Today we’d like to introduce you to Amada Mireles.
Hi Amada, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my parents would go to a sobador/bodywork healer whenever they needed to release any tension, body aches, or pains. I was always drawn to and curious about how the sobador worked his way around their bodies and would know what areas to address and how to help what they were feeling. My parents would feel so much better after their sessions with him and I would also see how many people in our community would visit the sobador to benefit from his gift. Life took me towards various paths until finally in 2018, I began my journey as a licensed massage therapist. Taking the leap to enroll in a massage therapy program and get the chance to learn how I could help others through my hands.
After working in various spa settings for about 5 years, in 2024 I decided to launch Massage By Amada, as I felt this was the next step to become an additional pathway for massage/bodywork services for the Houston community. This journey has lead me to put myself out there through vendor/pop-up markets, mobile/in-home services, and even taking a bigger leap of opening a private studio in the Houston Heights.
In March, I became certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, allowing me to provide educational workshops to talk about and showcase the many benefits of this treatment.
Today, I am focused on building the client base to grow Massage By Amada, continue to provide educational opportunities to inform about the benefits of massage/manual lymphatic drainage services, and form partnerships with other entrepreneurs/organizations to grow pathways for accessible services.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles have been being a solo-preneur in setting up, organizing, and running Massage By Amada.
Social media marketing has also been a struggle since I’ve considered myself an introvert/shy for a big part of my life so I am learning how to put myself out there on my terms authentically. Besides running and growing Massage by Amada, I also work as a pediatric occupational therapist assistant so balancing my time with multiple roles/careers while also making time for myself, family, and daily responsibilities can definitely be hard at times.
I also struggle with making business decisions, since the pressure of making sure that Massage By Amada is growing towards an aligned direction is real and at the same time accepting that its okay if certain decisions don’t work out or to redirect as needed.
We’ve been impressed with Massage By Amada, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When it comes to getting a massage service, Trust and Safety are super important to me as a massage therapist because there is a lot of vulnerability when a client chooses to receive a massage/bodywork treatment, especially if its their first time or not something they do often. Massage by Amada provides a safe and trusting space, where the client feels listened too, and their treatment goals are being addressed. I typically encourage clients that it’s okay to try different massage therapists since every therapist is different with their style and the client needs to feel which therapist(s) they connect with and trust.
I also love providing Prenatal and Postpartum massage/bodywork services since I am able to assist with providing the mom with much needed physical tension release and moments of relaxation as they go through their pregnancy/postpartum journey.
Lastly, I’ve really enjoyed providing and educating about Manual Lymphatic Drainage services as I truly believe in the healing power of this treatment.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Back in 2015, I set off on a solo-ish 5 month backpacking trip through various countries in South America. I wanted to see what it was like to travel for an extended period of time on my own terms and getting to see cities, places, archeological sites, eat the food, and as my brother would say, “discover myself”.
Another one surprising fact in that my parents are also entrepreneurs. My dad had various business ventures in Mexico before immigrating to the US in the mid-1980s with my mom. Growing up, my parents had Mexican restaurants/panaderias/pastelerias in the Phoenix, Arizona area which did impact my upbringing in multiple ways. To be honest, I told myself for many years that “I am never owning a business in my life” and here we are today with Massage By Amada and being able to grow and reconnect with what it means to have a business and provide a service for the community.
Pricing:
- 60 minute Custom Massage/Prenatal – $80
- 90 minute Custom Massage/Prenatal – $110
- First Time Manual Lymphatic Drainage – $115
- In-Home 90 minute Custom Massage/Prenatal – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.massagebyamada.com
- Instagram: @massagebyamada
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/doBnN3u2mHnSUAN37
Image Credits
Images are personal images taken on cell phone.
