Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadiyah Ziyad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nadiyah, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

What I’ve come to believe—though it may differ from the common perspective in my industry—is that avoiding burnout starts with cultivating a deep connection with The Most High or something greater than yourself. This grounding foundation provides clarity, strength, and purpose. Secondly, I believe that when you prioritize genuinely taking care of people, the rewards, including financial ones, will follow—not just through your business but often in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Early in my career, when my business was just beginning, I decided to take a chance on an app called Thervo, paying for leads to grow my client base. One of those leads led me to Arvada, where I provided a massage for a mother and her pregnant daughter. I didn’t know it at the time, but that decision would become the start of a beautiful, five-year relationship with a truly incredible family.

Over the years, our connection grew deeper. I continued to work with them, providing care as their needs evolved. When my children were raising funds for their trips abroad, this family was among the first to donate. When my eldest daughter became pregnant, they showed their love and support by attending her baby shower. As life brought challenges, such as illness within their family, I was honored to be part of their journey, supporting them through massage and healing work.

When I moved into my own space to provide massage services, this family went above and beyond—they gifted me the decorations and furniture needed to transform my new office. Their words, “You are worth it for all the care you have provided for our family,” touched me deeply.

Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about building relationships, creating connections, and being part of each other’s lives in meaningful ways. This family has been a true blessing, and their kindness continues to inspire me in my journey.

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.

As a volunteer providing Healing Touch at Denver Health Hospital for clients with cancer diagnoses, I had the privilege of supporting individuals through challenging times. During these sessions, many of my clients would ask if I also offered massage. At the time, my response was a simple “no,” often adding, “Can’t you go to a place like Massage Envy?”

To my surprise, their response was consistent: “No, it’s not the same.” They explained that while massage franchises were an option, what they were truly seeking was the kind of personalized care and healing connection they experienced during our sessions.

Their feedback planted a seed in my mind. It was a reminder that beyond the technical skills of massage, people value genuine, intentional care that sees them as more than just clients but as whole individuals. This realization inspired me to expand my services and create a practice centered on providing that deeper level of support and connection.

It’s moments like these that shape my approach, reminding me of the profound impact we can have when we truly listen to the needs of those we serve.

In my practice, I take a holistic and personalized approach to care, incorporating a variety of techniques to create a truly relaxing and restorative experience for my clients. Aromatherapy plays a key role in promoting stress reduction and relaxation, setting the tone for each session. To ease new clients into the massage, I often begin with Hand and Foot Reflexology as a gentle introduction to my touch.

I use hot towels to warm up the tissues, preparing the body for deeper work, and incorporate hot stones to further enhance relaxation. To elevate the spa experience, I offer the choice of a sugar scrub to moisturize or a salt scrub to detoxify, based on the client’s preferences and needs.

Ultimately, I integrate all of my skills—drawing from my experience and training—to address whatever may be going on in a client’s body. My goal is to provide care that is both therapeutic and deeply nurturing, tailored to each individual’s unique journey toward wellness.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the work I did with children in Ghana. That experience taught me the value of collaboration, connection, and the power of working together toward a shared goal—principles I carry into my practice today.

What I want potential clients to know is that I’m not “the boss” in this process; we are a team. Together, we create a personalized plan that includes not just the work we do during sessions, but also “homework” the client agrees to implement in their daily life. This collaborative approach makes the journey more meaningful and impactful.

The client is ultimately in charge—they call the shots, and I use my expertise to guide and facilitate their healing process. My role is to provide the tools, support, and techniques needed, while empowering the client to take an active role in their own wellness. It’s a partnership, and together, we create lasting change.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During COVID, like many others, I faced significant changes in my career. At the time, I was working at The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Belly Bliss, while also serving as an on-call massage therapist for Zeel. When the pandemic hit, I was laid off from both positions, forcing me to pivot and rethink my approach to my work.

An unexpected opportunity arose when Zeel called me for a special project providing guided stretching for Walmart employees working 10-12 hour shifts. While the project was meaningful, it had its challenges—employees had to come in early, stay late, or use their lunch breaks to participate, which wasn’t ideal for them.

During that time, I also learned something crucial: if you have a private office and clients with a prescription for massage therapy, you can continue working—even during a pandemic—by following strict protocols. This included ensuring there was no waiting in shared spaces, taking payment electronically, and thoroughly disinfecting the room between sessions.

This experience opened new doors for me. I now have a contract with Workers’ Compensation to provide massage therapy for their clients with prescriptions, and I’m preparing to start a new contract with Cigna Health Insurance to do the same. To further expand my practice, I’m currently studying medical billing and coding so I can accept insurance directly, making massage therapy more accessible for clients who need it.

This period of challenge and adaptation taught me resilience, innovation, and the importance of staying flexible in the face of change—skills I now bring into every aspect of my practice.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most effective way for me to welcome new clients has always been through the tried-and-true method of word-of-mouth referrals from happy, satisfied customers. There’s no greater testament to my work than when clients trust me enough to recommend my services to their friends and family.

Another key avenue for growing my clientele is transitioning Workers’ Compensation clients into long-term personal clients once their prescribed sessions are complete. Similarly, as I begin working with Cigna Health Insurance clients, I aim to build strong relationships that encourage them to continue working with me beyond their prescribed treatments.

I also plan to continue participating in chair massage events, as these opportunities allow me to connect with new people and showcase my services. By combining these approaches, I can grow my client base while maintaining the personalized, high-quality care that sets my practice apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yahwehshands.abmp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yahwehshands?igsh=bXhwMjN3YTJuMWQz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAMqV3YCF/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiyah-ziyad-14ab2451?utm_source=share&-via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Image Credits

Nadiyah and Families I worked with in Ghana
Nadiyah Providing Access bars on a Client
Nadiyah Providing Healing Touch on a Client
Nadiyah Providing Chair massage
Nadiyah proving infant massage
Collage of stone, Essential oils, Hot towels used in the office, Nadiyah providing Infant massage on a client