As we come close to entering our third decade of business, I thought it would be the right time to put into words where we came from, what we went through to get there, and think about where we are going. It feels a little like asking your grandparents to tell their story, as there is importance to immortalizing a family’s history – and family we certainly are.
I entered The Peace Corps after graduating from college in 1994 with not really any idea on where I was going to end up career-wise. I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger – something of importance- but had no idea what that would be. Peace Corps led me to working for an international development contractor in DC until I had my first acupuncture treatment. Overworked (by my own people-pleasing nature) and exhausted, I turned to my acupuncturist and said, “You earn a living doing this? Making people feel so good?”. Within months I quit my job and pursued a 4 year Masters of Acupuncture program.
I was always entrepreneurial. I grew up running lemonade stands, playing store in our garage, and entered acupuncture school with a plan for something big and important: I was going to own a wellness center. I didn’t feel like I could do it without professional credentialing but somehow thought I could do it without having taken any business classes. It’s just a big lemonade stand anyway, right?
My husband and I moved to Takoma Park in 2005 and the commercial real estate in an old town vibe was exactly what I had envisioned. I started renting one room in a charming historical building and slowly built my acupuncture practice. I remember the rent was $800/month and new how many clients I needed to break even. It was a lot. I was referring my clients out to massage therapists, herbalists, and coaches and got the idea that maybe they’d like to rent from me. Quickly I was breaking even just from renting to other like-minded practitioners. Phew, I was able to build my business. One day I noticed the building across the street was up for rent. I checked out the space and it was perfect for four treatment rooms. I signed a lease and moved in within weeks.
On July 4, 2007 The Still Point was born. I had a 14 month old who was now sleeping through the night but I was awake with infinite energy at 3am sketching out what The Still Point was going to be. I’d invite like-minded practitioners – acupuncturists, massage therapists, a shamanic healer…we’d collaborate on helping people find their still point. I was against calling it a spa because spas were such a “treat” – a once-a-year-on-your-birthday type place. I wanted to create a healing respite where wellness was a habit.
Over the past 19 years, I’ve earned what feels like an on-the-job MBA, learning everything from scratch through trial, error, and sheer persistence. We didn’t have corporate handbooks or startup capital, just a vision and a willingness to feel our way through the dark. The biggest lessons weren’t about finances or marketing (though both matter), but about people, the incredible team members who’ve shaped this place, and the unwavering support of the Takoma Park community. This town has lifted us through some of our hardest moments, from a devastating flood to a six-month COVID shutdown. I’ll never forget the man who knocked on our door during that uncertain time and told me The Still Point had saved his life. People need The Still Point.
We had hundreds of members pay for their membership during those shut-down COVID months with no promise we were going to reopen. We felt so supported by the Old Takoma Business Association, too. We reopened and within a year were back to pre-COVID numbers and since then our growth has been exponential.
This essay is turning out to be a small business’s memoir, but I want to end it by summing up the essence of The Still Point. Thinking back on the years, as much as our world has changed, The Still Point hasn’t changed that much. We are a team of healing practitioners and support staff members who care about everyone who walks in our doors. We care deeply about the people who work here – as much as our clients – as we would be nothing without them. The energy when you walk through our doors takes stress away and gives you a respite from what lately seems like an impossibly upside-down world. We invite you to experience the healing you deserve and can’t wait to help you find your Still Point.
xoxo
Tori Paide, Founder
