Looking Back to Move Forward

 February 1, 2026

Hindsight is 20/20. We’ve all heard that before, and typically the expression is used to suggest what’s done is done and nothing can be changed now.

But sometimes the experiences of others who came before can help guide following generations.

For this reason, Massage Therapy Journal reached out to some massage therapists to ask them one question: “If you could go back in time and tell yourself something when you were just starting out as a massage therapist, what would it be?”

Read what they had to say.

Daphne Walker, LMT, Owner, Why Knot

First, I would tell myself that starting my own business is the right decision ... for me! I think many massage therapy students grapple with the decision of whether to work for someone else, such as in a spa setting or health care environment of some sort. Indeed, not many people are cut out to wear all the hats that are required for business ownership.

Because I came to massage therapy later in life, I had some business and medical experience to draw from. After doing some teaching last year, I saw many people who are simply not prepared for that type of responsibility and juggling. Honestly, massage school does not fully prepare nor really even speak much about working for yourself. That said, I do not at all regret my decision to jump in with both feet from the beginning. 

Secondly, I wish I could tell my younger self to go to massage therapy school earlier! I feel that I lost some valuable time in doing other jobs that could have been better invested in the career that has brought me the fulfillment and success I enjoy today. We all know, however, that the most challenging experiences are often the most valuable. My more mature self is grateful for the lessons learned along the way. I might have been more satisfied, however, if I’d gotten my massage education and career off the ground a bit faster.

Along with that, I have also had to accept the physical injuries and limitations that come from working as a massage therapist for many years. These types of things can and do happen to therapists of any age, but age is definitely a factor for those of us who come to it later in the game. I would tell myself that if you want to stay in business, your own body must be the priority!

Lastly, I would tell myself to advocate more for my own business. As massage therapists, I think we often undervalue the work we do. To be successful in business, we must weigh the “business” of massage with the “benefits” to others.

We should not be afraid to charge what we are worth, promote our skills or take a stance on the value of massage therapy in the bigger health care industry. I feel strongly that massage therapists are underutilized in so many ways, and I would like to see that change. 

Michael Lanzon, Owner and Massage Therapist, Home Comfort Massage

There are honestly so many things I wish I knew or had been told earlier on in my career. 

I personally wish I would have gone off and started my own practice much earlier than I did. Between non-compete agreements and horrible compensation, you have a much better chance of success being on your own. 

The career lifespan of massage therapists isn’t the best, and adding little to no benefits only makes matters worse. Going off on your own at least gives you a fighting chance in my opinion. Granted it is a lot of work, but it is worth it if it’s done right.

Ruth Espada, LMT, Owner, Spa Suite 4

I can definitely think back to what I would tell myself before starting my own business many moons ago. One piece of advice I’d give my younger self is to trust the process and value my time and services from the very beginning.

Setting boundaries, knowing your worth, and finding a balance between passion and business are key lessons I’ve learned along the way. Finally, hire a professional coach that has excelled in your industry.

Sarah Reuther, LMT, Owner, Kneady Cat Massage and Cupping

If I could go back, I would tell myself to start my own business way sooner, like three years sooner. I stayed at jobs far too long, was unhappy with pay and management, but wasn’t quite confident enough to take the leap. I wish I had talked to my colleagues more seriously about getting an office. I mean, it happened eventually, but it could have happened much sooner and … I could have … avoided major burnout.

I think the best part about having my own business is the flexibility, final say and variety of tasks. I love massaging, but I also love ordering supplies, keeping the office looking cute and taking care of clients. Even laundry and taxes I have started to not mind so much.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it work. But, for the last two and a half years, I’ve supported myself and my business without having to work for anyone else.

Rev. J. Maya Ravensong-Lawrence, LMT, MCA, Owner, Serenity Massage & Energywork

There are a lot of things I wish I could go back and tell myself.

