Today we’d like to introduce you to Ampika Blackburn.
Hi Ampika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ampika Yahatta Blackburn (Bee). Originally from Thailand. I came to the US since 2008. I’m a licensed massage therapist, massage instructor, medical massage practitioner, reiki practitioner,and Esthetician practitioner.
I started my journey as a massage therapist in 2004 in Phuket, Thailand, working at a hotel where I built a strong foundation in traditional Thai massage. In 2008, I moved to the United States to pursue greater opportunities and expand my professional skills.
By 2013, I settled in Houston, Texas, where I worked part-time while continuing my education. In 2019, I earned my Texas State Massage Therapy License and also became a licensed massage instructor. This opened the door for me to begin teaching and offering private instruction in 2020, particularly within Thai massage studios.
One of the most meaningful milestones in my career came in 2022, when I won the USA Nuad Thai Championship in Los Angeles (held via Zoom), followed by winning the World Championship of Royal Thai Massage in Switzerland. These achievements allowed me to give back to the community that shaped me. I was invited by the USA Nuad Thai Organization to present the trophy at the Hollywood Parade, demonstrate Thai massage on stage, assist with educational courses in Los Angeles, and later establish an Advanced Stretching Course in Pearland, Texas, with proceeds donated to support the organization.
In 2023, I was honored to serve as a coordinator and one of the judges for the USA Nuad Thai Championship in Houston.
Today, I own and operate a massage studio in Sugar Land, Texas, where I focus on helping clients feel better and improve their quality of life. I offer services such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, medical massage, lymphatic drainage, and both dry and wet cupping. I truly love what I do, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see my clients heal, recover, and feel their best.
Recently, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Best Massage Therapists in Sugar Land, Texas (2025), based on outstanding client reviews and ratings on Google.
I never stop learning. Beyond massage therapy, I continue to study Laughter Yoga, NLP, and universal energy healing. I also practice meditation and maintain physical training to keep both my body and mind balanced and prepared.
This ongoing dedication allows me to show up fully present, grounded, and ready to offer the best energy, care, and intention to every client I serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In short, when I first started working in Phuket at just 24, I faced a big challenge early on: I ended up with a frozen shoulder because I wasn’t using my body correctly. It was painful and tough, but it taught me a lot. I had to see many therapists myself and learned different techniques from that experience, which actually became a strength.
Then, moving to the USA brought its own challenges, like tackling the MBLEX exam with the language barrier and all the anatomy study. It was a big effort, and I also had to learn to understand American clients and culture.
In the end, all these struggles turned into valuable experiences. They made me more careful with body mechanics, more empathetic toward my clients’ pain, and ultimately helped me grow into the professional I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I do is a unique blend of Eastern and Western therapeutic techniques. I combine medical massage, Reiki, PNF techniques, myofascial release, Thai massage, acupressure, bamboo and scarf massage, reflexology, dry and wet cupping, hot stone therapy, and holistic mind–body care.
I work from the heart, with the intention of helping my clients feel better, move better, and improve their quality of life—without unnecessary pain or invasive procedures. I believe true healing comes from compassion, care, and trust. To me, every client is not just a client, but someone I care for like family.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
From my past experience working for others, I learned that certain risks—such as harassment—can exist in traditional work environments. That experience motivated me to build my own solo practice with strong professional boundaries, clear policies, and proper protections in place.
As a business owner, I operate under a professional brand with clearly posted policies and an established LLC. I carry full liability insurance and maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment designed to protect both my clients and myself while minimizing risk.
Before the massage:
Every client is required to complete an intake form. This allows me to understand their concerns, identify problem areas, note any areas to avoid, and assess range of motion before treatment begins.
During the massage:
I consistently check in with the client to ensure comfort and safety by asking questions such as: Is the pressure okay? Does this area feel right? Are you comfortable? Clear communication is always encouraged.
After the session:
I follow up to check how the client feels and whether there is any improvement. I also provide personalized aftercare recommendations, which may include gentle stretching, drinking warm tea, light movement, and soaking in an Epsom salt bath for 12–15 minutes and meditations.
Pricing:
- Swedish/Aromatherapy: $80/hr $120/90mins
- Combo : $90/hr $130/90mins
- Deep Tissue, Sport M, Thai M : $100/hr $140/90mins
- Lymphatic drainage massage / Medical Massage : $125 /hr $175/90mins
- Additional: dry cupping $25, wet cupping $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ampikamassage.com
- Instagram: bebe369up
- Facebook: Bebe Yahatta
- Other: Google : a wellness and medical massage
Image Credits
Credits & Acknowledgements Models Ms. Kanokthip Petersen Mr. Wichai Sriphum Location D Thai Massage (owned by Ms. Thunyathon Powell) Photographer Ms. Benyapha Samphao Photo Editing Patthita Boonsiriratanathit Mongkolthiwat Boonsiriratanathit — Special Thanks Special thanks to the Nuad Thai and Spa Association of America (NTSAA) <span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>Saenthong Saengkaew </span><span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>President, Nuad Thai & Spa Association of USA</span><!–/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_251224_172853_016.sdocx–> for organizing the competitions in 2022 and 2023, and for appointing me as a co-organizer and judge in 2023. Following my championship title, the association also sponsored and supported my participation in the World Championship of Nuad Thai & Spa Massage 2022, organized by the World Association of Nuad Thai & Spa, Switzerland. <span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>Chutima Hälg</span><br><span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>President, World Association of Nuad Thai & Spa Switzerland </span><!–/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_251224_172950_634.sdocx–> — Mentors & Teachers Mr. Vasanth Gopalan — Master Coach, Life University Ms. Yupin — Thai Massage Instructor, Nonthaburi, Thailand Ms. Yaowares Bunnak — Palang Kai–Kai Thip, a traditional Thai energy-based healing practice focused on the subtle body and inner balance Mr. Arut Thanasuwanthithi — Laughter Yoga Mr. Pathompon Aiyarattanaruk — Thai Warrior Training Mr. Suwit Sritrairasri — Thai Dancing Massage Ms. Tisha Khunthana — Thai Massage <span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>Chandra & Scott Blossom – Yoga Instructor </span><!–/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_251224_173020_315.sdocx–> Phra Bodhinanthamuni (Luang Por Jiew) – Master Meditation Supporters: <span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>Miss Pimpisa Sontayapirat</span><br> <span style=”font-size:14px” ;=””>Mr.Tarich Santilapin</span><br> Miss.Patthita Boonsiriratanathit Mr.Mongkolthiwat Boonsiriratanathit
