We recently connected with Janeeta Ellman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Janeeta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The idea of starting my own massage therapy business came to me during a particularly quiet moment in my life—a time when I realized I wanted more control over how I could help people heal and feel better. I’d always loved the idea of using my hands and knowledge to relieve pain and stress, and I wanted to create a space that was uniquely mine where people could feel completely cared for.

The first thing I did was take a deep dive into what starting a massage therapy business would require. I started by researching the legal requirements: I looked into getting licensed in my state, understanding health and sanitation standards, and identifying the insurance I’d need to protect myself and my clients. This part took a few months because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t overlooking anything.

Once I got my license, I had to decide how I wanted to structure my business. Did I want to rent a room in an existing spa? Go mobile? Start my own space entirely? I ultimately decided on a mobile setup to minimize overhead costs and offer convenience to my clients.

With the plan in place, I shifted my focus to the essentials. I started small, investing in a quality portable massage table, linens, oils, and some aromatherapy options. I researched brands and read reviews like my life depended on it because I knew these items would represent my professionalism.

I wanted the business to feel personal and warm, so I brainstormed a name and logo that captured that. I created simple branding to start with and designed a website where people could book directly. My goal was to make everything easy and welcoming.

Even though I was already trained, I realized I needed to specialize to stand out. I invested in continuing education courses to refine my skills in reflexology massage and assisted stretching techniques. These certifications also became part of my marketing, signaling to clients that I was serious about my craft.

The scariest but most exciting step was spreading the word. I reached out to friends, family, and acquaintances to let them know I was open for business. I also created social media accounts and started posting consistently about my services, the benefits of massage, and testimonials from my earliest clients.

I launched with a promotion to attract my first few customers, offering a discount for first-time appointments. That first week, I had three clients booked, and I’ll never forget how nervous and excited I felt walking into those appointments.

In the first few months, I learned to balance my time between providing great service and running the backend of the business—things like tracking finances, managing bookings, and maintaining supplies. It wasn’t always easy, but the feeling of building something that was mine kept me going.

After a year, I realized I needed to focus on client retention. I started implementing follow-up messages, offering loyalty discounts, and creating wellness packages. These little touches built stronger relationships and helped my business grow through word of mouth.

Looking back, the biggest lesson I learned was that starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. Every decision I made—from picking the right massage table to deciding on mobile services—was a step toward creating the business I’d dreamed of. And while it took patience, persistence, and a lot of trial and error, it’s been worth every moment.

Janeeta, 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?

My journey into massage therapy started with a deep desire to help people. I’ve always been drawn to the healing arts—finding ways to bring relief, comfort, and balance to others. Early on, I realized how much stress and physical pain can weigh people down and wanted to provide a natural way to help them feel better. That’s what sparked my interest in massage therapy as a career and, ultimately, a passion.

I began my journey by pursuing professional training and becoming a licensed massage therapist. What fascinated me most during my studies was how much power a skilled massage can have in restoring both the body and mind. I dove deep into the science behind pain relief, stress reduction, and relaxation, and it was clear that this was my calling. Once I gained the technical skills, I started thinking about how to turn this passion into something more—a business that could truly reflect who I am and the care I wanted to provide.

In my practice, I provide a range of massage therapy services tailored to the unique needs of my clients. From deep tissue and sports massage for those dealing with chronic pain or tightness to Swedish and relaxation techniques for stress relief, my goal is to create a personalized experience every single time. I also offer mobile services, bringing the comfort of a spa directly to my clients’ homes or workplaces.

What sets me apart is my focus on one-on-one care and attention to detail. I don’t just treat the symptoms—I listen to what’s going on in my clients’ lives and bodies, working to address the root cause of their tension or discomfort. Whether it’s improving mobility, easing stress, or helping someone simply take time to unwind, my work is about helping people feel their best.

I believe the little things make the biggest difference. My clients often tell me how much they appreciate the personalized touch I bring to every session—whether it’s remembering their preferences, using specific oils or aromatherapy blends they love, or customizing a treatment based on how they’re feeling that day. I combine my technical skills with genuine care, creating an experience that’s as much about emotional renewal as physical healing.

Another thing that sets my business apart is accessibility. I know life gets busy, so I’ve worked hard to create seamless booking options, flexible hours, and mobile services to make getting a massage as convenient as possible. My approach is about meeting my clients where they are—literally and figuratively.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the transformation in my clients. There’s no better feeling than watching someone walk out of a session standing taller, smiling wider, or simply looking more at ease. Hearing things like, “I didn’t realize how much I needed this,” or “That pain I’ve had for weeks is finally gone,” reminds me why I do what I do.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s that massage therapy isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of self-care that can have real, lasting benefits for your body and mind. My goal isn’t just to give you a great massage; it’s to be part of your journey toward better health and wellness.

When you book a session with me, you’re not just getting a massage—you’re stepping into a space of trust, relaxation, and care. I’m here to help you reset, recharge, and feel your best, one session at a time.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started building my social media presence, I focused on being authentic and consistent. At first, my audience was small—just friends and family—but I treated every post like it mattered. Instead of just promoting my services, I shared tips on stress relief, stretches for common pain points, and the benefits of massage therapy to provide real value.

Engagement was key. I responded to every comment and message, asked questions in captions, and shared client testimonials to build trust. Collaborating with local wellness businesses and hosting events also helped me grow my audience authentically.

Advice for Beginners:
1. Know Your Audience: Tailor your content to what they need—education, inspiration, or solutions.
2. Stay Consistent: Post regularly, even if it’s once or twice a week.
3. Engage: Focus on meaningful connections, not just follower count.
4. Provide Value: Share tips, stories, or insights that showcase your expertise.
5. Be Patient: Growth takes time, but each follower is a step toward building trust and community.

Social media helped me connect with people who not only became clients but also advocates for my work. It’s about building relationships, not just followers.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been delivering exceptional, personalized experiences that lead to word-of-mouth referrals. Happy clients naturally share their experiences, bringing in new business.

I also built trust on social media by sharing helpful tips, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content. Offering “refer a friend” discounts and collaborating with other wellness professionals, helped me expand my reach.

Ultimately, creating an experience that makes clients feel cared for has been the key to retention and growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Bodyworkbyjllc_
• Facebook: Bodywork By J LLC

Image Credits

Logo created by Kierra Graham