We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susana Mojica a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Susana, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism has evolved through the years and different phases of my life. Currently, I’d say it’s a learned habit, nurtured by many sources.
As a teenager, my optimism came from daydreams of the future—traveling the world, living on my own, and working in my own office. Simple dreams kept me inspired. But as life unfolded, optimism became more about survival. I remember a time when I realized I was carrying a lot of suppressed emotions that made optimism feel out of reach. It took deep reflection to overcome that and find a way back to hope.
Today, I find optimism through gratitude and presence. As a massage therapist, I’m thankful for the privilege of doing work I’m passionate about. As an entrepreneur, I’m grateful for the freedom to design my business as I envision it. I remind myself that every step of my journey has purpose and meaning.
I also draw strength from my roots. As the daughter of immigrants and parents who worked tirelessly from a young age, I’m inspired by their resilience. Their sacrifices remind me that I have the freedom to create my own path. Knowing my mom and aunts are always praying for me is another profound source of optimism.
Beyond gratitude, I’ve created an environment I genuinely enjoy waking up to and find peace in at the end of the day. On overwhelming days, I remind myself that if I’m here, there’s a reason. Life is an experience I’ve learned to approach with curiosity, hope, and optimism.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I provide therapeutic massage therapy with the intention of creating a safe space for clients to prioritize their well-being. My approach encourages open communication about their needs and boundaries while guiding them to be present during their sessions through breathwork.
My philosophy focuses on treating the musculoskeletal system as an interconnected whole rather than isolating specific areas. For example, if you come in with ankle pain, I’ll assess how your hips are functioning, whether your shoulders are rounded, and if tension in your neck might be contributing to the issue—because everything in the body is connected through tension and balance.
I offer both mobile services and sessions at my studio in Mt. Tabor. This flexibility allows me to provide comfort and care in my clients’ homes while also welcoming them into a dedicated space for healing and relaxation.
My journey into massage therapy began after experiencing the transformative power of care and movement following a car accident. It was my second accident, and I learned firsthand how injuries—whether minor or severe—can impact the body. I had dealt with intense low back pain in my early 20s, and lifting weights and improving my flexibility had been key to my recovery. After the second accident, my doctor encouraged me to continue working out cautiously, and I was amazed at how quickly I recovered. That experience deepened my appreciation for the body’s resilience and inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others foster a better relationship with their bodies through self-care.
I started my career at the same clinic where I received care after my accident. It was a rewarding experience where I gained valuable skills, and learned from patients recovering from car accidents. With a clear goal in mind, I began building a mobile client base. Once I had enough savings and regular clients, I launched my business, Rest and Restore Mobile Massage LLC, and later expanded by opening my Mt. Tabor studio.
Beyond my primary practice, I also provide gentle massage for seniors in Assisted and Independent Living facilities, offering care and comfort to a population that often benefits greatly from nurturing touch. When business is slow, I return to caregiving in these settings, which remains a meaningful aspect of my work.
What I love most about my work is the variety of services I offer: mobile and in-studio massage, chair massage for events like employee appreciation or sports gatherings, therapeutic care for individuals recovering from car accidents, and gentle massage for seniors. Each service allows me to meet clients where they are in their wellness journey and offer them a path toward comfort, healing, and empowerment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are being resourceful, having strong problem-solving skills, and developing emotional intelligence.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to ask for help when you need it, but also be selective—only receive guidance that aligns with your vision and goals. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and when you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and focus on the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in challenges and lose perspective, but remember that every setback has a solution, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment. Like Dory says, “just keep swimming.”
Finally, you are in control of how you react to situations. Practicing self-awareness and recognizing when you feel dysregulated has been a powerful tool for me. Developing this skill can help you navigate challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
From my parents, I learned a profound lesson: never stay in a situation or place that doesn’t make me happy or align with my values. They taught me not to cling to comfort but to love myself enough to follow my desires and always strive for my best. My happiness is my responsibility.
This lesson has been incredibly impactful because it has empowered me to take accountability for my decisions. If I’m dissatisfied, I know I have the choice to make the changes needed—I never have to settle.
For example, I used to work in logistics and genuinely enjoyed aspects of the job, but I wasn’t passionate about it. Despite the financial stability it offered, it left me unfulfilled and unhappy. I felt a sense of loss for not thriving in a career I had once envisioned for myself. If my dad hadn’t instilled the value of self-honesty and alignment, I might have pushed myself to stay on that path.
Instead, I found the courage to leave a stable career for the unknown. I had enough faith in myself to pursue massage school and take the risk of starting my own business. It was a leap that required both strength and trust in the lessons my parents taught me.
They also encouraged me to be compassionate with myself during setbacks, to view mistakes as opportunities for growth. This mindset has been instrumental in my personal development, helping me approach challenges with resilience and grace.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: smm_massagetherapy
Image Credits
Cara Lindsay
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
