What if we told you that an entrepreneurial journey doesn’t always require years of experience in the industry or a business degree?
In this episode, Jodi Pendry proves just that, as she shares her journey from farming and massage therapy to building Terra Nova Nordic Spa in Woodstock, Ontario.
Jodi’s entrepreneurial journey began with her passion for massage therapy and a desire to create a spa experience closer to home. After moving to Woodstock, she realized there was no local Nordic spa—just one 2.5 hours away. So, she decided to start her own.
Her first year as an entrepreneur was filled with challenges, especially around financing. "Commercial loans are not easy to obtain," she reflects. But Jodi kept pushing forward, learning as she went. "If you wanna do good, you have to put in the hard work behind the scenes," she says, drawing from her farm life background.
Then, COVID-19 hit, and like many small business owners, Jodi faced more obstacles. But instead of letting the situation hold her back, she focused on herself and her family, using her newfound free time to refine her vision for the spa.
Jodi’s journey proves that entrepreneurship is about progression, not perfection. When she first launched Terra Nova Nordic Spa, it didn’t offer everything it does today. But with a lot of heart and dedication, she built the business slowly, growing alongside it.
She acknowledges that community support played a big part in Terra Nova’s success. Her family has been committed to supporting the local ecosystem through initiatives like sponsorships and other contributions. At the same time, the community embraced the spa as a valuable service, helping it grow through word-of-mouth marketing.
When it comes to customer service, Jodi admits that it's been a learning experience. "I did not take a big finance or business course, so handling customer service is a big thing for me," she says. She’s constantly learning how to manage customer expectations and exceed them, a critical skill in her industry.
This episode is a reflection of Jodi's grit and determination—her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship takes time, persistence, and a strong sense of community.
If you’re looking for inspiration or tips on building a business around what you love, this is the episode for you.
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