Her Comeback: with Stephanie Al-Arnasi

Her Comeback: Episode 10 Notes https://hercomebackpodcast.com/ Guest: Stephanie Al-Arnasi, Owner of Maja Head Spa Host: Michelle Thompson Guest Background: Stephanie is a massage therapist and esthetician of 12 years, married to Abe for 29 years, and mother of four young adults (Mark, Abraham, Joseph, and Adriana - whose initials spell MAJA). A Navy brat who settled in Port Charlotte, Florida at age 11, she recently turned 50 and launched her innovative wellness business. Key Themes & Moments: Finding Your Purpose at 50 Stephanie's journey to entrepreneurship began during her youngest child's senior year, coinciding with caring for her mother-in-law through cancer and navigating COVID-19. Watching strong people face challenges ignited her own courage to create something meaningful. Overcoming Fear She candidly discusses how fear held her back for years, particularly the fear of letting others down. After decades of prioritizing everyone else's needs, she realized the worst thing she could do was not take a risk. The Power of Perspective Witnessing her mother-in-law's grace through illness and her daughter's college soccer recruitment process made Stephanie question her own legacy. This perspective shift became her catalyst for change. What is a Head Spa? An Asian-inspired wellness service focusing on scalp and hair health. Clients experience massage, warm oil treatments, double cleanse, and specialized tools while lying on a massage table with their head in a specialized sink featuring a "halo" sprinkler system. Each 1-1.5 hour session is unique and deeply relaxing. Business Growth What started during COVID restrictions grew faster than expected, expanding from one suite to three locations (Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and Fort Myers). Stephanie reinvested profits organically, buying new equipment as revenue allowed. Keeping Joy in Business Surrounded by a supportive team and family of pranksters, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of humor, crying when needed, and waiting 24 hours before reacting to challenges. She values authentic feedback from her core people and even clients. Contact Information Website: majaheadspot.com Phone: 941-[number available on podcast] Memorable Quote "The worst thing you can do is not take a risk. The worst thing you can do is let fear get in the way and stop you."