Champaka CEO / Founder, Miss Lamai was interviewed by Thai Embassy and featured in Business Center USA (ThaiBIC). Original story was published in Spa Success Stories, in May 5, 2021 edition.

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1. How did you start your Business

I am very proud to be Thai. My vision is to make Traditional Thai Massage available to the masses in USA. I want to share the therapeutic healing properties of Thai Massage with my community and neighbors. When I started, I was not sure if there was demand for Traditional Thai Massage in USA. It took many years of planning and professional Massage training before I could open Champaka. We approached several Commercial Banks for a business loan to start our business. After reviewing our Business Plan, a bank believed our business would succeed and agreed to a business loan. (It is important to have a good Business Plan). In addition, we re-financed our house and contributed our savings to purchase our Thai Spa facility in Gainesville, VA (suburb of Washington DC).

In 2014, we opened the first Thai Spa in Prince William County Virginia. The name of our Spa, Champaka, is from my family name Jumpaburi, which means land of the Champaka flower (Leelawadee or Champa Lao). Since my family name is on every service we perform, it is important to provide excellent service. To hear more about my story, see https://www.champakathaimassage.com/blog/2019/3/30/lamais-big-brown-feet

2. What was your job/occupation before opening Spa

I come from an agricultural village in Sakeao Province. At a young age, I worked on a farm with my parents. My work ethic was derived from these experiences where I learned to be honest and put in a hard day's work. This prepared me for work in USA. When I go home to Thailand, everyone thinks my life is easy or that I am rich because I live in USA. They do not realize that I also need to work hard in USA every day to survive.

**Champaka Thai Massage Treatment facility located in Gainesville VA**

3. What is your experience working outside of Thailand?

When I first came to USA, I was shy and could not speak English well. I was only able to entry level jobs at a Thai or American fast-food restaurant. As my English skills progressed, I was able to get better jobs at a Supermarket and Post Office. As a side business, I cooked Thai food sold it to friends, neighbors and coworkers. Thai Food is very popular. It was fun learning a new culture.

As I learned more English, I attend Massage School, passed exam and obtained a Massage license. After graduating Massage School, I worked in an American Massage Spa for 2 years. During that time, I observed every detail how they operated their business and thought how I could apply these business practices to Champaka.

**From Farmer’s Daughter to proud owner of Traditional Thai Massage Spa in USA**

4. What did you learn about operating a business in USA?

In order to compete successfully with American businesses, you need to learn how to set up a business, regulations, taxes, computer software, marketing, website design, spa design, employee management and business operations. You also need to understand the cultural differences to manage American employees and customers.

When I first opened Champaka, I did everything myself; front desk, receptionist, sales, accounting, spa cleaning, janitor and massage. Over 8 years’ experience and lots of lessons learned we developed a Thai Spa operations system. We implemented American business software, systemized our business processes that are documented in our Thai Spa Operation’s Manual. This resulted in a well-run Spa that employees 20 people. Now, I train employees, delegate tasks and manage the spa’s operations.

5. What is your experience operating a business in USA?

American businesses are very well run. USA invented modern business practices. Their schools and colleges graduate experts specializing in the latest business techniques. They have excellent systems, processes and procedures. Competing with American businesses is difficult due to the intense competition. 66% of small business in America fail in the first years of operations. I caution against competing directly head-to-head with American business in the general market unless you have a great business operation, team and resources.

Opportunity exists for a well-run Thai Spa operation. Thai Massage is increasing in popularity as Americans discover the superior therapeutic benefits of Thai Massage over Western Massage. Champaka operates in a protected niche market of Thai Massage in the highly competitive Spa Industry. Thai Culture is deeply woven into Thai Massage thus offers protection from American businesses; Americans cannot easily copy Thai Massage in their spas without losing authenticity.

USA is exciting. There is a lot of opportunity. You see people working hard and becoming successful. It does not matter who you are or where you come from, if you have a good idea and willing to work hard, you can be successful. Coming up with a good idea and executing a business plan is the challenge.

**Lovely team of Champaka Thai Massage & Spa**

6. Are you happy with the results of your business?

Becoming an entrepreneur and starting a successful spa business is an extremely fulfilling experience. I’ve raised my social status from a working-class Thai farmer’s daughter to Founder and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of an overseas business, Champaka Thai Massage & Spa. I am a role model to other minority females that it is possible to be successful in business by staying true to who you, where you come from, without compromising values, without hurting others to get ahead, helping people live healthier happy lives and taking care of employees. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring honor, respect and dignity to Thailand’s cultural heritage and national treasure of Traditional Thai Massage. For these reasons, I am happy.

7. What is the secret to your success?

I learned a lot of valuable lessons studying American business operations, however, there is one area that conflicts with my Thai values. American businesses focus on profit maximization. As a Thai Theravada Buddhist, I am focused to increase my karma by making the world a better place helping others. My greatest form of payment is good karma received from clients by treating their ailments and increasing their well-being. Our front-end spa operation uses world famous friendly Thai hospitality and customer service. (big Thai smile and respectful wai). Our back-end operations use the latest American business technology.

Our American clients noticed this and were delighted. We became a trusted health care provider in our community. We've never advertised our massage business. Our business is 100 % word of mouth and we are frequently booked days in advance. We’ve won several awards such as Best Spa in Northern Virginia, Mindbody Visionary Award and listed as #1 online in Google in our area. If you love what you do, your passion shines through and you will be successful at it. That’s our simple secret and corner stone of our success.

8. How did COVID effect your business? How did we deal with COVID?

Champaka was shut down for 2.5 months during COVID. Customers were cautious about face-to-face contact and were slow to return. In 2020, our revenue decreased 22% from prior year. Because we pay our taxes, the government provided a lot of support to help us and our employees. The majority of our customers come to us for medical conditions or pain, rather than a luxury, and did return. Prior to COVID, we were operating at maximum capacity. The slow down provided an opportunity for us to work on business and facility upgrades. Overall, this was not bad considering the situation.

9. Do you have any advice for Thai people looking to open a Spa Business in USA?

Business ownership and operating a Thai Spa in USA is an exciting experience. American people appreciate that you come to USA to share Thai Culture and the amazing benefits of Thai Massage with them. In return, USA offers financial safety from political risk, currency risk and low corruption. You have access to USA financial markets, stock market, real estate and business opportunities. There are excellent locations in safe upper-class neighborhoods with access to great American public schools for your family. The right Visa is a pathway to Green Card and citizenship. Before you start a business, it is important to understand American business regulations, legal and tax compliance. Our vision is to make Traditional Thai Massage available to the masses in USA. If you are thinking about opening a Thai Spa in USA, have questions or need assistance starting a Thai Spa business in USA, please contact me at Lamai at ChampakaThaiMassage@gmail.com I am happy to assist. Khob Khun Ka. Sawadee Ka!