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A Holistic Approach (AHA) in Glen Carbon provides the community and surrounding areas with methods to improve lives through stress reduction. Holistic means focusing on the client as a whole. It utilizes teamwork and taking a comprehensive look at how to support each individual through massage, oils, wellness education, yoga and meditation.

New owner Kendra Sweezey-Errar is a registered nurse and massage therapist, and is currently working as a hospice nurse. She is motivated to continue the mission and values of previous owner Kayci Combs-Lueker.

A Holistic Approach will have its grand reopening from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Throughout the day, they will be offering several mini-sessions on toxin-free living, tarot readings, massages and more. There will be other holistic vendors attending, and there will be raffle drawing for attendees.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has been able to assist Sweezey-Errar in managing her new business and providing guidance for all of her business needs.

SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May provided no-cost, one-on-one counseling to Sweezey-Errar on registering her business as an LLC and provided an outline to efficiently complete the process.

“Jo Ann has been extremely helpful by answering any questions I have had,” Sweezey-Errar said. “She was there to ensure I did everything correctly and was able to shorten the process in a timely manner.”

As an entrepreneur, the dream of owning one’s own business never truly goes away. When Combs-Lueker spoke about pursuing other options and her desire to get out of the ownership role, Sweezey-Errar jumped on the opportunity. 

With Sweezey-Errar’s background, she is eager to understand how both eastern and western medicine can work together as appropriate for an individual’s well-being.

A community health and wellness center located at 88 S. Main Street in Glen Carbon, AHA offers services ranging from acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga and meditation to educational classes such as essential oils 101 and more. Its goal is to assist the community in incorporating more holistic options by offering services and wellness classes.

“Kendra is motivated and excited to pursue her entrepreneurial dream,” said DiMaggio May. “We will be here to support and assist A Holistic Approach every step of the way.”

Combs-Lueker will still be involved at AHA as a resident teacher, LMT, and partner in wellness, but will now have more time to pursue her radio career at SIUE’s WSIE 88.7 F.M. and teach massage therapy. 

A Holistic Approach can be contacted through its Facebook Page.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like A Holistic Approach as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE as a service to Illinois small businesses.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

To learn about the SBDC, contact theIL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at (618) 650-2929.

- SIUE –

Photo: Holistic Approach owner Kendra Sweezey-Errar.