Damien + Jess Zouaoui - Oakwell Beer Spa- Sold Everything, Traveled Built a Million-Dollar Franchise

What happens when you walk away from successful careers, sell nearly everything you own, and travel the world in search of a better life?In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with Damien and Jessica Zouaoui, founders of Oakwell Beer Spa, to discuss their incredible journey from corporate careers in New York City to building one of the most unique hospitality businesses in America.After leaving the traditional path behind, Damien and Jessica traveled to 25 countries across the globe searching for inspiration, adventure, and opportunity. Along the way, they discovered a concept in Poland that would eventually become Oakwell Beer Spa—an award-winning business that blends wellness, hospitality, and entrepreneurship into an experience unlike anything else in the United States.Together, they share the realities of taking big risks, starting a business from scratch, navigating uncertainty, building a brand, and growing a company that is now expanding through franchising.Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, startup founder, aspiring franchisee, or someone considering a major life change, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration.In this episode:Leaving corporate careers to pursue entrepreneurship• Selling everything and traveling the world• Finding business opportunities in unexpected places• Building Oakwell Beer Spa from the ground up• Creating an award-winning hospitality brand• Franchising a unique business concept• Leadership, risk-taking, and business growth• Lessons learned from startup lifeIf you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business ownership, leadership, startups, franchising, personal growth, and building a meaningful life, you'll love this episode.Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #StartupLife #FranchiseBusiness #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #FounderStory #HospitalityBusiness #SuccessMindset #Podcast #FromTheGroundUpShowhttps://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAILChoose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/WATCH & LISTENWatch this full episode: https://youtu.be/qP81T5NVqwYSubscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9pListen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140SHORTER EDITIONSFrom The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tAPodcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6oPodcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058GUEST & RESOURCEShttps://oakwellfranchise.com/https://oakwell.com/PARTNERS & SPONSORShttps://www.macarthurco.comhttps://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshowABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOWReal stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. Honest business and leadership conversations for people building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.comQuestions: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/