Today we’d like to introduce you to Ada Liu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ada. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Not speaking a word of English, I immigrated to the United States in 2001 with the goal to open my own spa. In China, I went to college for music, but always had a fascinated interest in skin care. The women in Asian countries are taught very early the importance of taking care of our skin through regular facials and good skin care products, rather than purchasing a drawer full of makeup; we are taught to address and fix issues, not cover them up.
After the birth of my first child, I realized the potential for he and I to be successful in fields of our interest and choosing required me to leave my family and the only place I had ever lived. I wanted something better for us: a place of opportunity and infinite choice, a place where we would not be inhibited by a constrictive culture that had bound my entire life.
My best friend’s aunt lived in Missouri, so in 2001 that is where my son and I landed. I worked during the day and attended esthetician school in the evening. In a matter of two years, I had earned my esthetician license, was fluent in English, and opened my first spa.
I moved to Texas in 2008 and, with the financial crisis, determined it was not yet time to open a spa. Despite the economy, however, I realized everyone had to eat. I grew up in the restaurant industry working at my parent’s restaurant since I was 10, and knew Frisco was missing an authentic Asian food restaurant. With the quick success of Potstickers and the national economy rebuilt, I was able to accomplish my goal with the opening of Sandalwood Massage & Facial Spa in 2015.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge for me on a personal level was learning English. I could not speak one word when I moved to the United States, but it came surprisingly easy to me. In fact, I now predominately think and dream in English having to make a conscious choice when switching over to speak Chinese. As a business, the greatest obstacle has been gaining traction and marketability of our spa. Word-of-mouth is extremely helpful, especially in a community like Frisco, however we recognize that word-of-mouth alone is not sufficient and have begun the process of developing more strategic and planned marketing initiatives.
Please tell us about Sandalwood Spa.
My businesses are about doing what I love: helping people. It is essential in this field that you feel compelled and passionate about the industry, the techniques and the people. This energy is what fuels my fire and is my driving force toward success. I strive to make the time I am with our guests an experience that makes them forget their worries and lifts their spirits. If our guests can leave the spa feeling a bit more relaxed, a bit more at ease, a bit more elevated, then we’ve done our job well.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could go back, the biggest thing I would have done differently is to hire a manager I trust to run Potstickers so that when I opened the Spa, the majority of my energy could have been focused there instead of splitting 50/50. It’s an ongoing lesson for me to “learn to let go,” but I chose to surround myself with strong, reliable and intelligent staff members that both challenge my thinking and also help keep the businesses running smoothly.
Pricing:
- One Hour Massage: $79.95
- Signature Facial: $89.95
- Introductory Offer (First Time Guests): $59.95/either of the above services
Contact Info:
- Address: 3246 Preston Road
Ste 300, Frisco, TX 75034 - Website: sandalwoodspa.net
- Phone: 469-362-6669
- Email: admin@sandalwoodspa.net
- Facebook: Sandalwood Massage & Facial Spa @sandalwoodspafrisco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sandalwood-massage-and-facial-spa-frisco
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
