Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Vanmeter
Hi Tania, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My beginnings were humble. I grew up in a broken home with a single mom and four siblings during the late 70s and early 80s. We were poor, living in motel rooms and spending our evenings at JoJo’s coffee shop, watching movies at the drive-in across the street. Without the support of our local church and grandparents, I honestly don’t know how we would have survived. High school was tough. The memory that still haunts me is the smell of my shoes, because my mom couldn’t afford anything better. Early on, I learned that if I fought back, the other girls would leave me alone, so I spent much of my childhood fighting instead of nurturing the caring side of me.
At 15, I moved out of my mom’s home and spent a year in California before returning to Texas. Even then, I knew I wanted more, but wasn’t sure how to achieve it. At 19, I enrolled in college to study Shakespearean History and film. I loved it but couldn’t afford to continue, so I joined the Army. The military was a pivotal time in my life. I made lifelong friends, met my first husband, and in 1996, we moved to the DC area, where I had my first son. In DC, I realized I disliked working in large offices; it was draining, with little room for growth.
In 2001, I remarried, had my second son, and in 2009, I began studying to become a Registered Medical Assistant while raising my boys. By 2010, I landed my first job at a pediatric practice in Houston. It felt like I was finally on track, though I didn’t know what was coming next.
From 2011 to 2019, I was a stay-at-home mom, struggling with self-identity and depression. Despite loving motherhood, I knew there was more for me. I remember praying early in my motherhood, asking for the strength to raise my boys, trusting that God would bless me when the time was right. That time came in 2019 when I completed my Registered Yoga Therapist training and opened Yoga with Breeze. Just as I was starting, COVID hit. Unsure of my next step, a suggestion to become a massage therapist changed everything. As I went through the course, I realized this was the culmination of all my hardships—everything had led me here.
I graduated, worked at a local spa, and opened my first boutique. When that didn’t last, I moved on to a med spa in Wimberley, Texas, learning about the industry and making valuable connections. In 2023, a local venue owner, Susan from Sinya, reached out for help with spa services. I reached out to therapist friends, and what started out slow turned into the launch of Nola Scott’s. Nola Scott was my grandmother. Somehow, I created a spa management company serving venues, Airbnbs, and local businesses with onsite spa services. This led to the opening of my first Body Boutique in New Braunfels.
On April 7, I’ll be opening La Belle Epoch by Nola Scott’s in downtown New Braunfels, a female veteran-owned business. We’ll offer holistic healing through bodywork, massage, yoga therapy, and non-invasive body contouring. Although we’re not making millions, we’re helping others, and that’s the biggest win. My story may not reach everyone, but if it helps even one person find their way, that’s everything to me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is any road truly smooth? Being a woman is often the biggest hurdle, facing resistance from both men and women. Building a business from scratch with limited funds has been tough—everything I invest comes from my own earnings. I took out a loan with Square and used a few credit cards, but I wouldn’t recommend that path. Finding an affordable space is tough, especially with large corporations and franchises making it harder for startups. I’ve also realized that not all local business owners are open to newcomers. But obstacles are just reasons to quit, and quitting is not an option for me—I’m a survivor.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nola Scott’s?
Nola Scott’s is a spa management group that provides spa services to Airbnbs, event venues, private parties, individuals, and businesses. We are different because we actually bring a full-service spa to the locations, not just massage. We are known for our professionalism and quality of services. We also have a brick and mortar location in New Braunfels, and are in process of opening a one of a kind Speakeasy 1920’s inspired Functional Wellness Spa in historic New Braunfels. We specialize in different areas and provide a large menu of services to include: traditional massage, eastern massage, body work for individuals who suffer from chronic pain, illnesses, and crippling disease, non-invasive body contouring, non-chemical facials, non-invasive facelift massage, neuro-muscular massage for TMJ/migraine, reflexology, yoga therapy, body wraps for all skin types, body scrubs, cranial-sacral work, lymphatic drainage, and sports massage. I strive to make sure that every individual is given the quality they deserve and that is why we keep our locations small. I am known best for my body and energy work.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Our Grand Opening Party for La Belle Epoch by Nola is on April 7. It will be an opportunity for the community to see our new space for the first time. We are located at 193 San Antonio St, downtown New Braunfels, 2nd floor of the Phoenix Saloon Building. We plan to be very involved in the community Art Walk once a month, allowing local artists and Artisans to display their work. We also have a plan to implement a community book club meeting once a month where we will explore local authors and their work. The products we will sell will all come from local artisans and we encourage any and all persons who have a niche for creating organic products for the skin to please come see us. Every Saturday from 9-1 is the local New Braunfels Farmers Market, we will be available at the location during this time to provide discounted services. Nola Scott’s boutique is located at 900 S Landa, we are known for our prenatal massages, sports massages, and traditional massages, but also provide energy work. Nola Scott’s, LLC is always on the look out for more airbnbs, event venues, private parties, and businesses that are in need of our services.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://nolascott.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolascotts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NolaScotts/
Image Credits
Trendy Marketing
