In the world of wellness, there are stories of resilience, transformation, and quiet heroism that deserve to be told. This month, as we continue to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Cloud 9 Foot Spa in Houston, we honor Wayne—a beloved team member whose journey with Cloud 9 has been nothing short of extraordinary. As Wayne steps into retirement, his story reflects the heart and soul of what makes Cloud 9 more than just a spa—it’s a family.
From Sandwiches to Serenity: A New Beginning
Ten years ago, Wayne found himself at a crossroads. Having closed his sandwich shop after losing the lease, he was searching for a new opportunity. “I was jobless and couldn’t find anything suitable,” Wayne recalls. When the massage industry caught his interest, he took the leap, dedicating four months to study and earn his certification.
At the time, Cloud 9 was a new establishment—often considered a risky choice for job seekers. Yet Wayne, along with his wife, made the long commute from Katy to explore this unfamiliar opportunity. “The massage industry was new to me, but I decided to give it a try,” Wayne explains. “Cloud 9 stood out with its structure and professionalism.”
A Decade of Growth and Gratitude
Wayne’s early days at Cloud 9 were marked by adaptability and resilience. Splitting his time between a clinic and the spa, he quickly noticed the differences. “The smaller places felt like family-run operations with little management. Cloud 9, even as a new business, had a sense of professionalism and organization,” he shares.
Wayne thrived in Cloud 9’s structured environment, where respect and camaraderie were core values. Over the years, he became a cornerstone of the Houston team, mentoring newcomers and helping the spa grow into one of the largest in the network, with 15 massage therapists. “The leadership and employees respect and care for one another. It’s a unique culture,” Wayne says. “Cloud 9 gave me opportunities for growth, and I’m thankful for the chance to earn a living. I enjoyed working here for the past 10 years with the wonderful team lead by Angela and Scarlett.”
Building a Legacy of Trust and Leadership
Wayne’s grounded nature and approachable demeanor earned him the admiration of clients and colleagues alike. “Wayne is the best,” became a common sentiment among the team. His consistency, humility, and willingness to learn have left an indelible mark on Cloud 9.
“Longevity is rare in this industry,” notes Sean, Cloud 9’s founder. “Wayne’s dedication and consistency have been invaluable. He’s been a pillar of our success in Houston.”
As Wayne reflects on his time at Cloud 9, he emphasizes the importance of mentorship and teamwork. “The stability we’ve built comes from long-time employees mentoring newcomers. That foundation will carry Cloud 9 forward.”
A New Chapter: Retirement and Investment
A check for the $10,000 deposit has been mailed today; please look out for it. Also, this Friday marks my 70th birthday (time flies!), and I feel it’s time for me to fully retire. I’ve fulfilled my 10-year commitment to working at Cloud 9. I want to thank you and the company for your care and understanding over the past decade, allowing me to earn a living and support my family—I’m deeply grateful! Watching Cloud 9 grow and thrive over the years fills me with happiness and pride to have been part of this journey. Although I will no longer be working as a massage therapist, I’m still a part of Cloud 9 as an investor and feel I’ve never truly left. I firmly believe that, under your leadership and the team’s effective management, Cloud 9 will continue to flourish, with everyone achieving success and prosperity. The future is bright! Thank you, Sean! Wayne Lee
Wayne sent this heartwarming message to Sean this week.
While stepping away from his daily responsibilities, Wayne is far from saying goodbye. Inspired by Cloud 9’s growth and resilience, he’s chosen to invest in the company as the first investor as Cloud 9 expands nation wide, ensuring his continued connection to its success. “Seeing how the business has thrived gave me confidence,” he says to Sean. “Your approach to management and hiring is spot on. I trust your vision and leadership in building the America’s family friendly spa through franchise and corporate development.”
Wayne’s journey over the past ten years—from a diligent business owner to a guardian of health, a cornerstone team member of Cloud 9, and an investor in a family-friendly spa in America—stems from his open-mindedness and broad vision.
With retirement on the horizon, Wayne looks forward to exploring his passions. “I’d love to paint and travel,” he shares, adding that destinations like Africa and Southeast Asia are on his bucket list. Ever the artist, he even plans to create a Cloud 9-themed painting featuring its beloved Penguin mascot. “Maybe a painting of a penguin as a keepsake,” he suggests.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Connection
Wayne’s decade-long journey with Cloud 9 is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and community. As he transitions into retirement, his contributions leave a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the Houston location and beyond.
“Wayne, you’ve been an incredible part of this journey,” Sean concludes. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. Cloud 9 wouldn’t be the same without you.”
As Cloud 9 looks to the future, Wayne’s story serves as a reminder of the bonds that define this family-friendly spa—a place where team members, clients, and communities come together to create something truly special.
Happy Birthday Wayne! Cheers to the new chapter of your life!
