In a surprising entrepreneurial twist, 32-year-old Zhang Xiaoqiao has transformed a common childhood comfort into a thriving business in Shenzhen, southern China. His venture, named Suma, offers professional back-scratching services, generating approximately ₹14.7 lakh (100,000 yuan) in gross monthly revenue from just two outlets.
The Rise of Professional Itch-Scratching
Zhang's Suma stores provide one-hour sessions where trained staff use specially designed long, pointed nails to meticulously scratch customers' backs and other itchy areas. Each session is priced at 300 yuan (around ₹4,410), appealing to a clientele seeking unique forms of relaxation and stress relief.
Zhang opened his first outlet in Baoan District in May, quickly followed by a second in Futian District a month later. The setup resembles a traditional massage parlour, with customers lying face down as staff work to alleviate tension and promote better sleep through the scratching technique. Zhang notes that around 70 percent of his customers are men, though the service attracts both genders, with some repeat clients finding it more relaxing than conventional massages.
From Childhood Memory to Business Innovation
The inspiration for this unusual business struck Zhang last year after he saw a social media video of a woman scratching her husband's back. The humorous comments from viewers, expressing a willingness to pay for such a service, jogged a childhood memory of his own father scratching his back to help him fall asleep.
Zhang's journey to this success has been marked by several previous entrepreneurial attempts and varied jobs. With no existing industry blueprint for professional back-scratching, he personally developed the techniques to ensure the most relaxing experience for his customers. He claims there is significant demand in bustling cities where stress levels are high.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
Having reached the break-even point and now turning a profit, Zhang Xiaoqiao harbors ambitious plans for the future. He aims to expand Suma to 100 outlets across China and hopes to establish professional itch-scratching as a recognized profession. The unique concept has already sparked considerable discussion on Chinese social media, with reactions ranging from curiosity to skepticism about paying for such a service.