How it started vs. How its going...
A Blog about one Massage Therapist Wellness Journey and the creators that continue to inspire, innovate, and curate content for the mind, body and soul.
#wellness #journey #massage #selfcare #blackowned #inspiration #motivation #mind #body #soul
Welcome to my first blog! The past few years have been full of ups and downs, but I pushed through and started a new career that will continue to be the stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities to come! Read below to see how it all started and where its going.
How it started....
In 2019 I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful country of Costa Rica as a capstone for my Masters program. I ventured into the rainforest, volunteered at the local food banks and visited a sustainable spa resort. The spa resort was nothing like I had ever seen before in my life. It was simply paradise! (More to come on that trip in another blog.) That same year I ventured to Cape Cod for a wellness retreat that started off as what I thought would be your run of the mill professional development, but it ended up being a launch pad to my path toward wellness and entrepreneurship. 2019 became a transition year for me, however 2020 stopped all of us in our tracks and made the world come to a complete halt. Covid-19 changed the course of our lives and brought about unknowns that would undoubtedly change the course of our every lives for years to come. I started 2020 with a 6 figure paying corporate job and after quarantine ended up on unemployment. It was an extremely humbling experience, but I took it all in stride. I decided to revisit what inspired me in 2019 and figure out how I can parlay that into a career that would not only be fulfilling for my soul my rewarding for my life. During my unemployment period, (which by the way was the first time since the age of 14 that I had ever been without a job), I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted to do in my life. I knew I wanted to be in the wellness industry and be of service to others, but I wasn’t sure how. After I revisited what brings me joy and peace, and some intense soul searching, I harkened back to that vision that I wrote down in my 2019 journal. I realized wellness was my calling.
How its going...
In August of 2020, I started my own business Aura Spa and Wellness LLC while simultaneously starting massage therapy school. Since 2019, it was my goal to bring a diverse group of wellness professionals together to serve the community. Being passionate about massage inspired me to go to school and study massage therapy. It has been an intense 9 month program that will be the foundation for my vision of owning a spa. Everyone has their own form of self-care. My favorite form of self-care is visiting the spa for a relaxing massage and the pure joy that I get from helping others. I brought myself back to center by incorporating monthly massages, mental health therapy, meditation and yoga. I also started an Instagram page @auramassagemke (and will soon launch my official Facebook page) that will serve as a platform to share my journey as a massage therapist but also share stories and content from the Instagram creators that inspire me. This is just the beginning of a life long journey diving into the wellness industry. My first goal is to become a massage therapist. I will officially complete my program in April 2021 My hope is that my story can serve an an example that you don’t have to be stuck at a job that doesn’t fulfill you. Due to the pandemic I was forced to leave a job that wasn’t fulfilling me, but you don’t have to wait for someone or something to force your hand. You can start today!
Check out my list below. I curated a list of content creators that are diverse, motivational and inspirational. From massage practioners/bodyworkers to mental health professionals, fitness gurus and foodies, these Instagram pages are full of useful information to help boost your wellness and inspire you to become a better you! Take a moment to follow these pages and remember that wellness is not a destination, its a lifelong journey.
With Gratitude.
25 Wellness Instagram’s to Inspire YOU
Massage Therapy/Bodywork @schoolofbodywork @rebelmassagetherapist @sarahtolleylmt @advancedmassagetherapy @painpostureperformance
Mental Health/Mindfulness @amricounseling @imanicounselingservicesllc @therapyforblackgirls @blackgirlscanheal_ @blackgirlinom
Fitness @sportmyfitness @healing_barre @embodyyogamke @hypefusionfitness @blackfitness
Healthy Living/Culture @healthyfoodmovement @mindbodygreen @thedreamernextdoor @iamchrissyking @theajzone