庆祝十年奉献：Wayne 与 Cloud 9 的故事
在健康与养生的世界中，总有一些值得分享的关于坚韧、转变和无声英雄的故事。本月，我们继续庆祝 Cloud 9 在休斯顿成立十周年，同时向 Wayne 致敬。这位深受喜爱的团队成员与 Cloud 9 一路同行，他的经历堪称非凡。随着 Wayne 即将退休，他的故事展现了 Cloud 9 不仅是一家Spa，更是一个温暖的家庭。
从三明治店到Spa：一个全新的开始
十年前，Wayne 处在人生的十字路口。因租约到期关闭了他的三明治店后，他开始寻找新的机会。“当时我失业了，找不到合适的工作，”Wayne 回忆道。当按摩行业引起他的兴趣时，他大胆尝试，用四个月时间学习并获得认证。
那时，Cloud 9 还是一家新公司，对于求职者来说或许是一个风险选择。然而，Wayne 和他的妻子从 Katy 不顾路途遥远，探索这个陌生的机会。“按摩行业对我来说是新的领域，但我决定试一试，”Wayne 解释道。“Cloud 9 的专业和结构化管理让我印象深刻。”
十年的成长与感恩
Wayne 在 Cloud 9 的早期日子充满了适应与坚韧。他在一家诊所和Spa之间分配时间，他指出 Cloud 9 的不同。“较小的地方感觉像家庭式经营，几乎没有管理。而 Cloud 9，即使是新企业，也展现了专业和组织性，”他分享道。
Wayne 在 Cloud 9 的结构化环境中茁壮成长，这里尊重和团队合作是核心价值观。多年来，他成为休斯顿团队的基石，指导新人并帮助 Spa 成长为拥有 15 位按摩师的网络中最大之一。“这里的领导层和员工互相尊重、关怀。这是一种独特的文化，”Wayne 说道。“Cloud 9 给了我成长的机会，我非常感恩能够在这里赚钱养家。 我非常喜欢和Angela Scarlett带领的优秀团队共度的10年美好时光。”
建立信任与领导力的传统
Wayne 踏实的性格和平易近人的态度赢得了客户和同事的钦佩。“Wayne 是最棒的”成为团队中的常见评价。他的坚持、谦逊和学习意愿为 Cloud 9 留下了不可磨灭的印记。“在这个行业中，能坚持下去的人并不多见，”Cloud 9 的创始人 Sean 指出。“Wayne 的奉献和守护是无价的。他是我们在休斯顿成功的支柱之一。”
在回顾自己在 Cloud 9 的时光时，Wayne 强调了指导和团队合作的重要性。“我们建立的稳定性来自长期员工对新人的指导。这种基础将推动 Cloud 9 向前发展。”
新的篇章：退休与投资
一万元订金支票今天已寄出了，请查收。另外这个星期五是我七十岁生日(时间过得太快了)，我想是时候完全退休了，我已经完成了我在 Cloud 9工作十年上的承诺。谢谢老板和公司这十年来对我的看顾包容，使我能在这里赚钱养家，非常感激！看到 Cloud 9不断成长发展，我对成为 Cloud 9 的一员感到开心和骄傲。虽然我将不再做按摩工作了，但现在作为Cloud 9 的投资人还是这个公司的一分子，没有离开过！我坚信在你为首的公司团队有效管理和经营下 Cloud 9 一定会越来越好，大家都能赚到钱前途會一片辉煌！谢谢 Sean!
Wayne 发给 Sean 的感人至深的信息。
虽然即将告别日常工作，但 Wayne 并未真正离开。受到 Cloud 9 成长与坚韧进取的启发，在 Cloud 9 开始全美拓展之际，他选择投资 Cloud 9, 成为 Cloud 9 的第一个投资人，确保自己继续与其成功紧密相连。“看到公司蓬勃发展让我充满信心，”他对Sean说道。“你们的管理和招聘方法非常到位。我信任你们的愿景和领导力。”
Wayne 在过去十年的旅程中，从一位勤奋的业主，到健康的卫士，九霄的基石团队成员，再到美国家庭友好型SPA的投资人，这一切都源于他的胸怀和远见卓识。
随着退休的临近，Wayne 对未来充满期待。“我想画画和旅行，”他说，并提到非洲和东南亚是他旅行清单上的目的地。作为一名艺术家，他甚至计划创作一幅以 Cloud 9 和其企鹅吉祥物为主题的画作。“也许可以画一幅企鹅画作作为纪念品，”他提议。
展望未来：纽带的传承
Wayne 在 Cloud 9 的十年旅程是奉献、适应和社区力量的真实写照。在他迈入退休生活之际，他的贡献精神将持续影响休斯顿分店及其以外的地方。
“Wayne，你是这个旅程中不可或缺的一部分，”Sean 总结道。“感谢你所做的一切。没有你，Cloud 9 不会是今天的样子。”
随着 Cloud 9 展望未来，Wayne 的故事告诉我们，这是一个将团队、客户和社区聚集在一起的家庭友好的Spa，创造真正特别有意义旅途的地方。
Wayne, 祝你生日快乐！为人生的新篇章干杯！🍻
十年情怀九霄间
十载春秋风雨伴，
云九相守心相连。
扶持共度岁月长，
如家温暖遍人间。
信任筑起千里桥，
忠诚守护情意绵。
彼此关怀暖如春，
浓浓深情共笑颜。
初心未改梦未散，
一片赤心映云天。
挥手暂别情仍在，
未来携手共繁欢。
岁月铭刻感恩心，
九霄情谊永流传。
