Marissa Hawkins on Building a Franchise Empire Without Losing Her Soul

"Your life will change when you take that leap of faith—fear is nothing but false evidence appearing real." 

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with powerhouse entrepreneur and community builder Marissa Hawkins, who went from the pharmaceutical industry to owning and operating 10 Massage Envy franchises across Nevada. But her story isn’t just about business—it’s about belief.

Marissa opens up about the defining moments that shaped her—from taking a chance on entrepreneurship to finding her voice as a speaker, author, and advocate for wellness and impact.

"We all have a story, and you just never know who you can help by sharing your own."

We talk about what it means to show up for your community, why mentorship matters more than ever, and how Marissa’s upcoming book Me: The Mindful Entrepreneur is setting the stage for a new kind of leadership—one rooted in care, clarity, and conscious growth.

"It’s about taking action and caring about people. You’ll never get far alone."

From the lessons passed down by her late mentor Steve Cook, to her work with  local wellness initiatives, Marissa is proof that when you combine heart with hustle, there’s no limit to what’s possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Success comes from betting on yourself—even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Community engagement is the secret sauce to long-term, meaningful business.
• Mentorship is a two-way street; now it’s our turn to guide the next generation.
• Mindfulness in business isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity.
• Resilience is built in the small decisions, not the big ones.

Resources:

• Marissa Hawkins on Instagram
• Marissa Hawkins on LinkedIn
• Upcoming Book: Me: The Mindful Entrepreneur
• Organizations Mentioned: Massage Envy, Bunker Labs, Filipino Nurses Association, Orange Theory

"Little things do matter, and they affect people in different ways. We can do remarkable things with all the resources we have."

If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your story, your voice, and your leap of faith matters—this episode is it.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!