Today we’d like to introduce you to Arnetta Meekins.
Hi Arnetta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I graduated with a B.S. in Biology knowing I wanted to be an entrepreneur, even though I wasn’t yet sure what that path would look like. A couple of years after graduation, I attended massage school and began treating clients, drawing heavily on my background in science, specifically in anatomy and physiology. What started as spa parties and more recreational forms of massage quickly evolved into a focused practice in Medical Massage, where I could make a deeper, more meaningful impact.
As my practice grew, I built and led teams of licensed massage therapists and later transitioned into Corporate Wellness. This shift allowed me to extend my reach beyond individual clients and positively impact entire organizations. While recruiting therapists from schools across the city, I began to notice a concerning trend, many graduates lacked confidence in their understanding of science and didn’t feel fully prepared for real-world practice.
That realization became a turning point. I knew there was a need for an educational environment that made science accessible, engaging, and relevant for non–science majors. With that vision, I assembled a team of passionate educators who shared the same belief and founded the Institute of Massage and Health Education, where we teach science in a fun, creative, and practical way to better prepare future wellness professionals for success.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth at all. I started with just $35 cash and borrowed equipment, and in the beginning, I felt like I was starting my business over every Monday. Whatever didn’t work the week before, I would tweak it and try again. I learned business by living it, trial by trial and lesson by lesson.
Over time, that persistence paid off. I was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, where I learned how to scale, strategize, and think beyond survival toward sustainability and growth. Just as important, I met incredible people along the way who helped me refine my vision and execute it. Every challenge shaped the business and the professional I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Institute of Massage and Health Education?
The Institute of Massage and Health Education is a boutique massage therapy school dedicated to educating, empowering, and advancing professionals in the wellness and healthcare space. We train individuals to become professional, licensed massage therapists, while also offering advanced education for currently licensed therapists who want to niche down, expand their skill set, and elevate their careers.
Our offerings include entry-level massage therapy education, continuing education (CEU) courses, CPR training for laypersons and healthcare professionals, and specialized programs that teach licensed massage therapists how to become Massage Therapy Instructors (MTIs). Whether someone is entering the field, advancing within it, or preparing to teach the next generation, we provide a clear and supportive pathway.
What truly sets us apart is our boutique approach to teaching science and bodywork. We intentionally keep our programs personal, hands-on, and deeply rooted in real-world application. Having spent decades working in the field, I saw firsthand the gap that often exists between learning and execution. The Institute was created to close that gap, bridging education with practical, confident application so our graduates are prepared to succeed from day one.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the evolution of the journey. The Institute grew organically from my original business, Totally You, which began as a mobile spa and later evolved into Totally You Medical & Sports Massage Therapy. Working directly with clients and healthcare professionals made it clear that education was the next step, creating a space where people could not only receive quality care, but also learn how to deliver it at the highest level.
At its core, the Institute is about building a wellness community. We are committed to serving others with excellence and equipping them to do the same. Whether you need a massage, want to learn massage, advance your credentials, or become an instructor, the Institute of Massage and Health Education is the route to take.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Strong business networks and relationships with people who are genuinely invested in your success are what allowed me to flourish in this industry. You have to realize that no one succeeds alone, no matter how the story is told. Relationships matter.
What worked well for me was being intentional about seeking out support and staying open to learning. I took advantage of resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UH, which offers free business advising along with free and low-cost webinars and classes. Those resources, combined with authentic connections and a willingness to ask questions, helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jointheinstitute.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_theinstitutehouston/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61573075464470/videos/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-of-massage-and-health-education/?viewAsMember=true
- Other: https://share.google/hTFQafIy9NDcqs723
