Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Austin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m from California, “The Sunshine State” — South Central Los Angeles to be exact. I was introduced to track and field on my 10th birthday and later received a track and field scholarship from Lincoln University of Missouri. I began my career after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness.
Graduating from college was a huge accomplishment for both me and my family. This was a huge accomplishment because I was the first one in my generation. I was the first one to get my college paid for on a full ride in Track and Field. But in 2007, the economy took a downward spin and I couldn’t find a job anywhere. I knew that I had to find a way to bring in a steady income. I thought the best thing for me to do was to pursue another degree, but that wasn’t easy.
I started looking at other schools for physical therapy. Linn State University had a number of things they required. I sent in all my transcripts, recommendations letter from professors, and a statement of purpose and waited. But, the paperwork didn’t reach the school in time. I had to wait and reapply the following year. Meanwhile, I did everything I could to stay ahead of the game. I took classes and worked two jobs. After resubmitting for the following year, I was told no again.
This time, I needed answers to my questions about why I didn’t get in. I called and emailed the physical therapy department head until she called me back. She loved that I was persistent about getting into the program and gave me some tips. She recommended that I take specific classes before applying again. While searching for the recommended courses, I came across Metro Business College, which had the classes I needed. While there, I applied to obtain my Massage Therapy Certification.
In 2010, I finally had both my Physical Therapy Aide Certification and my Massage Therapy Certification; and my journey in promoting self-care began. It took three months of job searching before I had an epiphany: “Why am I waiting for someone to give me a job when I can start working on my own?” It was time I took charge of my future and make my own way. On June 22, 2010, Now and Zen Bodyworks was started in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting out on my own was very difficult. I had a colleague with whom I decided to go into business but that didn’t work out. I moved my twice before I found the right place to that suited the business with its own entrance, waiting area, bathroom attached and three treatment rooms. ¬¬¬¬
The biggest obstacle in this field is getting people to trust and respect the profession. There are people out there that will challenge you, ask for favors, ask for discounts and not understand your business. My advice to people dealing with this is to stay true to yourself and always remember your morals, ethics, and why you got in the field.
We’d love to hear more about your business. Now and Zen Bodyworks is a licensed massage therapy company based in Dallas, Texas. We are body-healing specialists — trained professionals who help clients alleviate chronic muscle pain, tension in the body, relieve muscle strain, and improve overall muscle health.
Now and Zen Bodyworks specializes in customized total body improvement through a variety of techniques. As a massage therapist, I have attained certifications in every modality I could master, including sports massage therapy, deep tissue massage, and prenatal massages. I offer services such as mobile massages, Swedish massages, corporate chair massages, spa parties, and advanced stretching techniques, just to name a few. Being certified in these modalities has opened the doors for Now and Zen Bodyworks to make credible partnerships.
I’m most known for my sports massage service. My biggest accomplishment has been having the opportunity, as a fairly new massage company, to provide services to players from the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. As a former athlete, being able to assist other athletes in being the best they can is not only an honor but also a personal passion.
Over the last four years, my business has grown to include clients who are Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, DeRay Davis, James Harden and former track and field, basketball and football players. Now and Zen Bodyworks’ brand is unique starting with the brand colors. I chose the colors freedom black and sunrise gold because I wanted to stand out from the other massage therapy companies. The common spa colors are green and blue because said to be relaxing to the eye.
But I wanted to create a brand that stands out from the people in the same field as you are in. The “ZEN” in Now and Zen Bodyworks came from me wanting to approach the massage therapy industry with an overall well-being of complete relaxation and positivity. Zen has become a way of life. Massage therapy is not just a luxury; it is essential to our mental and physical well-being.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Dallas is a good place for a Massage therapy business. For the entrepreneurs just starting out, I would recommend starting here.
Pricing:
New Clients Introductory Rate 60 min $70 complimentary hot stones
New Clients Introductory Rate 90 min $95 complimentary hot stones
Contact Info:
Address: 16300 Addison Rd Ste. 260 Addison, TX 75001
Website: www.nowandzenbodyworks.com
Phone: 4696472251
Email: info@nowandzenbodyworks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowandzenbodyworks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowNZenBodyworks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nownzenbodywork
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/now-and-zen-bodyworks-dallas
