Krystal Imani shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Krystal, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One thing that’s often misunderstood about my business is that people see massage as just a luxury or something you get once in a while to relax. But the truth is, massage is more than that—it’s a necessity for many people. As a licensed medical massage therapist, I focus on therapeutic and medical work that helps with pain relief, recovery, mobility, stress, and overall wellness.
Another big misconception is that massage is a quick fix. While one session can bring relief, lasting results often take consistency and multiple sessions, especially for chronic pain or deeper issues. It’s not just about feeling good in the moment—it’s about long-term care and healing. Massage isn’t just self-care—it’s real care.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Krystal Imani, a licensed medical massage therapist and the owner of a fully mobile massage business based in Kansas City, Missouri. I specialize in therapeutic and medical massage, and I travel directly to my clients—whether they’re at home, in the office, or staying at a hotel.
My services are focused on real results: pain relief, recovery, and overall wellness. I offer everything from relaxing Swedish massage to deep tissue, sports recovery, chair massage, and custom pain management—with complimentary hot stones and cupping therapy included in every session.
What makes my brand unique is the personalized, on-the-go experience I provide. I built this business from the ground up, starting in Cleveland, Ohio while I was in college, and growing it into something I’m proud of today. I’m currently focused on expanding my reach, educating others about the healing power of massage, and helping my clients feel their absolute best—mind and body.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that in order to be successful, I had to follow a very specific path: go to college— not just for four years, but get a master’s or even a PhD—then dedicate half my life to school, work under a company for endless hours, climb the corporate ladder, and rely on promotions and raises just to live comfortably and achieve the so-called “American Dream.”
I thought that was the only way to make good money and have a stable life, even if it meant sacrificing time, freedom, and happiness. But as I got older, I realized that dream wasn’t really mine. I ended up switching colleges and shifting away from the business economics degree I was working so hard for, and instead followed my passion into massage therapy.
Now, I run my own mobile massage business with uncapped potential, full control over my schedule, and the ability to grow on my terms. I’m achieving the goals I once thought would take decades and a corporate title—and I’m doing it in a way that truly fulfills me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were definitely a few times I almost gave up. One of the biggest challenges was when I moved back to Kansas City from Cleveland, Ohio. I had built something of my own out there, and starting over in a new city meant I had to transfer my business, rebuild my clientele from scratch, and re-establish my presence. It was overwhelming, and there were moments I questioned if I could really do it all over again.
Then when COVID hit, it was devastating. Business slowed down dramatically, and I honestly didn’t know what was next. I tried starting other businesses to make ends meet, but no matter what I did, massage therapy kept calling me back. It’s where my heart is. Eventually, after things settled, I committed fully to mobile massage—and I haven’t looked back since.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the massage industry tells itself is that massage therapists are always supposed to be perfectly balanced—physically, emotionally, and energetically. There’s this unspoken pressure to always show up calm, grounded, and “healed” because we’re in a healing profession. But the truth is, burnout is real, and it’s actually common in our field.
We carry a lot—literally and emotionally—and it takes a toll. What the industry needs to recognize more openly is that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or exhausted. We’re human too. That’s why self-care and setting strong boundaries are so important. Taking care of ourselves isn’t optional. It’s necessary if we want to keep showing up for others in a healthy, sustainable way.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I already give my best every single day—both in my work and in my personal life—whether I’m being praised or not. Growing up, I had high expectations placed on me by everyone around me—my parents, teachers, friends, and classmates. I was expected to be the smart one, the advanced one, the mentor, the person who always had it together and knew the answers.
Because of that, doing well often wasn’t celebrated—it was just expected. I learned early on that praise doesn’t always come, even when you’re doing your best. So yes, I can give everything my all without needing external validation. My praise comes from within first. When I know I’ve shown up with intention, effort, and integrity, that’s what fulfills me. Everything else is just extra.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Krystalimani.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/krystal.mobilemassage
