We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Natasha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea was given to me by my friend who drove for a paratransit company. These are the vans that go around to pick up the elderly and disabled. One day he commented that these people could use my massage service. He knows for a fact that they can get into a van, so if the van had a massage table it would be a great service. I originally thought the idea was silly. The more I reflected on it I became excited about the possibilities. To my knowledge no one in New York had a mobile spa. Mobile dog grooming companies were just popping it, and they were successful. I knew that I was a gifted massage therapist. Being able to travel to people to share my gift with others was a win for everyone.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist. Massage therapists are miracle workers. It is such a fulfilling career for me. People come from all walks of life and look to massage therapy as a way to feel better. It is such a gift to be able to make people feel good.
Becoming an LMT requires 1000 hours of training and passing a 150 question board exam. Once I passed I began working. In school we learn that you really aren’t a massage therapist until you have worked on at least 1000 bodies. This is my tenth year in this field so I have surpassed the 1000 bodies, but there is always something new to learn. I have worked in franchise massage therapy places, high end gyms, and independently for Medicaid. Through work friendships, I networked and learned more about the business side of massage.
Working allowed me to cultivate my skill and become confident in my delivery.
I think the biggest lesson anyone can learn is that there is always something to learn. It excites me to learn new things to enhance my clients life. I think as we get older we think that we should know it all. And that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Being open to learning is important.
And not just learning but struggling to learn something new and staying with it until you get it.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What are we doing flavorful vegan food? Toma-tis in Elmont hands down. Ms Yvonne is a wealth of information and has yummy plant based foods. I’m addicted to her house dressing.
Burgers Tacos and Wings is a whole vibe. Tyshawn cooks from his heart and soul. You can taste it in the food.
We have to finish at Queenz Bakery Cafe. They have it all. I’m never disappointed. I always get a curry crab and shrimp patty. Then they have these yummy lemonades in all flavors. Dessert is always to be determined because I have no idea what yummy treats will be presented to me. I have an affinity for the deep fried banana pudding Oreos though.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am thankful for my parents support even though they didn’t understand my path or vision. I still don’t think they fully get it but they help me where they can and haven’t kicked me out of the house yet. That is clutch.
I’m surrounded by supportive friends and family. People that have pitched in to help me get the van on the road without asking for a penny. To those who call and encourage me, or give me marketing ideas, or refer me to others, you are so appreciated.
Website: millersmobilemassage.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/millersmobilemassage?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Image Credits
Jason Miller