Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Austin.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Black Woman who owns a small business! I always have to remind myself of that accomplishment! My journey as a massage therapist began in 2011. I was working at Olive Garden as a server. During a shift, I injured my back. I had multiple muscle strains. My back slipped into a position that is called a lateral shift. In simple terms, A lateral shift is when the higher part of the torso is shifted away from the lower torso. Imagine leaning to the side, but you’re standing up straight as you possibly can. I was injured and in pain for 2 weeks. I began to see a chiropractor and a massage therapist three times a week. Both the chiropractor and the massage therapist helped me tremendously. During the sessions with the massage therapist, I would think; wow I wish I could give someone what this therapist is giving it to me. Although I do not remember her name, I remember the impact she had on me and that’s what I wanted to give. Becoming a massage therapist did not happen right away. My injury continued to happen randomly when I overworked myself, so massage was the furthest from my mind. Several years later I had grown to my full potential in the restaurant industry. I then asked myself, what else can I do? Massage therapy was next on the list. I told myself I wouldn’t allow what was happening with my body to dictate my next outcome. I went to Massage school at Cuyahoga Community College in 2018. I had no idea what I was signing myself up for. It was the most rigorous and difficult 18 months. I am a mother and was working two jobs at the time. When I graduated in 2019, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia for better opportunities in my field. Prior to moving, I had a conversation with my then 19-year-old brother about what my plans were and if I saw myself having my own business. I began to tell him that I did see myself having my own business but I would need to work for corporate first to get my feet on the ground. My brother told me that I did not need corporate and that I was good enough on my own. He was extremely adamant about entrepreneurship and was starting his own bracelet and designs company (Braceitup) with my mother. Unfortunately, before I moved my brother was killed. I ended up working for a corporate place, but only for two months, as it was my brother’s voice in my head that told me “Do your own thing” Although he is not here in the physical form to see me thriving in my business, it is because of him that I was truly inspired to be an entrepreneur. I moved back to Ohio right before the pandemic started. I used the time during the lockdown to apply for an LLC and figure out what I wanted for my business and how I wanted it to run. My business officially launched in August of 2020, as soon as the governor lifted the massage board lockdown. Today, I am continuing my business goals as well as working part-time at Cuyahoga community college in the massage therapy program. In the program, I am a skills assistant. This program has allowed me to share my craft and how much I love it. I have also allowed graduates to become independent contractors in my business, creating a space for them to grow as Therapist. I am creating a safe space for myself, my clients, and my contractors.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, having a massage therapy business has not been difficult to run because the supply cost are extremely low. And I love what I do. However, starting a business during peak season of Covid has had its struggles. When I first began trying to market, I would get strange looks from the people. I imagine it being because we are living in new times but I also wondered if it was because I was black this was also during Black Lives Matter movements. So, times have just been really weird with in-person marketing. I have allowed those times to limit the amount of speaking I do when it comes to passing out business cards and flyers. My office is located above a historical movie theater so it’s quite hidden. My lease also doesn’t permit outside signage so having people find me has been quite difficult in my location. My first year of business I operated mostly through a discounted service platform that most people are familiar with. That platform itself is another obstacle. I have massaged over 300 people with all positive reviews, but retention has not been its best. I am unsure of the reasoning. I like to think that it is simply because people prefer discounted services. While being asked by a student, about why I don’t have a picture of myself on my website in the all about me section, I explained to her it’s because I am black and we are in weird times. She simply did not understand my reasoning, and I did not expect her to. Every now and then when I go to greet clients, I get this distinct oh I’m surprised that she’s black kind of look. As ridiculous as it may sound this is the reality I have experienced.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pure Body Balance Massage, Ltd?
I really pride myself in my craft. I have had many massages but I only wish I could massage myself. Meaning I wish I could give to myself what I give to others. Often, when you go to a massage spa, you are allotted a time slot of five minutes for a consultation and five minutes to undress and a couple minutes before the next person is on the table you just tried to relax on. You are paying for one hour but essentially are only getting a 45-to-50-minute massage. At Pure Body Balance Massage, you are given the full-time hands-on. I have never wanted my clients to feel rushed or like I did not have time to listen to their exact needs. Each client is individually important to me. I purposely set up enough time in between clients to help their healing process as well as take care of my own body needs. Each of my massages come with hot stones and is a mix of relaxation and therapeutic techniques. I believe it is important to use the hot stones to help release tensed muscles, encourage toxins to leave the body and it feels really great. My main goal is to make sure my clients leave feeling really great and that I successfully addressed their concerns.
What’s next?
At this moment, I am expanding my aesthetic crafts to offer more services. I currently offer body contouring and lash extensions. It’s my plan to be a one-stop shop. While my small office has allowed me to impact a lot of people, my biggest short-term goal is to have a storefront where my business name is in lights! A place where people come to feel at ease and get away from it all. I want to continue to hire and inspire new entrepreneurs!
Pricing:
- $100 1 hour with Hot Stones
- $135 90 minutes with Hot Stones
- $185 2hrs with Hot Stones
Contact Info:
- Email: Owner@purebodybalancemassage.com
- Website: www.purebodybalancemassage.com
- Instagram: @purebodybalance_
- Facebook: Purebodybalance-massage
Image Credits
Tiffany Hall
