Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kamy Mckenzy-Shaw, an instructor at Massage Therapy Training Institute, located in Las Cruces, NM, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Massage Therapy Training Institute is an NM Registered Massage School medical massage therapy school located in the beautiful Chihuahuan desert of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Our six-month and 1-year programs meet the requirements for licensure in most states.
MTTI students come from all over New Mexico and West Texas, such as Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Deming, Silver City, Truth or Consequences, NM, and El Paso, TX. As a nationally recognized massage program, students from across the country have chosen MTTI for their massage education. MTTI's supportive, nurturing environment draws people who want to improve their lives. Our students experience a profound personal transformation and leave our program with a lifelong career helping others.
MTTI has the reputation and curriculum to offer graduates an advantage in this competitive world. Our medical massage program prepares students with a broad knowledge of massage techniques and hands-on experiences with a diverse population to become confident and skilled health care professionals. Students can learn life-changing skills in a school that is committed to training heart-centered therapists. Clients from our community can receive self-care healthcare while supporting our student's growth.
MTTI was founded in 1999 by Laun C. Smith. The school was purchased by his son Timothy Gay in May 2007. MTTI is proud to have assisted many students in becoming licensed massage therapy professionals. Our students have taken their place in different parts of the country as skilled practitioners helping to improve the well-being of others through the healing touch of therapeutic massage.
Tell us about yourself
My history is in midwifery. Providing labor support with an understanding of anatomy and physiology and kinesiology seemed like a wonderful addition to my midwifery practice. I had no idea the depth of what I would learn. I also far exceeded my expectations to support my clients in labor. With massage, the entire family can be treated as well as the new addition. The process of massage during pregnancy helped form a comfortable bond with the clients that followed us in the birth and postpartum care. I am still seeing clients for a massage that I provided midwifery care to and some of those children who were born. The kids get into sports and have growing pains that massage is perfect for. I can honestly say I love massage, and I am fortunate to be able to teach now. The joy of getting to go to work and watch beautiful souls bloom is a gift and a joy. We are surrounded by folks that want to serve and heal others. It's nothing but good vibes.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a small part of each student's growth into who they want to be and part of the successful legacy of MTTI that has been in business for 20 plus years is high on the list. But I believe I am most proud of our top ranking in the nation because of our students achieving high pass rates on the national licensing exam. So many come into the massage trade believing they are poor students and bad test takers. Then over six months, their confidence blooms, and they rock that national exam.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For this business with the revolving classes is scheduling. Clients get very attached, and then the students graduate. Additionally, for the health and safety of our students, we can only allow them to do a limited amount of massage in a day. They often get to experience the demand for their services. Great for them, but murder on my schedule. Especially now with the smaller classes due to COVID.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay on top of your monthly record-keeping, bills, and taxes.
- Put away at least six months of monthly expenses as soon as possible to have something to fall back on when life happens.
- Stand firm in integrity and always do the right thing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always be grateful and humble with your staff and clients.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mtti.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mttinm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtti_massage_therapy_school_nm/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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