We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy E. Farrar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy E., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before massage, I was well ensconced in Corporate America. That time while very successful was also extremely stressful. As a result, I began developing some chronic health conditions. Seeking relief, I started going to a chiropractor (Dr Ronald A. Weinstein, DC now in VA) who was big on educating his patients about the body and the effects of stress. I became fascinated with how the body worked. Dr. Ron became somewhat of a mentor and invited me to participate at health fairs with him. Despite his encouragement I knew that chiropractic was not my path. During the same time, a dear friend knowing my challenges with my corporate job, and my interest in the body started urging me to look into becoming a massage therapist. Since I was the designated back and foot “massager” for friends and family she insisted it would be a good and healthier fit. My response was (in the early- mid ‘90s) “that’s not a real job”.

Dr. Ron ended up selling his practice and the new chiropractor hired a massage therapist. I decided to treat myself to a half hour massage for my birthday. When I got off of the massage table, literally in that moment, I knew I was supposed to become a massage therapist. The next day I called and asked Jennifer (the Massage Therapist) if she would share with me what I needed to do to become a massage therapist. She graciously mentored me through the process. Six months later I was began classes at Atlanta School of Massage. In addition to becoming a Licensed Masaage Therapist, I am the owner of Masage Associates of Atlanta established in 1998. Also, during the past 24 years, I have become a massage educator, Certified Qi gong instructor, Certified Life and Business Coach and serve as a National Director with the American Massage Association.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The vision for my business Massage Associates of Atlanta, also emerged immediately upon my deciding to become a massage therapist. I was to create a community oriented (internally and externally) wellness center. The foundation of the business model was then and continues to be providing our community the finest in wellness care with massage at its hub; in a welcoming environment that facilitates healing on all levels. Our dedicated staff of massage therapists and allied wellness professionals are supportive and a reflection of the community we serve

My professional life prior to massage in the corporate world was primarily in management, sales and marketing. The skills acquired there had well prepared me for being a successful entrepreneur. That is not to say it’s been a totally easy road. Establishing a strong staff that supports the vision was a great challenge. One that prior to the Covid-19 shutdown, had been met and surpassed. Unfortunately, since reopening that challenge has resurfaced with greater difficulty.

However, the community support and need for wellness being stronger than ever, reaffirms that original vision. Knowing that the our path and purpose remains the same is my motivation to persist toward overcoming the challenge once more. When doubt creeps in, I think of the lives literally touched, the positive community contributions and impacts that has been made over past two decades; such as the women at a local Battered Women’s Shelter who experienced a positive form of touch for the first time in a long time (if not ever), and those living with chronic illness and pain or are in acute discomfort that are able to experience relief during and following their time with us.

If I need a physical reminder, on the wall next to our main door hangs a certificate of appreciation from the Red Cross for our participation in providing massage to staff and volunteers following the events of September 11th.

Massage Associates of Atlanta, is unique in that it is a community within and for the community. Wellness care isn’t just what we offer, it is what we are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Keeping it local for food, my go to is L’Thai Organic Cuisine and Wine Bar 4880 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA/ Lethai.com

A couple of sites to visit are Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Georgia Aquarium. Taking in an afternoon or evening ball game with the Atlanta Braves Baseball. A don’t miss is a WNBA Atlanta Dream game.

My favorite place to hang out is under the 250 year old Copper Beech Tree in the backyard of my office.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a Shoutout to Dr. Ronald A. Weinstein, DC (now in VA and NC). who when I was his patient, first sparked my interest in working with the body. Also, Jennifer Tice, LMT who gave me my first professional massage. After which I knew massage was to be my path in life. Jennifer then graciously mentored me through my matriculation and invited me to join her on a weekend contract job that was to be my first massage gig starting the day after I graduated from massage school. We remain good friends 25 years later. Lastly, I am immensely grateful to the Tucker, GA community that has supported my business for almost 23 years.

Website: https://www.massageassociates.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/massageassociatesatl/

Image Credits:
Me in red, teal and purple shirts – Photo Credit: Chris Mastin, Atlanta, GA/cmastin.com/404-853-3601

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