1. I wish I had known that having my business located in an adjacent state from the bigger population city (Omaha and Council Bluffs are literally separated by a river) would mean it would be very difficult to hire LMTs. They do not want to work in one city/state (Council Bluffs, IA) and live in another city/state (Omaha, NE). Even offering pay that is $10 to $14 more per hour than anyone else still gets only a trickle of applicants. Location matters. Not just for clients, parking, marketing, lease amounts, but also for staffing.
   
   
2. You will revise, edit and add to your employee handbook as new situations arise. You cannot think of all the situations that will arise when you’re first starting out. You will try, but unless you have experience running a massage business, you won’t think of them all. Put a paragraph in that handbook that tells your employees that updates to the handbook will happen.
   
   
3. Having flexible scheduling does not mean that your employees can block off their days/times on the regular or you will have loads of empty rooms. There needs to be some kind of limit.
   
   
4. Take care of your body so you can take care of others.
   
   
5. You do not need an expensive first-floor space in a booming part of town to have a successful single-person massage practice. An office inside an office building will do just fine. Just make sure you get an outdoor sign so people can find you.
   
   
6. You must have a website. Use AI to help you write the words if you don’t know what/how to say what you want to say and or create the space if your web host has that available.
   
   
7. Google is your best friend. Create a Google business profile and link it to your website. Google loves an updated website, so have a blog be a part of that website and post to it once a month.

Do you have a piece of advice or encouragement you'd share with your younger massage therapist self? We want to know. Talk to us!

Ruth Espada, LMT, Owner, Spa Suite 4

I can definitely think back to what I would tell myself before starting my own business many moons ago. One piece of advice I’d give my younger self is to trust the process and value my time and services from the very beginning.

Setting boundaries, knowing your worth, and finding a balance between passion and business are key lessons I’ve learned along the way. Finally, hire a professional coach that has excelled in your industry.

Sarah Reuther, LMT, Owner, Kneady Cat Massage and Cupping

If I could go back, I would tell myself to start my own business way sooner, like three years sooner. I stayed at jobs far too long, was unhappy with pay and management, but wasn’t quite confident enough to take the leap. I wish I had talked to my colleagues more seriously about getting an office. I mean, it happened eventually, but it could have happened much sooner and … I could have … avoided major burnout.

I think the best part about having my own business is the flexibility, final say and variety of tasks. I love massaging, but I also love ordering supplies, keeping the office looking cute and taking care of clients. Even laundry and taxes I have started to not mind so much.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it work. But, for the last two and a half years, I’ve supported myself and my business without having to work for anyone else.

Rev. J. Maya Ravensong-Lawrence LMT, MCA, Owner, Serenity Massage & Energywork

There are a lot of things I wish I could go back and tell myself.

1. I wish I had known that having my business located in an adjacent state from the bigger population city (Omaha and Council Bluffs are literally separated by a river) would mean it would be very difficult to hire LMTs. They do not want to work in one city/state (Council Bluffs, IA) and live in another city/state (Omaha, NE). Even offering pay that is $10 to $14 more per hour than anyone else still gets only a trickle of applicants. Location matters. Not just for clients, parking, marketing, lease amounts, but also for staffing.
   
   
2. You will revise, edit and add to your employee handbook as new situations arise. You cannot think of all the situations that will arise when you’re first starting out. You will try, but unless you have experience running a massage business, you won’t think of them all. Put a paragraph in that handbook that tells your employees that updates to the handbook will happen.
   
   
3. Having flexible scheduling does not mean that your employees can block off their days/times on the regular or you will have loads of empty rooms. There needs to be some kind of limit.
   
   
4. Take care of your body so you can take care of others.
   
   
5. You do not need an expensive first-floor space in a booming part of town to have a successful single-person massage practice. An office inside an office building will do just fine. Just make sure you get an outdoor sign so people can find you.
   
   
6. You must have a website. Use AI to help you write the words if you don’t know what/how to say what you want to say and or create the space if your web host has that available.
   
   
7. Google is your best friend. Create a Google business profile and link it to your website. Google loves an updated website, so have a blog be a part of that website and post to it once a month.

Do you have a piece of advice or encouragement you'd share with your younger massage therapist self? We want to know. Talk to us!