Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Penny Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Penny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
I launched my practice 13 and a half years ago, and it wasn’t an easy start. While some clients followed me from my previous job, it wasn’t as many as I had hoped. Taking the leap to go solo was daunting. After working for established companies for a decade, where things felt secure, stepping out on my own was a big change. In fact, I might have stayed in that comfortable environment longer if it weren’t for a challenging situation with my boss after two years of working together. That experience pushed me to make the transition.
I was filled with anxiety about moving forward, but during a massage from a friend, I shared my fears of taking such a significant step. She played a meditation that helped shift my perspective – it encouraged me to see this giant leap as a gentle slip into a warm bath, rather than a dive into the deep, unknown ocean. That shift in mindset was exactly what I needed. Looking back, I’m so grateful I took the plunge. It’s as if the universe nudged me in the right direction. It was time to take control of my own journey.
In the beginning, things were slow, so I turned to the Groupon platform to build my client base. While it wasn’t ideal, it was a practical way to get people in the door. I knew that I could spend a lot of money on ads without any guarantee of results, or I could offer a discount and have the opportunity to connect with many new clients. It worked for me at the time, and while I no longer rely on Groupon, it was an effective starting point.
Looking ahead, my goal is to expand further, either by bringing in other professionals to work alongside me or by offering space for other therapists to establish their own practice.
Penny, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I recently celebrated 24 years in my massage therapy career, and over that time, I’ve completed nearly 1,000 hours of continuing education. The first four years of my journey were focused on the foundational techniques learned in school, but everything shifted once I began expanding my knowledge through advanced training.
My first major step was earning my certification as a Medical Massage Practitioner, which opened up new possibilities and gave me more tools to help clients find relief from pain while identifying its root causes. Many of my clients struggle with chronic pain, tension, or mobility issues, and this training has allowed me to address conditions such as sciatica, migraines, neck and shoulder dysfunction, and lower back pain.
From there, I deepened my expertise with Erik Dalton’s Advanced Myoskeletal Therapies, which helped me work more effectively with postural imbalances, nerve entrapments, and joint dysfunction. I also completed an apprenticeship in Structural Integration, which significantly enhanced my ability to support clients dealing with chronic pain, poor alignment, and restricted movement.
To round out my practice, I pursued nearly two years of training in Medical Qigong. This work has been an invaluable addition, allowing me to integrate energy-based healing into my approach. Many clients dealing with stress, fatigue, and emotional tension find this aspect of my work deeply restorative, as it helps rebalance the nervous system and promote overall well-being.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on people’s lives. Helping clients move from constant pain and frustration to a place of relief and ease is incredibly rewarding. Seeing someone walk out feeling better than when they came in—often with more hope and understanding of their body—is why I do what I do. I’m also proud of the depth of knowledge I’ve gained through years of training, allowing me to provide a truly integrative approach to pain relief and wellness.
What I Want You to Know
My approach isn’t just about temporary relief—it’s about long-term solutions. I don’t just treat symptoms; I work to uncover the root causes of pain and dysfunction so my clients can experience lasting improvements. My work blends structural bodywork with energy healing, creating a holistic experience that supports both physical and emotional well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to move and feel better in your daily life, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide a safe, effective, and personalized experience that empowers you to feel your best.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Years ago, when I was a spa supervisor, I found that making people feel seen and heard was one of the most effective ways to create a positive work environment.
During my recovery from a double knee replacement, I had two young professionals working for me while I was off. It was important to me that they stayed busy so they could continue earning, but just as important that they felt valued and appreciated for the time they spent at my business.
As I look to expand, I want to create that same experience—an environment where people feel supported, respected, and truly enjoy being part of the team, just as I would have wanted when working for others.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I had the chance to start over, I wouldn’t change much—except perhaps prioritizing the incredible continuing education I’ve received a bit earlier. I truly enjoy expanding my knowledge in this field, and I believe ongoing learning is essential for professional growth. Everyone has their own path, but for me, the excitement of learning and evolving keeps me inspired in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bodyandsoulorem.com
