“As my professional goals and business model evolved, I realized that I needed to be in the right space, physically and financially, to bring my vision to fruition,” says Blythe Payne, owner of More Than Skin Deep.
Here’s how two loans from Pursuit and our Business Advisory Services are helping Blythe grow her holistic-care business from its new home in Westhampton Beach, NY.
Years of practice lead to a business pivot
Blythe became a licensed massage therapist in 2001, often working as an independent contractor for other wellness practices as she built her clientele. In 2012, she expanded her practice as a licensed esthetician focused on holistic services.
By 2021, she began to focus on a long-held dream of opening her own wellness center because, as she explains, “The hands-on work I do has always been at the heart of my services, but now I also help clients explore deeper issues that are resulting in their physical pain and challenges so that they can achieve a more lasting sense of well-being.”
Along with this evolution, Blythe realized she needed to move from a home-based practice to a brick-and-mortar presence for her business to reach its full potential – including engaging more clients with her array of whole-health offerings.
“I wanted to create a space and experience that was truly transformative – calm, welcoming, beautiful – and that can be hard to do in a home-based practice,” Blythe says.
To achieve her vision, she needed financing to secure a lease, renovate the space to her standards, and market her practice – and that led to a search for the right financing partner.
A recommendation leads to Pursuit
“I’ve got a friend who’s part of a networking group with me and I trust her in several advisory capacities. When she told me about Pursuit, her recommendation was enough for me to move forward,” Blythe says.
Blythe connected with Pursuit Vice President Leo Zhang. Together, they reviewed loan options and soon, Blythe had applications underway for two loans – an SBA Microloan and an Impact Loan, which provides financing for established business and entrepreneurs.
“I had a business line of credit but I’d never applied for a small business loan, so I went with what I thought would be the more likely ‘yes,’ which was the SBA Microloan,” Blythe explains. “Fortunately, Leo also encouraged me to try for the Impact Loan, which would enable me to refinance debt I’d taken on to move my business forward. It was great advice and I was thrilled that it worked out.”
Even though she was a first-time applicant, Blythe says that the process wasn’t difficult. “I was surprised by how smooth the loan process was,” she says. “As long as you have your business documents together, it’s straightforward, and the Pursuit team was there for me throughout.”
With funds in hand, Blythe made the move to her new location.
Business Advisory Services: A game-changer for Pursuit clients
Blythe says the help from Pursuit has gone well beyond financing. She explains, “Pursuit really wants business owners to succeed, so they give us a lot of tools within the scope of the loan.”
Borrowers who receive financing from Pursuit are eligible for free Business Advisory Services – a team of expert consultants who work with business owners in key areas including financial management, human resources, and marketing.
Blythe is working with Pursuit Vice President and Senior Business Strategist Christophe Pane to hone her financial management and business-planning skills.
“Christophe helps me understand how to value my time and we’re working on business strategy and financials, including breaking down services by cost and profitability and identifying potential revenue streams,” Blythe says. “I’m a holistic-wellness practitioner by training, so learning these skills is a tremendous help for my business and my confidence. Also, the team is helping me create and manage a social-media presence to grow awareness and engage new clients.”
Pursuit can help your business meet your vision, too
“As entrepreneurs, often what holds us back is fear of rejection or just not knowing what to do,” Blythe admits. “But you have to go for it, including getting the right financing partner. There’s so much to be gained. Do your best and Pursuit can help!”
Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand to meet an evolving vision, Pursuit can help.
With loans from $10,000 to $5.5 million, we have financing for working capital, equipment, the purchase or construction of commercial real estate, to refinance business debt, and more for businesses in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Nevada, Illinois, and Washington. And our Business Advisory Services are available to you as a Pursuit borrower to help you succeed.
Contact us to learn more.
