Youth on the Move, A Business Success Story – Andrea McKinley

Andrea McKinley Owner Registered Massage & Therapies

What follows is one story – in a series of stories – that celebrates entrepreneurial success, success made possible not only by the hard work of the business owner, but also by the availability of financing made possible by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, a program administered locally by Trenval Business Development Corporation.

From setting, to stage, to performance, everything is perfectly on cue. Andrea McKinley, Registered Massage Therapist, has created a home based spa. The walls are a warm green, calming music fills the air and the products and essential oils that Andrea has researched over many years are on-hand. The massage table is wrapped in fresh white towels and the stone tiled floor completes the invitation to slow down, unwind and take time – time for YOU. Whether for relaxation, relief from injury or a health issue, you’ll bask in this serene environment. Just fifteen minutes from Belleville and Quinte West, it is a set-up that is hard to duplicate.

Andrea’s background – a B.A., a Masters, and an MBA, coupled with ten years working for the Federal Government -would hardly portend her change of occupation to massage therapy! But she had always had a passion for health, wellness and alternative therapies. So, acting on a suggestion from her massage therapist a few years ago, she went back to school to earn her Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) license through the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. With this recognized certification, Andrea’s services are covered by most insurance providers. (Currently, Andrea is also working towards her certification in homeopathy. Talk about lifelong learning!)

Her services range from massage to CranioSacral Therapy, Mud Wraps, Reflexology, Reiki and beyond. She takes time and care to describe the benefits of each therapy and offers information online at www.Andreanmckinley.ca.In person, the same care is taken to listen intently to each client, to his or her body and then offer information and education.

Andrea planned her business carefully, and part of that planning included a visit to Trenval Business Development Corporation to apply for Canadian Youth Business Foundation financing. “Trenval, and Amber Darling in particular, were great. They had a lot of information and gave me many different options to choose from. Were it not for Trenval, I would likely be working for someone else right now, instead of being my own boss. Trenval and CYBF gave me the opportunity to start my own business, and I will forever be grateful for that”, says Andrea without hesitation.

The CYBF Start-up Program requires that each young entrepreneur have a mentor throughout the first two years of the business. Anthony Brooks, owner of Alota Tile, works with Andrea regularly. “Anthony has been a great motivator! Such mentoring really is a key to my success,” adds Andrea.

If you have a business idea and need financial support, CYBF and Trenval may be able to help. Contact Amber Darling at 613 961-7999 or email adarling@trenval.on.ca

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is a national organization dedicated to growing Canada’s economy one young entrepreneur at a time. The CYBF Program helps youth aged 18 -39 with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and on-going mentoring.

Visit www.cybf.ca for more information.

Northeast EMC | Trenval, Ontario