10 Massage Therapist Success Stories & Case Studies [2023]
Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.
Building a successful massage therapy business is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.
Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a massage therapist:
1. Jenni Jo - Tension Tamer®️ ($24K/year)
Jenni Jo (from Portland, Oregon, USA) started Jenni Jo - Tension Tamer®️ over 3 years ago.
My name is Jenni Jo and I have always wanted a title. So I gave myself one! You can refer to me as Jenni Jo Tension Tamer®. I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2003, an Instructor of the Yamuna Body Rolling Self-Care method since 2011 and a dreamer since 1972. I have had the great pleasure of creating a niche market within the touring and entertainment world as “Massage therapist to the RockStars”.
I wanted something that I could drive up to a venue or to someone’s doorstep and the ambiance & environment is ready already! My Peace Pod is relatively new and working within the hours of my children’s school has kept my business flow a little limited (for now!) Even with limited availability, I’m super grateful for the interest, business and press I have received since my Launch: Airstream Life! Magazine, Massage & Bodywork Magazine & Willamette Week “Best Of”. I feel very lucky to have support and encouragement in my ‘Lil dream!
2. Acupuncture Wellness Center ($72K/year)
Moira J McCarthy (from Austin, Texas, USA) started Acupuncture Wellness Center over 25 years ago.
Hello guys, my name is Moira McCarthy and I am a licensed acupuncturist in Austin, Texas. I am the owner of Acupuncture Wellness Center, LLC, and have been in practice since 1997. I offer acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture services.
I recently reduced my practice to one client per hour so that I could spend more time with each client and offer more services such as Acugraph computer analysis, Pointoselect digital auricular therapy, and cupping, as well as traditional acupuncture therapy and cosmetic acupuncture. My practice averages about 65 to 70 clients per month at an average cost of $90 per session.
Learn more about starting a massage therapist:
Where to start?
-> Massage therapist plan
-> How to finance a massage therapist?
-> How much does it cost to start a massage therapist?
-> Pros and cons of a massage therapist
-> How to get clients for a massage therapist?
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established massage therapist
-> Marketing ideas for a massage therapist
-> Massage therapist Instagram bios
-> Massage therapist Instagram captions
Other resources
-> Profitability of a massage therapist
-> Massage therapist tips
4. Space To Be You ($96K/year)
Bryan Hunter (from London, UK) started Space To Be You over 2 years ago.
Space To Be You is mental health and holistic therapy center offering a range of wellbeing services in London, England.
Below we discuss the process of securing funding, business planning, starting up, and discuss what it was like to launch a face-to-face therapy business during a global pandemic…
5. Kala Mobile Meditation Studio ($156K/year)
Athena Stratakis and Maria Stratakis (from Baltimore, Maryland, USA) started Kala Mobile Meditation Studio over 3 years ago.
We are Athena and Maria, the mother-daughter co-founders of Kala Mobile Meditation Studio in Baltimore, Md. Our customized 35 ft vehicle has 8 meditation rooms or “pods” for individual audio meditation and sound therapy sessions. Each pod is equipped with comfortable built-in seating, noise-canceling headphones, and an interactive tablet where guests can view and select from our menu of original (and locally produced) meditation options.
6. Snuggle with Sam ($106K/year)
Samantha Varnerin (from Boston, Massachusetts, USA) started Snuggle with Sam over 6 years ago.
Hi there! My name is Sam Varnerin and I created Snuggle with Sam, my independent professional cuddling practice, while I was still working full-time as a construction engineer.
Here’s all of the contributors on the panel at CuddleXpo in Chicago presenting how we came up with the Code of Ethics for Professional Cuddling. Back left to right: Maryelen Reid, Madelon Guinazzo, Samantha Varnerin (me!), Samantha Hess, Jean Franzbleau, Fei Wyatt, Janet Trevino. Front left to right: Keely Shoup, Lisa Meece. Photo credit Rellian Chen Merrin
7. Pulseroll ($2.88M/year)
Pulse Roll – Next-generation vibrating foam rollers. Founder Paul McCabe is a keen fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur who saw a demand and real need for a product that could improve recovery time from training and injury for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Paul McCabe (from Manchester, UK) started Pulseroll almost 7 years ago.
- At Pulseroll, they make percussive massage therapy accessible and affordable for everyone.
- Founded in 2016 by Paul McCabe, Pulseroll is becoming Britain’s leading muscle recovery brand.
- Through their range of vibrational therapy machines, they can supply technology and expertise which delivers advanced muscle recovery at ease, without the inconvenience or cost of a professional massage.
- Pulseroll is now stocked by leading British retailers and is available in more than 20 countries worldwide.
Read the full story on thestudentpocketguide.com ➜
8. Robin ($42K/year)
A big-hearted woman has quite literally embraced a most lucrative career - as a professional cuddler.
Robin Marie (from Kansas City, Missouri, USA) started Robin about 5 years ago.
Robin Marie is a 51-year-old woman from Kansas City, Missouri, who earns her living as a professional cuddler.
- She has been working as a certified cuddle therapist since January 2018 and spends around 25 hours-a-week cuddling clients for work.
- She has a code of conduct that she makes sure the client follows, and she respects her client's personal space and boundaries.
- Robin has also previously worked as a marriage and family therapist, which has helped her to cultivate empathy and be non-judgemental towards clients.
- Her sessions usually last between one and four hours and take place in a "calming space” she rents in Kansas City.
Read the full story on foxnews.com ➜
9. Natural Forces Massage ($360K/year)
Timothy Turnbow (from Atascocita, TX, USA) started Natural Forces Massage almost 5 years ago.
My name is Timothy Turnbow and I am the owner of Natural Forces Massage in Atascocita, Texas.
Our sales have grown year over year, and on average we make around $30,000/month in sales.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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