Community Highlights: Meet Monique Waters of Massage Amani And Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Waters.

Monique, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually was a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. It was a great career, but I didn’t have freedom and I love to travel. One day in Turks and Caicos, I met a guy massaging on the beach and he asked if I was happy where I was. I replied no. He asked where I would be happiest and what I would be doing. Little did I know that man and that question would change my life entirely. I couldn’t stop thinking about the question. So I came home a week later and enrolled in massage therapy school to try something new. I had only had one massage in my life and it was terrible, but I went anyway. As I worked through school, I realized I was not only good at bodywork, but I loved it and had a deep understanding since I had a cell biology degree already. I also had some pretty extreme health issues while in school and met the people who would help in that class. Before you knew it, I was hooked and immediately started my own practice when I got out of school. It’s been a ride but I love it.

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?
Entrepreneurship is rarely a smooth road but can be worth it. I had never run a business. I had to invest and find resources on accounting, taxes, licensing, getting a location, and the hardest part was getting clients. It takes patience to build a brand. That patience can pay off big though if you stick with it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Massage Amani And Spa?
The main part of my business is massage therapy. I do integrative therapy sessions for each client. I also have manifestation and relaxation rooms that clients can rent at an hourly rate just for some alone time. The space also operates as an incubator. So I allow others who have small businesses such as mine to rent fully furnished rooms at hourly, half day, or full day rates to run their businesses and I offer mentorship to them at no additional charge. It’s my way of giving back and helping other people reach their goals when they may have similar struggles that I had such as finances, location, and know how. It’s open to anyone who can make the studio work for their business. I want people to know there are people like us out there who want to see them succeed. I want people to know that bodywork is more than just a luxury. It’s necessary to maintain optimal health and we should be a part of your normal routine.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am also a travel agent. Soon I’ll be focusing more on that after I expand my massage practice.

Pricing:

• One hour massage is $90
• Ninety minute massages are $125
• Two hour massages are $175
• Infrared sauna blanket plus massage is $170

Contact Info:

• Email: massageamani@yahoo.com
• Website: www.massageamaniandspa.com
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MassageAmani/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credits
Tee Ervin D’Juan Love