Welcome to our monthly “Member Spotlight,” where we recognize and celebrate the contributions of the dedicated members of the La Plata Business Association. This month, we are delighted to introduce Holly Dunbar from New Moon Bodyworks. Holly is an exceptional individual with a unique journey that led her to establish an extraordinary business.
Origins
Holly, a Charles County native, grew up on a farm in La Plata and now resides in Newburg, MD. She finds solace in her farm where she has ample space for her thriving plant collection. When she’s not nurturing her green companions, Holly is an avid reader, with a particular love for historical fiction. She is also a multi-talented musician, playing flute, guitar, and singing as a member of the renowned bluegrass group, The Port Tobacco Pickers.
But what led Holly to start her own business? Surprisingly, she didn’t initially plan to venture into entrepreneurship. Her path to holistic health began with a desire to understand plants’ healing properties and our connection to them. She pursued massage therapy to learn about anatomy and physiology, which served as a foundation for her subsequent studies in herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Naturally, as her practice evolved and her product line flourished, New Moon Bodyworks emerged as a natural extension of Holly’s growth.
New Moon Bodyworks
What sets New Moon Bodyworks apart within the La Plata Business Association? Holly proudly describes her business as a cottage industry, handcrafting all their products using natural and organic raw materials. With 30 years of experience, Holly’s recipes and formulations reflect her extensive knowledge of plants and their practical applications. The services offered by New Moon Bodyworks are tailor-made to meet each client’s unique needs, provided by highly trained and experienced therapists.
Celebrating major milestones is vital for any business, and New Moon Bodyworks has much to commemorate. Officially established in 1996, the business has stood strong for over two decades, a testament to their commitment and expertise!
Of course, no business journey is without its challenges. Holly candidly shares that finding talented Massage Therapists to join their team has been a struggle. The demand for their services often exceeds their capacity, leaving potential clients disappointed. But Holly remains optimistic and hopeful, appreciating the support of the La Plata Business Association and its members.
Speaking of support, Holly values the annual “Shop Small” event and hopes for stronger mentoring opportunities within the LPBA. Acknowledging the different needs of businesses at various stages, she extends her warm welcome to newcomers in the healing arts industry.
On the horizon
Exciting events are on the horizon at New Moon Bodyworks! Holly will be teaching a series of classes at the College of Southern MD, covering topics such as foraging for wild foods, aromatherapy, couples massage, and building an herbal home pharmacy. Be sure to mark your calendars and take advantage of these incredible learning opportunities.
What’s Holly’s vision for the future of her business? As a practitioner, she looks forward to further writing, teaching, and product development. Holly hopes to expand her team, welcoming additional practitioners to serve their ever-growing clientele.
For fellow members of the La Plata Business Association or anyone considering starting their own business, Holly has some valuable advice to share: Embrace your unique perspective and passion. Remember that hard work and perseverance will yield long-lasting rewards. It’s essential to keep pushing forward, knowing that success often requires time and patience.
Let’s rally around Holly and New Moon Bodyworks, supporting their mission to promote holistic healing and well-being within our community. Together, we can make La Plata a hub of thriving local businesses!
Please note: To learn more about Holly Dunbar and New Moon Bodyworks, keep an eye out for their upcoming events, classes, and promotions. Check out New Moon Bodyworks at https://www.newmoonbody.com/
