We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha Murphy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.
Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
After working as an employee massage therapist for over a decade, performing up to eight massages a day, five days a week; I reached a breaking point. When COVID hit, like many others, I was forced to slow down and reevaluate what truly mattered in my life. I was physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and on the verge of walking away from a career I had once loved. But massage has always been more than just bodywork to me. It’s mind, body, and soul work. I’ve trained extensively in medical massage, worked in both clinical and spa settings, and taken classes in psychology and herbalism. I believe massage is a deeply healing practice where people can release trauma, quiet their minds, and reconnect with themselves. But working under others at such a grueling pace stripped away the meaning. My hands were too sore to give my best, and my spirit was too tired to be fully present for my clients.
So after a difficult breakup, as a newly single mom, I decided to take a leap of faith. I found a small studio space, signed the lease, and started building a practice of my own. Rooted in purpose, presence, and true healing.
I didn’t take out a business loan, every dollar I made from a massage went right back into the growth of my practice. Logically, it was the worst financial moment of my life to start a business. However, i had this deep, unshakable feeling that I was on the right path. With the support of my family and faith in God, I moved forward. And it paid off. From day one, my business has been steady and consistent, with little advertising. And for that I give all the glory to God and to staying persistent through every challenge.
Around the same time I opened my massage studio, I also began deepening my knowledge of herbalism. I started crafting my own herbal-infused lotions and creams for my clients, eventually branching into creating healing herbal teas. That part of my business (blending teas to support physical and emotional wellness ) has been a slow and steady journey. But I’ve approached it with the same mindset: to follow what I love, to stay aligned with what I believe in, and to trust that the right people will find me as I keep showing up with heart and intention.
If I could offer any advice to someone just starting out, it would be this: trust your calling more than your comfort. You don’t need to have all the money, the perfect plan, or even all the answers. You just need to take one step at a time with intention and heart. There’s never going to be a right time, start now and gain experience by figuring it out as you go. Build something that reflects who you are and what you believe in. Stay consistent, stay grounded, and don’t be afraid to grow slowly. The right people will find you when you lead with authenticity and purpose. And don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process, because your own healing is part of the work you bring to others.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I went to massage school when I was just 18 years old. I knew I wanted to be a healer. I wanted to help people feel safe in their bodies, to ease pain, to offer peace. But my path wasn’t always straight. I lost my footing and went through a season of deep struggle, including addiction and trauma. Over time, I fought my way back. And as I began to heal, I realized something powerful: everything I had been through had given me a deeper understanding of pain. Not just physical, but emotional and spiritual pain. I made it my life’s mission to help carry that weight for others. To help people release what no longer serves them in their bodies, in their minds, and in their souls.
Massage therapy became the foundation of that work. I’ve spent over 14 years studying and practicing, expanding my knowledge through continuing education in medical massage, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, Swedish relaxation, and cupping therapy. My approach is intuitive, grounded in science but guided by soul. I believe the body holds stories and when you listen closely, healing becomes a conversation rather than a procedure.
Alongside massage, I’ve also become an herbalist. I handcraft small-batch herbal teas and body care products designed to support my clients both during and between sessions. Whether it’s tea for anxiety, inflammation, hormone balance, or sleep; each blend is made with care, knowledge, and a deep respect for the plants I work with.
What sets my work apart is that it comes from a place of lived experience. I’ve walked through the dark and come out with a lantern. I don’t just want to relieve symptoms, I want people to feel held, heard, and gently restored. I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients, and the quiet impact I’ve had in helping them reconnect with themselves.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s spiritual. And it’s possible.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One of the most impactful books that shaped not only how I approach my work but how I run my business is The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. It deepened my understanding of how trauma is stored in the body — not just as memories or emotions, but as real, physical imprints that can manifest as chronic pain, tension, or illness. This book affirmed what I had intuitively felt for years as a massage therapist: that true healing must address the mind, body, and nervous system together.
It also influenced the way I structure my practice. I’m not just offering a service; I’m holding space for people to feel safe enough to release what they’ve been carrying.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I can zoom in on the fact that I was so worn down when Covid happened, then my relationship of 12+ years dissolved. All of the sudden I was a single mother, barely making enough money to get by, emotionally very low….and yet I decided to give it to God, and use that moment to sign a lease and start over.
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