We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tanya Pittman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tanya below.
Tanya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
When I decided to become a massage therapist, it was always to be able to help people with pain. Shortly after getting my first job with a Franchise, I quickly realized that the career I wanted to build and the kind of therapist I wanted to be would need to be done on my own.
Practice and learning additional techniques was the most important thing, so I took as many classes as I could to become a better therapist.
The next step and challenge was finding an affordable place to work as I built my clientele. Growing organically and slowly was perfect for me. Most of my clients were referals as I chose not to do any advertizing. As business was growing I also contracted at St. Luke’s Hospital as part of their Integrated Healthcare Team.
Anyone wanting to start their own practice, I encourage, but keep in mind that there is a lot more to running a successful massage business than just being a good therapist.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
After serving in the US Navy straight out of high school, I later became a chef manager. After some time, I realized that my purpose in life was not in food service, but rather servicing and nourishing people’s mind & body connection. I dove into the study of the body’s anatomy and physiology, and attended The Houston School of Massage where I earned a license in massage therapy. I have been practicing massage since 2015.
My specialty is in therapeutic massage with the intention of correcting postural deviations and balancing the body. The approach I use uniquely combines clinical massage with a relaxing touch. This is accomplished by focusing on fluidity, transitions, and working layer by layer through the tissue and muscles using deep tissue massage, trigger point work, and light stretching. While firm pressure is my strength, relaxation and comfort are always the ideal goal. I enjoy working with clients to resolve chronic pain, headaches, and other issues.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met Amber McCool of Luminous Skin & Brow as a client at my very first place working on my own. We clicked immediately. A few years later we were able to move in a share a space together.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I could go back in time, I woukd have chosen to become a massage therapist sooner! I love it!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bodyatonement.com
- Instagram: bodyatonement
- Facebook: bodyatonementmassagestudio