We recently connected with Samantha Dillinger and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to help people. Whether that be a lawyer, a nurse or what I ended being, a licensed massage therapist. I moved to Georgia escaping abuse with no idea what I was doing. My father recommended culinary or massage school as I loved and was pretty good at both. I didn’t want to stop loving cooking by doing it 24/7 and I still wanted to help people, so massage seemed the best option. I ended up falling absolutely in love with the industry. I’m a tactile person and a kinesthetic learner so massage was a very natural education for me.

The one thing I did always say, was I never wanted to work for myself. I didn’t have the discipline and I didn’t want to have so much responsibility. So I worked at a luxury spa for most of my early career.
After leaving abuse for the second time, I needed a fresh start and wanted to be more involved in my community. I left the 5 star spa for a local clinic where I would see clients on a regular basis and be more involved in their healing process rather than seeing someone once or maybe once a year on vacation.
Five days after I left the spa for the clinic, COVID-19 hit. After the state reopened, I learned some important lessons in how to handle any and everything myself instead of just letting front desk or management handle things. I became more independent and sure of myself. Then, one day our owner sat us all down and announced the closure of the clinic.
It was in that moment I realized I never wanted to work for someone else again. I asked the esthetician in our office if she wanted to go out on her own with me, and together we opened our respective offices within the same space. Mystic Massage was born. I started with no capital, nothing but my own savings and a trust in myself that I can do exactly what I wanted. If I could survive an abusive childhood and an abusive marriage, I could survive anything.

The lesson I’ve learned not just from opening my own clinic, but from surviving and thriving in the dirt, is that the only person who can truly stop you…is you. Find your grit. Find your determination. Live the life you are meant to live.

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

I fell into my craft. I didn’t wake up one day and decided that this was what I wanted to do, my father put it into my head. Encouraged massage school and from day one had tried to get me to open my own clinic. I was obviously resistant, I had zero interest in that much responsibility.

When I started, I followed everyone else’s rules and frankly, I was terrible at it. Following authority has never been my strong suit. I learned eventually, that success and daily life would have to be defined by myself and not others wants or decisions for me. Leaving my abusive husband changed several mentalities for myself. I learned what works for me and have since brought it into my practice.

During my separation, I learned just how much grit I really had. My life has never been easy nor have I been able to skate by much. I’ve always had to be resourceful and just figure it out, but this time it was about more than survival. What was I going to DO with this life. How was I going to contribute to the world in a way that made me proud; I started with activism. I learned to stand my ground in what I believe. Learned just how solid my footing could be.

With that in mind, I started at a local clinic after six years in high end spas and met my magical other half Bre’Ann. Once the clinic announced its closure, we created Mystic Massage and Honey Esthetics together. We are our own separate companies but we started this journey together and we couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.

My job isn’t to just help your body recover, it’s to hold space for you. Whether this is the best or the worst day of your life my space is a true safe space…where I also beat you up a little but in the best ways. I treat intuitively and focus on how much time you want on the table versus trying to help pick a particular modality of massage. As someone off the street knows very little about the differences between each type or style, it’s silly in my opinion to expect them to know what type of massage they might need. My goal is to have you walking out feeling better than you walked in and not just in the immediate but long term.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly, being genuine. I’ve not toned myself down I’ve just added a note of professionalism.

I am always kind but firm when necessary but I will step out of my professionalism when it’s earned.

I go the extra mile for my clients. Whether that’s holding space, giving the occasional freebie or a few extra minutes, listening to their concerns or adjusting if they are uncomfortable in any way.

I give them respect in every avenue. Vulnerability is a given at some point. Respecting their space, their emotions, where they are in life is crucial in allowing them to feel safe and be able to relax.

My space is very inviting, from lighting and the warmth of my table to the aromas and background noises. I try to make sure you feel truly welcomed and comfortable from start to finish.

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

I have been in two abusive situations in my life. Both have resulted in a 180 of my life.

When I left my family home after years of abuse, I snuck out with my entire life in two boxes and my best friend drove me to the bus station where I spent two days on a bus going across the country until I landed here.

My second, created the environment that Mystic could be born. I married a man who ended up being incredibly financially, verbally, emotionally and psychologically abusive. Eventually becoming abusive to his daughter who is now my own by her and I’s choice. When he was arrested I changed my entire life. I changed jobs, I moved, I had already lost all my friends in the separation so I took the opportunity and started doing things alone. I actively started pursuing people and things I was interested in. I cultivated a beautiful group of friends, interests, more ways to contribute and ways to deepen my activism.
Two decisions permanently altered the course of my life because I was brave enough to make them. Neither started with wanting a business, but that’s where these decisions led me and I’m so thankful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mysticmassagega.com
• Instagram: Mysticmassage_GA
• Facebook: MysticMassageGA

Image Credits
Alisha Cecilia Photography BPoole Photography