I spent more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry, specifically hydraulics and machinery. When I told my husband about my idea to open a “rage room” after leaving my previous job - he thought the idea was bizarre to say the least. I got no support. His family and some of mine also thought it was a ridiculous idea. But nothing was going to stop me. I was committed. I was going to be the best. And I was going to prove them all wrong. I received no help either monetarily or moral support from anyone. I had a vision of what I wanted my rage room to look like - meaning the function, what it stood for or what it represented adhering to amazing customer experience. Once the media picked up about Tantrums it has been a whirlwind. It’s been great. Story after story. Article after article. Specials on the BBC, radio shows, TV, and so on. My husband was crying one day when he came up to Tantrums. This was in the beginning. Later that night I asked him what was wrong. His reply was “you’ve done it. You’ve made it happen and I am sorry I did not support you and believe in you. When I saw all the people at your place so happy it made me feel amazing and so proud of you. You are changing the lives of people. Actually, helping their wellbeing.” It made me feel amazing to hear him say that. He’s been on board ever since.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Some of the initial hurdles was advertising. Since there is no market for this in Houston I had the task of creating it. And it was challenging. More expensive than I thought. Luckily for me I have had a ton of free press and media coverage. And that has obviously helped promote Tantrums. Trying to promote your company on a dime requires a lot of thought process. How to do this or that with little or no money.
I promote Tantrums, fun and different but there is a serious side. That is the people that come for therapy just want someone to talk to. Someone to listen to them. That’s what I do - I listen. I am there for them. I make people feel at ease and they open up. And what happens here stays here. What’s discussed stays here. When someone hugs me after a session and they are crying thanking me for being here for them that is what it’s all about for me. Helping people.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Probably the biggest influential factor for Tantrums’ success would have to be the doubters. The people who think this is a dumb idea. That drives me.- everyday. To prove them wrong and have the last laugh. That will be me - I promise you that.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Once thing I would have done differently would have been to start advertising sooner than I did. I think I waited too long. But that’s history now.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
My advice is this. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself. Sometimes yourself is all the cheering section you’ll have but it’ll get you through.
