Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Johnson.
Carmen, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My background in Early Childhood Education and my passion for teaching children led me to start a business in the children’s party planning business. As a teacher… I hosted many classroom birthday parties over my 25-year teaching career. From those experiences with classroom birthday parties, the idea of kids’ party planning was birth after retirement. I began hosting in-home spa parties traveling over the Metro Atlanta from home to home. I began researching mobile spa buses in Texas and that sparked the idea to purchase a bus of my own. I began shopping for shuttle buses and looking for a contractor or company that could convert the bus into a mobile spa. I was very fortunate after looking at several buses.
I found my bus for sale right here in my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. My bus was already branded with the name The Swanky Spa Bus and I was not sure if I wanted to keep the name or use my name Pamper Us Pretty. Additionally, I decided to keep the previous owner’s name because the name was well known here in Atlanta and the bus was already wrapped. Once I purchased the bus, I began to promote my business on social media and started to network with many businesses in my community. Also, I set out to promote my new business by establishing a lead generation and email marketing campaign.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It wasn’t smooth sailing, in the beginning, Challenges such as finding committed employees, finding a place to park my bus, figuring out my water source because the previous owner did not have a water tank added, having to add a second compressor to improve the air conditioning in 85 to 90-degree weather during the summer months were all challenges to name a few. The challenges of starting a new business in a new industry has taught me how to pivot to keep my business thriving.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Swanky Spa Bus – what should we know?
The Swanky Spa Bus is a Spa Party Bus for girls ages 3-16. Our spacious spa party bus rolls out the purple carpet and spares no expense when it comes to a lavish style. Our spa bus is Swanked out with glitter walls, and comfortable spa seats, 50 in flats res teen TV to watch a favorite movie in addition to a full-blown Karaoke machine. We are a girl’s mobile spa party company that specializes in themed birthday parties such as Unicorn, Lol, Jojo Siwa, TikTok, Princess, Emoji, Barbie, American Girl Doll, Slime Party, Paint Partie’s, Rockstar, Cupcake/Donut, Paris and in-home Teepee sleepover tent parties.
We offer team bonding, girls day out, Girl Scouts, cheer squads sweet sixteen and (S.T.E.M.) Fab Lab. We bring the spa party to your doorsteps, roll out the purple carpet and let the party begin. Our motto is to educate, entertain and inspire girls, boost self- confidence, team building, self-awareness and communication skills. Every little girl loves to be pampered, so we offer mini mani, mini pedis, mini facials, karaoke, glow in the dark disco party, fashion show, lemonade toast, purple carpet entrance, popcorn, movie, drinks and goodie bags. I am most proud to see how happy and excited the girls are when they board the spa bus and the responses from the mothers are priceless and unmatched. The fact that we are a mobile spa company sets us apart from others and categorize us as a unique niche. We also travel outside of Atlanta and a travel fee is accessed. We provide a unique and unforgettable spa-like experience. Give us a call to schedule a consultation soon. Check out our reviews on our website. We would love to see your review soon.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In order to succeed, integrity is an important trait to have. When you are honest, people will believe in you and it will help to make you more successful. Also, as an educator, the path was paved from the classroom to the business world along with good work habits, positive image, creativity and character.
Pricing:
- Basic Spa Party package $450
- Custom Spa Package $650
- Tent Parties Starting at $1,000
- DIY Spa Boxes delivered to your doorsteps $60
- Virtual Spa Parties $$125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swankybus.com
- Phone: (770) 369-9956
- Email: info@swankybus.com
- Instagram: @swankyspabus
- Facebook: swankyspabus
- Other: carmenjohnson.podia.com
Image Credit:
Tyrus Davis Photography
Disnapz Photography – Daisy Lee
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