Grand Rapids Spa, Body Sculpt Better Body Bar, Recognized as Exemplary Business for National Black Business Month
Body Sculpt Better Body Bar, a female Black-owned wellness spa in Grand Rapids, has been recognized as an exemplary business for National Black Business Month. The spa combines ancient self-care techniques with modern science and technology, offering a unique wellness experience to its clients.
Michigan Women Forward, a community development financial institution that supports women and entrepreneurs of color, has played a crucial role in the success of Body Sculpt Better Body Bar. The nonprofit provided owner Monica Sparks with microloans and technical assistance programs, helping her turn her vision into a reality.
Natalie Hall, Chief Development and Program Officer for Michigan Women Forward, highlighted the significance of spotlighting businesses like Body Sculpt Better Body Bar. She emphasized the need to tell the stories of business owners, particularly those from the Black community, during National Black Business Month. According to Hall, Monica Sparks was chosen for recognition because of her experiences in learning the ropes of business ownership and her role as an elected official in the community.
Monica Sparks founded the spa in 2021, driven by her personal experiences and the desire to provide affordable self-care services to everyone. After battling colon cancer in 2019, Sparks used reflexology as a method of healing. The COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced the importance of wellness, leading her to establish a place where people could relax and rejuvenate.
Body Sculpt Better Body Bar offers a blend of ancient self-care practices and modern science. Services include Reiki, which directs body energies, and Chinese cupping, an alternative medicine technique that treats the skin using cupping therapy. In addition to in-spa treatments, Sparks also offers a unique service called Wellness Wednesdays. She drives her wellness bus to different locations across the Grand Rapids area, providing massages and relaxation services on the go.
Starting a business during the pandemic was undoubtedly challenging for Monica Sparks, but she believed it was necessary. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from Michigan Women Forward, particularly the classes on budgeting and managing capital on a micro-level. Sparks acknowledged the difference between advising other small businesses as a county commissioner and being the one responsible for running every aspect of her own business.
Michigan Women Forward aims to expand economic opportunities for small businesses, especially minority-owned enterprises. By highlighting businesses like Body Sculpt Better Body Bar, the organization strives to increase exposure and support for these businesses within the community. Besides social media promotion, Michigan Women Forward aims to secure media coverage and engage the community to provide valuable exposure.
For Monica Sparks, the spotlight on her business and National Black Business Month means an increased ability to support the community. It sends a powerful message that Black-owned businesses are present and deserving of recognition. Sparks has witnessed the impact firsthand, with people from different backgrounds showing their support and feeling comfortable knowing they can go somewhere owned by someone who looks like them.
As National Black Business Month continues to celebrate the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the economy, the recognition of businesses like Body Sculpt Better Body Bar highlights the importance of diversity and equity. Monica Sparks’ journey and the success of her wellness spa serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs of color, showing that with support and determination, dreams can be turned into reality.
