Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Conti.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The concept of Tocar Spa started in 2001, during my sophomore year of college during a “Spanish 101” class presentation. Students were asked to present on a topic of interest, and massage therapy was high on my list. I’d recently purchased my first massage table and was reading all the books I could get my hands on regarding the history, theory, and application of massage therapy.
I was first exposed to the concept of therapy and body work during high school while playing football (1999 4A State Champions – Eleanor Roosevelt).I was intrigued with the idea of soft tissue therapy and saw its applications beyond the sports world. That initial spark of curiosity and interest has carried me through my career.
I became a business owner so that I could be in direct control of my life, particularly in regards to my schedule. I wanted to spend time doing things that were important to me, like helping people feel better and move with greater quality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s been a smooth road, but for sure it’s been a rewarding one. We face the same struggles that most small businesses face: staffing, systems, and scaling. Learning how to navigate all three of these challenges simultaneously has been hard, but not impossible. We have been blessed with educational and experiential learning opportunities (HoCo Higher, Goldman Sachs 10KSB, Leadership Howard County) as well as the support from our local government and the enduring support of our clients, without them none of our growth would be possible.
Obviously a huge struggle takes us back to COVID and the sheer weight and stress of that period. It was truly a seminal period in Tocar’s history. Initially we were grounded for 4 months and were only able to survive via a mix of local and state government grants and the PPP loan from the federal side.
To put that into perspective from 2019 – 2020 we had a 46.8% drop in revenue. That number would usually be a death sentence for a small business. We were able to bounce back, again with the support of our clients and the growth of our membership program we were able to quickly gain year over year and bounce back to pre Covid revenue levels by 2023.
In 2024 we had exponential growth and were 40.9% higher than the previous year. The swing and rebound has been an incredible ride to a part of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Tocar Spa ?
Tocar Spa is a boutique wellness destination located in Columbia, Maryland, known for delivering thoughtful, high-quality massage and bodywork in a calm, welcoming environment. We specialize in personalized therapeutic care—meeting each client where they are and tailoring every session to support relaxation, recovery, and long-term wellness.
Our relational based customer service sets us apart from all of our competitors. We are truly intentional about making the experience customizable for each client. From the local selection of vendors, intimate ambiance, service based specialities, to our booking process we put our clients at the heart of everything we do.
I want your readers to know that we aren’t a sterile franchise where the employees are giving the same cookie cutter experience to each client. We partner with our clients to provide them a one of a kind experience. Tocar Spa is privately owned and operated by an owner who lives in and is invested in the community not only in a business aspect, but also through public service (Chair, Maryland State Massage Board & Hoco Human Trafficking Commission).
I am proud that the Tocar brand is becoming recognized as a leader in the massage industry and is well regarded by our clients and other businesses alike.
We offer massages, facials, scrubs, and waxing services. Our massage treatments range from prenatal to post surgical orthopedic massages.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Seek mentorship and stay curious. Engage your staff and make room for regular checkins.
Pricing:
- 60 MIn Massage Membership – $125
- 90 Min Massage Membership – $165
- Facial Membership – $145
- 60 Min Prenatal Massage – $165
- Customized Facial – $165
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tocarspa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tocarspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TocarSpa
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tocar-spa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tocarspa
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tocar_spa?_r=1&_t=ZP-96C336LcN8o
