It started with a sore foot.

Donna Podolak went to her doctor, but he could find nothing wrong with her. Then, she remembered a book on reflexology that said, "If it hurts, rub it."

It worked, and that got Podolak thinking about healing with touch. The Laurel resident started learning more about massage and began practicing on her family. Eventually, she attended the Big Sky Somatic Institute in Helena and now runs her own massage therapy practice in Billings.

"There is something about touching. Nothing else can take its place," she said. "My mission statement is: 'To promote healing through beneficial touching.' "

Podolak ran Donna's Massage Therapy for a long time in Laurel, but now practices at the Spruce Haven Wellness Center at 805 24th St. West. She can be reached at 254-9355.

Here's what else Podolak - who grew up on a Nebraska farm, sang in the church choir, played in an all-girl dance band and was second runner-up in the Mrs. Wyoming pageant - had to say about starting her own business:

Nature of the business:

The business is based on wellness. Being the warm, friendly compassionate woman that I am, I have a deep desire to help people and make them feel better. I work on people from all walks of life. Most of my work is to reduce neck and shoulder pain, lumbar pain and stress. I started doing massage by focusing on neuromuscular therapy, a deep massage that releases trigger points and stops the pain cycle. I also use the kind of stretching used in sports medicine, along with the passive joint movement that puts just a little space between the joints. I also offer circulatory massage to increase circulation and push blood toward the heart.

Research shows that massage can lower blood pressure, reduce headache frequency, reduces pain for cancer patients, boost the immune system and effectively reduce lower back pain.

Where did startup funding come from?

From the crafts I had sold, a loan from my husband to purchase a massage table, and the kindness of Judy Franks, then owner of the Elite Styling Salon. I started making friends and encouraged them to get a massage. I filled my time at first by reading massage journals and joined the American Massage Therapy Association. I advertised when I could, doing my own brochures and handouts, and keeping good records.

How long have you been in business?

Ten years. I've taken continuing-education classes over the yearns including Eric Dalton's myoskeletal alignment techniques and continue to learn daily as I'm presented with new clients and new challenges. Over the years I've seen many sheep without a shepherd, and in an era where you shouldn't mix God and business, I often do. I encourage them to find a church of their choice.

Your biggest challenge during the current recession?

Staying focused on massage, clients and friends and remembering that this too will pass. It is so easy to worry and get discouraged. When my business is quiet I catch up on paperwork. I study, create new ideas and give away a few gift certificates to create interest.

What is being done to expand the business?

I continue to grow my business by getting out of the office. The Laurel Chamber of Commerce has a variety of activities that offer a chance to meet new people and tell them about massage. A friend and I offered chair massage at Laurels Fourth of July celebration. Laurel Evergreen Rehabilitation Center has given me the opportunity to do chair massages every other month on their employees. Laurel Ford and Mission Ridge have also taken advantage of that service.

Your best business decisions?

To take on medically necessary massage insurance. At first, I floundered trying to learn by mistakes. But Big Sky Somatic Institute had a book with much knowledge. When I first started, I learned that insurance companies don't like to pay massage therapists. They would pay a physician, a chiropractor, a physical therapist for a massage, even though they are mostly not trained in massage.

I could see the advantage of helping those who needed the work so badly but wouldn't be able to get these treatments otherwise. Also I've found that many who have been in vehicle accidents or hurt at work heal better and faster if they can get these treatments. It is still a challenge to get insurance coverage. Insurance companies are much more willing to share information now then when I first started. Now that massage licensure has been passed I hope more companies well reimburse for massage therapy.

Your worst business mistake?

Not getting an e-mail address. I had this postcard program and didn't want that e-mail stuff. I was just learning the computer, and the last thing I wanted was to do after work was to sit at a computer. Well, I was wrong.

What advice do you have for someone running a business?

Be there, be patient, and give it time. Don't try to do it all yourself. Ask for help and advice. Keep good records. Count your blessings.

Number of workers?

Just me.

What's your five-year plan for the business?

I have always had a desire to work in the wellness field. Now that I'm at Spruce Haven Wellness Center, I'm encouraged that my insurance work will grow.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?

What type of work do your clients most often ask for? What was your best business decision?

If you weren't doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

I have my dream job. I can plan my schedule and leave time for me. I meet the most wonderful people. What a terrific feeling it is to reach out and help someone.