Ashley Patrick has been a massage therapist in Rochelle for the past 12 years. On Thursday, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Ap Massage Therapy, a business of her own at 951 S. 7th St. in Rochelle.
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ROCHELLE — Ashley Patrick has been a massage therapist in Rochelle for the past 12 years.
On Thursday, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Ap Massage Therapy, a business of her own at 951 S. 7th St. in Rochelle.
“I've always been within someone else's business, so this is my chance to go out on my own and do my own thing and get more involved with my community,” Patrick said. “Even though I've been doing it for so long, it's just a lot of what-ifs when you're finally going out on your own and taking that leap. It's nice to be part of the chamber and to get their support along with the city."
Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera and Mayor John Bearrows attended the ribbon cutting for Patrick and Ap Massage Therapy.
“When you open a business, you can choose anywhere to do it,” Herrera said. “We are always very grateful that people choose Rochelle. Welcome to the chamber and welcome to this new space. It's a beautiful spot. We wish you well."
Bearrows said one of the best parts about being mayor is being able to welcome businesses to the community.
“When you open a new business, what you receive besides a gathering like this to cut a ribbon is a tremendous amount of support,” Bearrows said. “You have a big team behind you for support. On behalf of the city, I want to welcome you not only into Rochelle, but as a new business."
Patrick said her business has been open for one month so far and things have been going “really well” since. She’s been “pretty much fully-booked” and clients and the community have come out to support her. She’s had the opportunity to build a large client base during her time in town. A lot of her clients have started to feel like family.
When looking at everyone in attendance at the ribbon cutting, Patrick said she loved seeing the amount of support she’s gained.
“There's a lot of unknowns doing something like this and to see so many people show up and show their support really makes me feel so much better about my decision,” Patrick said. "I waited a long time for this opportunity, so it's good to see the amount of support that I've had in this decision."
