First Friday Success Stories: Acupuncture by Grace & Bluewater Acupuncture

September 1, 2017

This is an ongoing installment of First Friday Success Stories. On the first Friday of every month, we will feature an area business that has worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselor housed at the AAEDC office in Annapolis. The SBDC counselor is on hand to assist local entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses.

 

 

 

 

Client Name/Owner: Grace Kalakay and Monica Cater
Name of Business: Acupuncture by Grace, Bluewater Acupuncture 
SBDC Counselor: Candace Pruett
Website: www.acupuncturebygrace.com & www.bluewater-acupuncture.com

Monica Cater is the owner of Bluewater Acupuncture LLC, and Grace Kalakay is the owner of Acupuncture by Grace LLC. The ladies met while pursuing their master’s degrees at Maryland University of Integrative Health, and were interested in opening their own acupuncture studios. They have just launched the opening of both of their companies in Gambrills at 750 MD Rt. 3 South.

Monica Cater first learned about the SBDC while sitting in on a meeting with one of her colleagues. During this meeting, she mentioned her idea of opening up her own business after school. Monica then set her own one-on-one meeting with SBDC Consultant, Candace Pruett to discuss market research about opening her own acupuncture practice. Monica mentions, “Candace Pruett is amazing! She provided us a wealth of information including resources available to assist with the business, ideas, and important considerations, specifically tailored to meet our needs and requirements. Her guidance was paramount for establishing a successful glide path to opening our business!” Monica then recruited Grace Kalakay to the SBDC program.

After realizing all of the factors involved with starting a business, Monica and Grace decided that this daunting task may be more attainable by combining their resources and ideas. After finding the perfect property, Monica and Grace began the design, construction and set up of their new businesses in April 2017.

Monica and Grace then scheduled a meeting together with Candace where they discussed market research, business planning, accounting, banking, websites and social media.  Grace describes her experience working with SBDC as, “I am so grateful for Candace Pruett! She kept me on track with completing all of the necessary items for the successful launch of my business. Now, I can effectively be a community resource for health promotion and disease prevention.”

Monica and Grace launched their opening with a ribbon cutting from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Small Business Development Center on Monday, August 28^th. They will have a grand opening reception on Sunday, September 10^th from 4 to 6pm open to all.

For more information on either business check out their websites at:

www.acupuncturebygrace.com and www.bluewater-acupuncture.com.

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