MANTIS MASSAGE | THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE CLINICBigger Isn’t Always Best
Mantis Massage was already a successful, multi-million dollar business when its owner began considering a major expansion.
Together, we ran the numbers and discovered that staying put was the stronger financial decision. Instead of taking on hundreds of thousands of dollars in new costs, Kyra renewed her lease, raised prices, and has continued to grow a profitable business on her own terms.
Read the full story below…
THE ENGAGEMENT: One Decision | Crossroads
“Collaborating with Sarah as an outside advisor was really beneficial. Our open discussions about goals, concerns, potential scenarios, and financial considerations really helped clarify the direction of my business.”
– Kyra Matos | Owner, Mantis Massage
THE TAKEAWAY
The best advice I ever gave wasn’t a growth plan. It was the analysis that gave a founder confidence not to expand because it was the right decision for her business and her life.
The Challenge
Kyra Matos built Mantis Massage from a single massage table in her car into a successful, multi-million dollar business with two Austin locations. When commercial brokers began showing her larger spaces with more capacity, the opportunity was exciting. But it also meant significantly higher rent, expensive build-out costs, and the challenge of hiring enough therapists to make the numbers work.
The Work
We modeled each expansion scenario, analyzing staffing needs, operating costs, and break-even points. The numbers told a different story than the excitement of a bigger space. We found that the greatest risk wasn't the lease. It was hiring enough therapists to fill the added capacity. We also corrected an accounting issue that had been distorting the business's financial picture, giving Kyra a much clearer view of performance and seasonality.
The Outcome
Kyra renewed the lease on her existing location instead of taking on a costly expansion. She invested strategically, raised prices to keep pace with the market, and preserved a business that has remained profitable through years of economic change. She still makes decisions based on data, not instinct. And the business is still hers.