GROWTH SECTOR

The Wellness Industry is Booming

This article from David Lilley takes a look at the global wellness sector and explores why it is an excellent sector to set up business in.  

The global wellness industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years. Valued at over $4.5 trillion in 2018, the industry is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of nearly 7% through 2025. As health and wellness become higher priorities for consumers, demand for related products and services continues to surge. This presents a massive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to capitalise on the wellness boom.

A Recession-Resistant Sector

Unlike other industries that ebb and flow with economic conditions, the wellness sector has proven to be recession-resistant. During the Great Recession of 2008-2009, the wellness industry grew over 5% while broader markets declined. Consumers view health as essential, not a luxury. Even when budgets are tight, they continue investing in products and services that support their well-being. This provides more security for wellness businesses.

Diverse Revenue Streams Are Possible

The wellness industry spans many segments from nutrition and fitness to mindfulness and skin care. This diversity of products and services creates multiple revenue stream opportunities. An entrepreneur could offer online nutrition courses, personalized training sessions, a line of supplements, and massage therapy. Casting a wide net across wellness niches allows for stability if one segment underperforms. It also attracts a broader customer base.

Low Barriers to Entry

A huge advantage of the wellness sector is low barriers to entry for small businesses. All you really need to get started is passion, knowledge and a marketable skill. For example, becoming a certified beauty therapist, personal trainer or yoga instructor can cost less than £1,000. Small studio spaces are affordable to rent. With low overhead costs, wellness entrepreneurs can keep their risks low while testing their concepts.


Scalability 

Wellness businesses can often scale up smoothly over time. Offering digital products like online courses or telehealth consulting opens access to global markets. Location-based services can grow through opening additional locations or franchising. Home-based businesses can scale by taking on contractors or renting larger spaces. Wellness entrepreneurs have the flexibility to adapt their business model over time to meet demand.


Abundant Support Resources

From marketing tactics to product formulations, support resources abound for wellness entrepreneurs. Industry associations provide invaluable networks for exchanging ideas and identifying emerging trends.

Fulfillment in Helping Others

Unlike some industries, the essence of the wellness sector is boosting quality of life. Business owners experience tremendous personal fulfillment in directly helping customers enhance health and wellbeing. Beyond financial rewards, this gives added meaning to daily work. Passionate wellness entrepreneurs have the chance to genuinely impact people’s lives in a positive way.

Leveraging Your Expertise 

If you already have expertise as a fitness trainer, health coach, nutritionist or other wellness professional, a business can be a logical next step. Entrepreneurship allows you to take your existing knowledge and experience to another level. You can reach more clients by developing your own offerings and setting your own prices. Your passion and expertise form the cornerstone for a meaningful and profitable venture.

Trend-Based Opportunities

Staying on top of the latest wellness trends is key to identifying new business opportunities. For example, taking early advantage of growing interest in skincare trends, wearable device health tracking or meal delivery services can pay off handsomely. Paying close attention to changing consumer demands allows you to create differentiated offerings in an increasingly competitive sector.

A Low-Risk Test Run

A prospective wellness entrepreneur can test their business idea without excessive risk or commitment. Start part-time by leading private yoga sessions or cooking for a small group of nutrition clients nights and weekends. Build a homepage and social media presence to gauge interest before investing heavily in your concept. Moving gradually provides valuable insight before deciding to leave your full-time job and launch your wellness business.

In summary, the wellness industry provides fertile ground for entrepreneurial success due to favorable sector economics, diverse revenue models, abundant resources, scalability, and fulfillment from following your passion. Testing a concept part-time at first offers a low-risk approach. For those with expertise and interest in health and wellbeing, the wellness sector enables the chance to turn your purpose into profit.

Written by David Lilley

November 2023

David is a vastly experienced business development consultant. He has operated in the leisure, finance and hospitality industry for the past 25 years. A sought-after advisor, David works with various types and sizes of organsiation to provide strategy advice and training services. 


David Lilley