Bringing holistic wellness to Bedford County
Stephanie Starr and her family are bringing their Southern hospitality to Bedford with a unique holistic approach
Entrepreneurship often starts with a spark of inspiration, and for Stephanie Starr, the founder of Southern Salts, that spark ignited when she visited a salt spa in Wilmington, NC.
“What if I opened a salt spa?” she wondered. She couldn’t let go of the idea. “It was this nagging thought that I should open it,” Starr recalled. A Bedford native, Starr has family in the county and returns frequently to visit from her current home in Wilmington. “I had a dream with a neon sign that said ‘Bedford,’ I knew that was where I needed to open this business,” she said.
With the support of her husband and guidance from mentors like Startup Alleghenies coach Jen Marsh, Starr started writing a business plan. “I reached out to my friends and family in Bedford, where I have roots,” she shared. “Being ten hours away, I just kept thinking, if it were meant to be, each step would be very clear, and everything just kept working out.”
Starr sees the Alleghenies as the perfect place for Southern Salts. “I have seen a change here where people are trying to be healthier and finding alternative ways to do that,” she said. Starr’s salt spa caters to locals and attracts tourists, adding value to the region.
Salt rooms are designed to be relaxing and promote comfort and wellness
Filling the gaps and making the plan
She said the support and guidance she received from Startup Alleghenies has been invaluable throughout this process. “Jen is so fantastic and laid everything out with a to-do list and coordinated meetings,” Starr said. “I have to make the most of my time in Bedford, and with her help, we got everyone we needed in the room.”
“Stephanie is in a unique position,” Marsh said. “She has roots here and is connected in the community but lives in another state. This requires a lot of coordination, and we’ve been able to come alongside her to fill the gaps.”
Being from Bedford, Starr knew this was exactly where she wanted to open her salt spa and help those in her hometown
After months of planning and preparation, Starr opened her salt spa in August 2023, following a year of hard work since July 2022. Since opening, Southern Salts has focused on building its presence and gathering testimonials. “Community support and collaboration among local businesses has been amazing,” she said.
Arrows out philosophy
Starr’s motivation to start Southern Salts is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and values. “I have MS,” she explained, “and I am very conscious of what I put in my body and how to help my body stay healthy.”
Starr’s philosophy for Southern Salts revolves around helping others. She describes it as an “arrows out” approach, focusing on what they can do for others first. “We are centered on what we can do for others and how we can help first,” Starr said. “Helping others ultimately benefits the community and the business.”
“I am huge on helping people,” Starr continued. “This allows me to both help others and prioritize my family.” Starr’s journey as an entrepreneur has been marked by trust and faith. When asked how she knew her idea was big enough to succeed, she humbly responded, “I have learned throughout my life how God is sovereign,” she said. “I trust that the doors opening signify my path forward.”
She shared this advice for other entrepreneurs in the Alleghenies: “Meet with Startup Alleghenies. They will get you on the right path.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
