Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Thurman.
Cara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born with a congenital heart defect, experiencing pain and anxiety is something I am all too familiar with. Going into my 4th open-heart surgery, I sought out ways to manage both the physical and emotional effects of the procedure. Working with a compassionate and talented massage therapist, I experienced first hand the benefits of massage. Within a year of recovery, I was off to the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy to peruse my new calling.
In 2009, I became a nationally certified massage therapist. After working in the industry for a few years, I began crafting my vision for the ideal wellness center. I then set out on my goal to build a business that would attract loyal clients and provide a sustainable environment for exceptional massage therapists. In 2012, I launched Vinings Massage and Wellness (VMW). As I reflect on the past six years, I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished. VMW currently employs 13 of Atlanta’s most respected massage therapists and one amazing acupuncturist. Together, we hold the highest of expectations when it comes to customer experience and the quality of our services.
Determined to elevate the profession of massage therapy and to share the experience that I had as massage client during my health battles, I decided that VMW would craft a niche for medical massage, with a specific focus on working with oncology patients. Over the past five years, we have forged an incredible partnership with the Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont. Through this collaboration, we are now able to provide more than 900 hours of massage to cancer patients per year at no cost for the patients. We also have a thriving practice at our wellness center located in Vinings where we offer a variety of massage and acupuncture services.
In six short years, Vinings Massage and Wellness has become one of the highest rated massage practices in Atlanta, with nothing but 5-star reviews. I love going to work every day. My employees are like family and there is just something about seeing clients come out of the treatment rooms with a peaceful grin as they slip away from their stress or pain.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been plenty of obstacles and challenges. Founding and growing a 5-star wellness center comes with lots of responsibility. I am not trained in managing people or running a business so having 15 employees is a constant work in progress. Making decisions that will help grow the business and at the same time are financially sound and align with our mission is something I have really worked on.
We see so many small businesses’ open, with huge loans and a big bang and go out of business within the first year. I launched Vinings Massage and Wellness with nothing more than a $5000 loan. I think the secret is to start small, have a clear mission, and hire the very best employees. If your employees are invested in the mission, see the vision, and you focus on delivering an exceptional client experience, the business will grow organically and sustainably.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Vinings Massage & Wellness – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We most certainly are not your typical massage therapy company. Clients don’t come to us because they want the cheapest massage in town, they come to us because they want the best. The hardest part of my job is hiring. Luckily when we do hire new therapists they stick around for a long time. However, out of every 100 resumes that come in, I am lucky to meet one massage therapist that meets the VMW expectation when it comes to professionalism and talent. With that being said I am very proud of my team I have created to meet our client’s needs. We are all continually seeking advanced certifications and we carve out time to learn from one another so we can always offer the newest and best techniques to our clients.
Who have you been inspired by?
As a massage therapist and businesswoman, I am continually inspired by my friend and mentor, Jill Berkana. Jill founded the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy, from which I graduated, as well as the Berkana Institute in Denver Colorado.
As a nationally recognized educator and industry leader, Jill is committed to advancing the profession of bodywork and integrative medicine. Supporting Jill’s efforts as a mentee, I set out to build a wellness center that sets a new standard for Atlanta and advances the profession of massage therapy. Vinings Massage & Wellness is now the largest provider of Oncology Massage in the southeast. Working with our hospital partners, we provide educational sessions for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers at regional conference and events. Equally important, we provide a sustainable, fulfilling and fun place to work for dedicated practitioners. Jill taught me that when you see potential, you nurture it in a way that encourages the therapist to recognize, connect with and develop their innate talent.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2900 Paces Ferry Rd Building D
Atlanta, GA 30339 - Website: www.viningsmassage.com
- Phone: 404-492-8582
- Email: info@viningsmassage.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/vinings_massage
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Korumassage
Image Credit:
Lauren Drummond
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