Why I Built My Business in Joplin, MO, and You Should, Too
Located in the beautiful Ozark region of southwest Missouri, Joplin is – without a doubt – the place to be. With countless must-see attractions and plenty of restaurants and shops, this city is both the perfect place to live and launch a business. Its entrepreneurial landscape is dotted with success stories of those who chose to begin a business in the area and are now thriving.
A great example is Angela Harris, who launched her first business as a massage therapist in Joplin, MO, in 2005 and later opened Alchemist Haven, a retail store offering nontoxic beauty products, skin care and personalized fragrances, in 2018.
Why did you decide to launch your businesses in Joplin, MO?
Originally, I am from Granby, MO, and Joplin felt like a big city to me. When I fell into my niche, I liked that Joplin was a smaller metropolitan area that was close to my family because I am not a big-city person.
What inspired your businesses?
I started as a massage therapist, and I didn’t initially choose it; it chose me. I was working in a factory and taking classes in general studies. One day on my break, I discovered an article about massage therapy, and it sounded appealing. I did a correspondence course and later learned I had to attend the campus in Colorado for the hands-on portion. At first, I wasn’t sure how to make that work with my job, but shortly after learning that information, my job was discontinued.
What do you like most about your business?
Helping people feel better. I don’t think there is anything that can satisfy me more.
What resources did you use to grow your business in Joplin, MO?
I started offering massage with a chiropractor in town. My business grew because of word of mouth. I did attend Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and community events, but it was really word of mouth. Being in the chiropractor’s office was a good fit for me because I offer therapeutic massages.
How did you grow your massage business into Alchemist Haven?
I work with people with severe health issues in my massage business. And they often come in and have skin issues, are losing hair or are experiencing terrible rashes. I started looking at the products they were using to see if there were common denominators in them. I noticed many of them had formaldehydes, sulfates and phthalates. For experimentation, I researched natural products and tested them to see if they would help. Many of their problems went away within the first few applications.
Many of the products commercially advertised are filled with chemicals that aren’t helping people. But people buy them because they are sold by a name they trust – its deceptive. Alchemist Haven offers an old-school approach to beauty and skin care products.
What have you learned as a business owner?
You must develop a high level of patience. Days go up and down. Some days are amazing and over the top, then there are days where you question why you are doing it. I’ve also learned to be persistent and not give up. It’s hard to be a person who never gives up, but I’ve learned to carefully assess my friend network because some people want to see you succeed, just not too much.
How has the community responded to your business?
The community has been tremendously supportive. Many of my clients express relief, and they’re happy with the services and products I provide. That is a fantastic reward. There is one story that sticks out to me. A lady diagnosed with breast cancer came in who recently had a breast and lymph node removed. She had finished chemotherapy and radiation, and the area was swollen and black. I grabbed colloidal silver and sprayed it on there. Colloidal silver is known to soothe burns, and since she had a radiation burn, I knew that would help and speed healing. She was so thankful for the relief.
How do you define success?
To me, creating Alchemist Haven and helping someone who can’t do anything for you, that’s success. When the woman came in, and I helped her find relief from the radiation burn, it changed my outlook on what success was. It made me realize I have attained success; I am successful because I’ve helped another soul.
What do you like most about operating a business in Joplin?
Joplin is small enough that you can create a circle and network of friends that will support you, but it’s also a place you can afford to live. Rent is more affordable than larger areas, and overall, the cost of living is reasonable.
What advice do you have for someone looking to start a business in the area?
Set your direction and be sure of what you want. You will come across people who disagree with you and those who won’t encourage you, so you must have substance to survive. Establish your focus and keep your eye on the ball. As an entrepreneur, it’s impossible to be a person who will give up; you absolutely cannot give up – take it one day at a time, and you will succeed.
This article is sponsored by Choose Joplin, which is actively supported by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin.
