Space To Be You
About the Company
Space To Be You was founded to serve mental health professionals in need of therapy rooms for rent in London. Located in Hackney, East London, the center hosts a wide range of therapists, including counselors, psychotherapists, and massage therapists. Designed to fill a gap in the market for accessible therapy spaces, the business is rapidly expanding, averaging two new therapists monthly and aiming to continue this growth. By catering to a high demand for well-located, specialized therapy rooms, Space To Be You meets the needs of both therapists and clients in a central and convenient location.
The company's primary service is the rental of therapy rooms on an hourly or daily basis. Bryan and Izabela recognized the importance of offering high-quality spaces that prioritize client comfort and therapist convenience, including soundproof rooms, accessibility to public transportation, and nearby amenities. With Bryan’s digital marketing skills and Izabela’s industry expertise, the business differentiates itself by maintaining a high standard in both room quality and service accessibility.
Idea Behind Company
The concept for Space To Be You arose when the Hunters were informed of a property with multiple therapy-friendly rooms in Hackney. They anticipated that post-pandemic demand for mental health services would increase significantly, creating a need for well-maintained therapy spaces. Izabela, a professional psychotherapist, had been searching for space to expand her practice and offer additional rental rooms for other therapists. The couple saw this as a strategic business opportunity, especially given government support schemes for startups during the pandemic.
With Bryan’s interest in creating a brick-and-mortar business, they identified that a therapy center would provide a stable and rewarding venture. Their combined experience—Bryan in digital marketing and Izabela in psychotherapy—enabled them to devise a sustainable model that catered specifically to therapists’ logistical needs and the public’s mental health demands.
Creating the Company
In the early planning stages, the Hunters conducted comprehensive market research, analyzing similar businesses within a 10-mile radius to understand demand and competition. They assessed potential clients’ needs and determined that Hackney, being well-connected and densely populated, was an ideal location for a therapy center. Additionally, their competitive analysis included a focus on play therapy rooms, a niche with limited availability in the area, which helped define their services.
They secured funding through personal savings, loans, and a UK government startup loan scheme that supported business planning and initial costs. This allowed them to lease an entire floor in a Hackney building, although it required extensive renovations. With careful budgeting and a clear business plan, the Hunters invested in quality furnishings and interior design to create an inviting and professional environment for therapists and clients.
Launching the Business
The loan scheme provided not only financial support but also access to a mentor who guided them in business planning and financial forecasting. The Hunters contributed personal funds to demonstrate commitment and secured a $70,000 loan, which they planned to repay within two years. Negotiating the lease and coordinating renovations proved to be the most challenging part, as they worked to transform the leased space into a functional and appealing therapy center.
Once renovations were complete, Bryan’s digital marketing expertise played a critical role in attracting their initial clientele. Leveraging SEO, pay-per-click (PPC) ads, and social media lead generation, they targeted therapists searching for therapy rooms. The Hunters utilized their personal contacts to launch with a foundational group of therapists, ensuring the center’s website had professional listings that would appeal to new clients.
Earnings
Today, Space To Be You generates approximately $12,000 in monthly revenue and has a positive growth outlook, with plans to expand across London. Marketing channels with the highest ROI, including SEO, PPC, and local directories, have helped drive traffic and inquiries, with SEO becoming the leading strategy. Bryan optimized the website with inquiry forms, "book session" buttons, and a user-friendly design to convert site visits into bookings.
Within their first year, the Hunters achieved enough revenue to cover their operating costs and aim to repay the initial loan within the next year. As demand for therapy grows, they are planning to open additional locations. Their commitment to client satisfaction, market demand, and strategic marketing positions Space To Be You as a sustainable and scalable venture within the mental health services industry.
