When I started my new spa, Inspire Skin & Body, in July of 2008, I thought I had a foolproof business plan and model in place. Even though the economy was in a bit of a rut, I felt confident that my target market - Baby Boomer consumers with high disposable incomes - would still be happy to pay for facials and massages in my upscale, service-focused business. And with all of my past experience and awards as a spa owner and spa consultant, I felt like I'd done enough research and fieldwork over the years to be able to skip past many of the hard knocks small business owners face.

I was wrong. Although the business was up and running without much of a hitch, I ran into a lot of unexpected surprises and hidden expenses. And as each month in 2008 passed, clients became more and more careful with the dollars they spent, especially on things deemed "optional" or "pampering." So despite a loyal staff with tons of experience and regular clients, my business has been anything but profitable thus far. In fact, I've had to put a lot more of my own resources (i.e. cash) in since we opened just to keep things afloat.

So in 2009, my biggest goal (I really don't like the word "resolution" too much) is to make my spa not only self-supporting but also profitable. That may seem like a tall order in our ever-changing marketplace, but I am confident that I can make it happen with these five specific steps.

Focus on gratitude for all of my blessings. This is absolutely imperative to our success as well as maintaining our positive attitude. When you really stop and appreciate all of the things we have in this life - especially in the United States - it is hard to do anything but smile. A few that I'm aware of right now...my wonderful husband and family, three extremely loving yet comical dogs and cat, an amazing staff, and the most supportive, caring group of clients that a business could ever ask for.

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My best wishes to all of you for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Felicia