We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Rodriguez Mohr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In 2010, my life took an unexpected turn—I was diagnosed with a meningioma, a non-cancerous brain tumor pressing against my optic nerve. At the time, I was working as a bank manager, thriving in a career I enjoyed, yet deep down I knew it wasn’t my true calling.
The tumor was removed in 2011, and while recovering in the hospital—delirious from pain meds—I told my family I wanted to become a licensed massage therapist. At the time, none of us took that moment seriously, not even me. But something inside me had shifted. I gave five months’ notice at the bank (yes, five!), and by 2012, I was a licensed massage therapist. I haven’t looked back since.
Between 2014 and 2015, my passion for helping others heal evolved again. I became a certified personal trainer, blending bodywork with movement to create a powerful, holistic approach to wellness. Then, in 2017, I discovered Pilates—and it transformed me once more. I trained to become an instructor, deepening my commitment to guiding others through both physical and emotional healing.
By that point, I had my own massage studio, was teaching Pilates at another, and training clients at a gym—one that, while not the most supportive environment, pushed me toward something greater.
In 2018, I lost my beloved Papi. He had been battling illness for years, and in his final days, we shared an unforgettable conversation. Just two days before he passed, we sat together at the VA hospice, where he made me pinky promise two things: to complete a triathlon (which I didn’t finish training for, choosing instead to spend every day with him that last month) and to teach people the importance of movement—to never take it for granted, to love the journey of becoming better each day.
That moment lit a fire in me. I didn’t know how or when it would happen, but I dreamed of creating my own wellness space—a place rooted in love, movement, and community. I started researching gym ownership. I even had a name before I had a space.
In 2020, the opportunity finally came. By February 2021, The Onyx was born.
The name Onyx was non-negotiable. As a proud Cuban, I wear an “azabache”—a black onyx charm believed to ward off evil. Onyx represents protection. And that’s exactly what I wanted this space to be: a sanctuary of self-love, growth, and healing for everyone who walks through the doors.
Today, I continue to honor my Papi by teaching clients not just how to move, but how to love their journey—whatever it may look like.
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 was always an athlete and helping athletes was always a dream of mine. Becoming a triple threat in the wellness and fitness industry was a no brainer. So over time, I expanded my expertise to better serve my clients. I became a certified personal trainer to empower people through movement, and later, a Pilates instructor to help them reconnect with their bodies in mindful, restorative ways. I believe the body carries our stories—and healing happens when we learn to listen to it, strengthen it, and care for it from the inside out.
At The Onyx, I offer a holistic approach to wellness that includes:
Therapeutic massage
Personal training
Pilates instruction
Movement education
My clients come to me seeking pain relief, healing from injuries, reconnection to their bodies, improved strength, and most importantly, a sense of empowerment in their own skin. What sets me apart is my ability to combine bodywork and movement in a way that’s not just physical—it’s emotional and personal. I don’t just treat bodies; I support people through their healing and growth.
What I’m most proud of is staying true to the promise I made to my father before he passed: to teach others the importance of movement, to help them never take their bodies for granted, and to create a space where love, acceptance, and transformation are the foundation.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s this: You don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just have to show up for yourself. At The Onyx, we meet you where you are—and we walk the journey with you, every step of the way.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
My existing clients are the reason why I am as successful as Many clients have been with me from day one and have helped my practice grow truly organic. It takes patience and trust in the work you offer. I have never had a website and my social media content is below average at best. This is definitely an area of opportunity for me but for now I will bask in the idea that I have not needed to resort to social media or websites for business growth.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One huge lesson I had to unlearn was saying yes. As I was growing my business I was literally working from sun up to sundown. Missing lots of nights of homework and school projects with my kiddos, birthday dinners with my family and friends. on some days I would take early morning appointments and have nothing until 7pm. Sitting in whatever coffee shop I could find wifi and a charging station and pop up a virtual office reaching out to every person on my phone and asking them if they could refer me to their friends family and coworkers. I was tired of “working” so much and decided to not let my schedule run my life and that I needed to run my schedule. that was when I got smart and started to only offer either morning appointments and filled those spots then played with my schedule some more and filled the midday appointments until I had to open my afternoon schedule. Telling clients that I was not available but did have another option felt great. I started taking time for myself. Time to do back shop business stuff. My work life balance began when I learned boundaries and believe it or not my business flourished even more.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: The_Onyx_Gym
- Facebook: Bodywork at Onyx
- Linkedin: Michelle Rodriguez
Image Credits
Jessica Lea Korff