Veronica Swiatek, Founder & President, Massage Studio

What's a risk you took that paid off? (Or didn't, and what did you learn?)

Starting Massage Studio from scratch, with no brand recognition, no safety net, and at the onset of the 2008 recession. I invested everything I had and stepped into one of the most uncertain economic periods in recent history. There were moments where survival felt like the only goal. But that experience built resilience, discipline, and an unwavering belief in what I was creating. It didn’t just pay off in so many different ways, it shaped how I lead, how I adapt, and how I make decisions under pressure.

What's the single decision that had the greatest impact on your professional success?

Stepping outside of my comfort zone. Whether it was starting my business, exploring other business opportunities, or putting myself in rooms where I had to grow quickly, I learned that progress doesn’t happen where you’re comfortable. The willingness to ask questions, take risks, and learn from others accelerated everything for me.

What did you have to unlearn in order to grow?

The idea that everything has to be perfect. I believed I needed the perfect plan, the perfect solution, the perfect timing. That tendency hasn’t completely gone away, but now I’m more aware of it. I’ve learned to recognize when perfectionism is holding me back and consciously choose progress instead.

How do you handle being underestimated?

I’ve learned not to internalize it. Instead, I let my work, consistency, and results speak for themselves. Confidence doesn’t have to be loud. I’ve found that when you are confident, you don’t need to prove it in every moment. And when you do choose to speak, people listen. Staying humble while believing in yourself is a powerful combination.

Do you have any advice for emerging female professionals early in their careers?

Understand what inspires and motivates you, and then pursue it with intention. Trust your instincts, they’re usually right. You will face obstacles; that’s part of the process, not a sign to stop. Stay curious, keep learning, and be open to opportunities, even the ones you don’t fully understand yet. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from simply showing up and being willing to learn. Even one takeaway from an experience makes it worthwhile.

Feel free to share anything else you’d like to add. 

Time goes by quickly, faster than you expect, and it’s something you don’t fully realize until you’re deep into building your career. It’s easy to keep pushing, thinking you’ll slow down later. But later comes faster than you think. Make time for yourself, for the people you care about, and for the life you’re working so hard to create. Balance isn’t something you find, it’s something you choose. Some days I nail it… other days, not so much. But I keep trying.