm business

A lip balm business involves creating and selling products that are used to moisturize and protect the lips. These products may be formulated with natural ingredients or may contain various additives such as sunscreens, flavors, and fragrances.

To start a lip balm business, you will need to research and source the ingredients for your products, decide on packaging options, and determine your pricing strategy. It can also be helpful to conduct market research to understand the demand for lip balm in your area and to identify potential competitors.

To run a successful lip balm business, it is important to focus on creating high-quality products that are effective at moisturizing and protecting the lips. It can also be helpful to differentiate your products from those of your competitors through the use of unique ingredients or packaging. Building a strong brand and developing a loyal customer base through good customer service and marketing efforts can also be key to success in this business.

It is important to note that if you plan to sell your lip balm products online, you will need to follow all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to product labeling and advertising. You may also need to obtain necessary licenses or permits to operate your business.

18. Start a body waxing salon

A body waxing salon is a business that offers hair removal services using waxing techniques. This type of salon caters to both men and women looking to remove unwanted hair from various parts of their body, such as their legs, arms, eyebrows, and bikini area.

To run a body waxing salon, you must invest in various waxing supplies, including different types of wax, waxing strips, and post-waxing products. You will also need to hire experienced waxing technicians skilled in performing waxing services and providing a comfortable and hygienic experience for clients.

One of the benefits of running a body waxing salon is the high demand for these services. Many people are willing to pay for regular waxing treatments to maintain smooth, hair-free skin, which means there is potential for a steady stream of business. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and new waxing techniques and products are being developed, providing opportunities for business growth and innovation.

Another benefit of running a body waxing salon is the opportunity to create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for clients. You can create a full-service spa experience that will keep clients coming back by offering a range of services, such as facials and massages.

Overall, a body waxing salon is a lucrative business idea that can provide a steady stream of income and the opportunity to create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for clients. You can build a successful business in this growing industry with the right skills, supplies, and marketing strategies.

19. Start an essential oils business

Essential oils can be a lucrative business. However, you must invest in the necessary oil extraction tools and equipment. If you are interested in selling essential oils, you may consider a white-label actual oils business.

Under a white label agreement, your package and label essential oils by another company with your logo and brand name. To start an essential oils white label business, identify a reliable oil supplier and complete the customer application form. Then, place the minimum order, repackage the products, and resell.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $29,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,610 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Created A $2K/Month Natural Oils Brand

RealDrop Natural Oil saw success in educating customers about organic and natural products to improve hair, skin, and overall health, with goals to expand their local reach in India and potentially Chicago, Illinois in the future.

About
Nabiulla started Real Drop Enterprises about 3 years ago
Revenue
Nabiulla grew the business to $2K/month
Costs
It cost Nabiulla $250 to start the business
Read by 4,628 founders

20. Start a honeymoon treatment business

A honeymoon treatment business is a business that caters to newlyweds who are looking to have a romantic and relaxing vacation after their wedding. This business typically offers various services, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, spa treatments, and special packages for couples.

To start a honeymoon treatment business, you will need to have a strong understanding of the spa and wellness industry and be able to provide high-quality services to your clients. A solid business plan is also essential, including marketing strategies and financial projections.

One tip for running a successful honeymoon treatment business is to offer unique and personalized packages to your clients. For example, you could allow couples to customize their package with a selection of their favorite treatments. Another tip is to focus on creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere at your business, including decorating with flowers and candles and playing soothing music. Another key to success in this business is to have a solid online presence and use social media to promote your services. It would help if you also consider partnering with local hotels or resorts to offer honeymoon packages to their guests.

Overall, a honeymoon treatment business can be a lucrative and rewarding business opportunity for entrepreneurs with a passion for the spa and wellness industry. With the proper marketing and customer service strategies, this business can be a successful and fulfilling venture for years to come.

21. Start a nail salon

A nail salon is a specialty beauty salon that offers nail beautification solutions for men and women. The services available at nail salons include manicures, pedicures, and other nail enhancements. Nail technicians at the nail salon also check for signs of fungus or sores that need special treatment.

To start a nail salon business, find an ideal location and register a unique brand name. Apply for the business plan and ensure you have the permit to operate a nail salon in your city.

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

22. Start a health blog

A health blog covers ways to live a healthier lifestyle through proper dieting and general information on common health conditions.

To start a health blog, choose a blogging platform that offers customizable templates and pick a reliable hosting platform. Since health is a wide area, you may choose a particular niche or opt to generalize your blog. Then, select a relevant blog name and register the domain.

Finally, brainstorm blog topics, create an editorial calendar, and start writing your first blog. You can earn money through affiliate marketing or promoting your health-focused merchandise or products.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $20,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

My Blog Makes $20K/Month Sharing Recipes For Women Recovering From Chronic Health Issues

Carrie Forrest's food and wellness blog, Clean Eating Kitchen, gets 650,000 page views per month and earns a monthly revenue of $20,000 through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate income; her success has been tied to her use of SEO and educational background to stand out in an oversaturated niche.

About
Carrie started Clean Eating Kitchen over 14 years ago
Revenue
Carrie grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Carrie $3500 to start the business
Read by 3,465 founders

23. Start a massage school

24. Become a spa consultant

25. Start a spa booking platform

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.