VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

Michelle Lamb, owner of Lemongrass Day Spa, never had plans of going into the spa industry or opening her own business.

It wasn’t until she talked to a friend who worked for Repechage that she considered entering the spa industry.

“I was talking to a make-up artist that worked for Repechage, and we were talking about their products that they sell and carry,” Lamb said. “And really because of her, I got into it. I still use their products to this day. They are amazing. Repechage means to give your skin a second chance.”

After deciding to enter the field in 2004, Lamb spent two years working at a spa and learned her craft.

It was during those two years that Lamb recognized her work as more than a way to pay bills; it was a calling.

“As I started getting into this, and I was working on a client, a very Christian lady, and she asked me if I ever thanked God for my job and the talent that I have,” Lamb said. “She told me that I had such a talent with my hands and I have such a way with my hands.”

For Lamb, the words lit up a lightbulb in her head.

“I was in my 30s looking for my calling in life and here it was,” she said.

After realizing the spa industry is her calling in life, Lamb and one of her spa colleagues opened Lemongrass Day Spa in 2006 at 104 W. Northside Drive; however, after a year of business, Lamb bought her business partner’s portion of the business.

Lamb chose the name Lemongrass Day spa for two reasons. 

The first is because her business serves male and female clients and doesn’t want a name that sounded too “foo foo” for men. 

The other reason is lemongrass can be used in many different treatments at the spa, so she thought it would be a fitting name for her business.

After being in business for five years on Northside Drive, Lamb said it had outgrown the building and she had to decide to either stay and be content with the size of her business or to move and continue to grow. She chose the latter.

After looking at several properties throughout Valdosta, Lamb spoke with a realtor and realized the cost of renting or buying a building was about the same as building a new structure. She moved her business into Summit Pointe on Country Club Road in 2011.

Since moving to her current location, Lamb has worked to learn more about her industry and the newest products.

“I go to a lot of shows and I’m in touch with a lot of other business owners who are in this industry,” she said. “I like things that nobody else has. I like to have things that are unique.”

As for what advice Lamb would offer to a new entrepreneur, she said things won’t always be easy, so do something you love.

“I’ve been in business for 12 years. Of course, there are obstacles that occur,” she said. “You press through them, and you never give up.

“Love what you do. You have to. It’s going to be long hours. You are going to have to put your blood, heart and soul into it. It’s not going to be easy, but never give up. And honestly, if you put your mind to it, you can do it.”

Lemongrass Day Spa, 3338 Country Club Road, Suite D, is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (229) 244-4111. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.