Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Buffkin
Michelle , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started in 2005 when I became a Licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in pain relief and rehabilitation. Over the years, I expanded my expertise, becoming a Certified Medical Massage Therapist, a Licensed Aesthetician, NeuroKinetic Therapist (NKT), and recently, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist.
Buff’d Wellness was born out of my desire to create a space where clients could experience true healing—not just temporary relief. I opened my wellness spa in Sandy Springs in 2017, blending massage therapy and advanced skincare treatments to provide a holistic approach to wellness. I wanted to move away from the typical spa model and focus on real results, whether it’s relieving chronic pain, restoring mobility, or helping clients achieve healthy, glowing skin.
One of the things that makes Buff’d Wellness unique is my ability to seamlessly integrate NKT, corrective exercise, therapeutic massage, and advanced skincare treatments in a way that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. The Buff’d Wellness Experience is designed to support full-body health and radiance, combining muscle assessments and treatments with rejuvenating skin care to help clients move better, feel better, and look their best. I also focus on education, empowering my clients to understand their bodies, break free from pain cycles, and maintain long-term wellness.
Through years of dedication, continuous learning, and refining my techniques, I’ve built a loyal client base who trust me not just for relaxation, but for transformation. As Buff’d Wellness continues to grow, I’m excited to expand my offerings, develop corporate wellness programs, and build a team that shares my commitment to healing and self-care.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel so grateful to do what I love every day—helping people live pain-free, confident, and vibrant lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. While learning the trades was fulfilling, the programs I went through didn’t teach me nearly enough about the business side of things—how to get started, let alone thrive. Running a business as a female solopreneur means wearing many hats, and that can be overwhelming. You’re not only the CEO, but also the marketer, bookkeeper, and service provider all in one. It’s a lot to juggle.
That said, I’ve learned and grown tremendously through the challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating the unexpected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite the setbacks, I persevered. Now, as I celebrate my 20th year in the industry, I can honestly say that I’m just as inspired as I was on day one. The struggles have only fueled my passion to keep improving and helping others move better, feel better, and look their best.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Buff’d Wellness, I specialize in blending brain-based bodywork through NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) with therapeutic massage and advanced skincare treatments, creating what I call the Buff’d Wellness Experience. What makes my work truly unique is the integration of these modalities, which allow me to treat the body from both a physical and neurological perspective. I focus on helping clients resolve chronic pain, improve movement patterns, and enhance their overall well-being while also addressing skincare concerns like aging, acne, and pigmentation.
As the only high-level NKT practitioner and instructor in the Sandy Springs and Atlanta area, I’m able to offer an approach that most spas and wellness centers don’t. NKT is a powerful system that helps me assess and treat the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction by identifying muscle imbalances and addressing them through specific corrective exercises. This allows for long-lasting relief and improved performance—whether someone’s dealing with chronic pain, postural issues, or athletic performance concerns.
I’m most proud of the way my clients transform through my services. Watching someone go from feeling frustrated with their body’s limitations to being able to move with confidence and ease is incredibly rewarding. I take great pride in not just providing relaxation, but creating tangible, lasting improvements in people’s lives.
What truly sets me apart is my holistic approach. The Buff’d Wellness Experience combines personalized NeuroKinetic Therapy and corrective exercises with therapeutic massage and targeted skincare, all under one roof. It’s an integrated, results-driven approach that focuses on total body wellness, helping clients move better, feel better, and look their best.
I also believe what sets me apart is my focus on education. I don’t just treat symptoms—I empower my clients to understand their bodies and the importance of movement, muscle activation, and skin health. I’m here to guide them through their healing journey, and that’s what makes my work truly special.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those just starting out is to really invest time in learning about the business side of things, even if you’re not starting out as a solo. When I first started, I focused mainly on honing my skills as a therapist, but I quickly realized that running a successful business requires a lot more than that. It’s crucial to understand how to start and operate a small business—things like setting up a business structure, taxes, contracts, and your rights as either an employee or contractor.
Pay attention to what you like about other spas or businesses, and just as importantly, take note of what you don’t like. This will help you shape your own vision and create your perfect space when it’s time to go out on your own.
I also recommend connecting with other small business owners or mentors who can offer insights and advice. No matter how much training you get in your craft, there will always be learning curves when it comes to entrepreneurship. But with the right tools, knowledge, and support, you’ll be able to navigate them and set yourself up for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BuffdWellness.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/buffdwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buffdwellness
