We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Imani Messiah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Imani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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.

I would say the first steps to establishing my small business, Messiah’s Massage, was to first build a decent clientele. As a massage therapist you obviously need a client to massage, that’s a very important part of the business if I do say so myself lol. So after working in the field and at two spas for almost 9 years I felt like I had just enough. The next step was to try to find a brick and mortar location to thrive. I went into business with my classmate/co-worker Bry. I met her in massage school and we became the best of friends. Following each other from job to job, after graduation, until we created our own job, so to speak. I think the most difficult part was the set up of our newly rented suite. The paint. The wallpaper. The flower wall. EXHAUSTING! But we had a vision and didn’t stop until it came to life. There is one thing I would say that I would have done differently. That thing is, more research! We found a suite we liked, newly built, lots of parking, great location, etc. it was just a little too expensive. We should have found something a little more affordable to start. If I had to give any advice it would legit be that. Just to make sure that you don’t bite off more than you can chew and crunch all the numbers!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into massage because of my mom. I use to just give her massages, without any formal training or anything. Once I had my second son in college and had to step away, she suggested I just go to massage school since I was good at it. I did just that! Ten months later I had my license and was in the field. I worked at a privately owned spa at first and then joined a well known franchise. After that I begun working on my own spa business. I enjoy providing my clients with specifically tailored, professional, affordable, and therapeutic massage experiences. I perform everything from Chair Massage to Oncology Massage and Prenatal. I specialize in the Deep Tissue and Sports massages. I want to make sure that you’re not just relaxed after my massages but also aware of your body and its needs. How to treat it and how not to treat it. My slogan is Touched by an Angel and I want that to be the general feeling when we depart from one another. Whether I’m in the comfort of your home or you come to visit me at the suite. You should feel like you’re walking on clouds after. The session is for your physical body of course but not exclusively and that’s important to note. Most clients end up becoming friends and we have makeshift therapy sessions as well (and they aren’t always for the clients lol). Another thing I love about what I do. Connecting!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Literally becoming a massage therapist was one of the largest pivots I’ve ever made in life. I had plans to be an accountant and was actually in college for it. Had it as my major and all. I had already had my oldest son, I was working full time and in school full time, and then found out I was pregnant AGAIN! So not juggling all those things that well I ended up flunking out of college and had to leave. Once I finished crying and assuming my life was over I decided I would just work and take care of my boys. Later I realized how not easy that was. Which is how I ended up back in school, trade school this time, but school nonetheless. And here we are, the rest is history

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I think I would choose this profession all over again because I do truly enjoy it. I’ve never been quite the saleswoman, I never been one for intense deadlines, and I most certainly don’t think I would have fit in to that white collar world. I like not having too much stress related to my job. I like the flexibility that comes with what I do, especially having kids who are involved in sports. I also like that my income, for the most part, is in my control. The pay usually matches the work and of course that you can always work on your own. You don’t need any entity to do your job. You are the job!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://messiahs-massage.square.site/
• Instagram: @messiahsmassage
• Facebook: Messiah’s Massage