Meet Andrea Waite

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Waite. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrea , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

This is a really great question. Throughout my career, l’ve often found myself being the only one in the room who looks like me. Initially, it could be intimidating, but l’ve learned to leverage those experiences to drive success. This is something that I have dealt with my entire career. I would never forget the time I went to take my state exam to become a massage therapist 14 years ago. Looking around the room there wasn’t many that looked like me. At the time there were not many African Americans that were in the field. I remember feeling more anxious, doubting myself and wondering do I belong. I remember closing my eyes and thinking about my “why” and in that moment I had to remember why I was in this arena.

After passing my exam I began working in the field I remember having an employer tell me, “not to put my face on a business card or I wouldn’t get much business.” Referring to the color of my skin. Since then I was able to run my own practice and face my fears of having that feeling of not belonging in a space. I ran my practice for 8 years before moving to Texas and beginning my journey in animal massage.

As a certified animal massage therapist and business owner, I’ve navigated the challenges of being the only one in the room who looks like me. From overcoming discriminatory comments to building a successful business, l’ve learned valuable lessons on resilience, self-confidence, and creating inclusive spaces.

Which is why I am more excited to dive into animal massage. I’m proud to be one of the few African Americans in the animal massage field. I recognize the importance of diversity and representation in our industry. As a certified animal massage therapist, I’m committed to:

1. Breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

2. Providing culturally sensitive care to diverse clients.

3. Inspiring others from underrepresented backgrounds to join the field.

Being the only one in the room doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be there. It means you’re paving the way for others. I believe my presence helps bridge the gap, fostering a more inclusive environment for clients and colleagues alike.

“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone.” – Maya Angelou

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the proud owner of North Dallas Animal Massage, a business dedicated to providing holistic, compassionate care to animals through certified massage therapy. My business is a small passion based business.

As an animal lover and certified massage therapist with 13 years of experience, I’ve always been passionate about combining my skills to improve animal welfare. After working with humans, I realized that animals, too, benefit from massage therapy. This realization led me to pursue specialized training in animal massage.

At North Dallas Animal Massage, I offer customized massage sessions for dogs, horses, and other animals, focusing on:
1. Pain relief and management
2. Stress reduction and relaxation
3. Improved flexibility and mobility
4. Enhanced overall well-being

I’m thrilled to be part of a growing industry that recognizes the importance of animal wellness. Witnessing the transformative power of massage on animals is truly rewarding. Our clients have reported improved behavior, reduced anxiety, and enhanced quality of life for their pets.

What sets me apart is my commitment to:
1. Personalized attention: tailoring sessions to each animal’s unique needs.
2. Continuing education: staying updated on the latest research and techniques.
3. Community involvement: partnering with local shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics.

I’m excited to announce:
1. Expansion of my services to include equine massage.
2. Launch of my Animal Massage Academy, offering workshops and training for professionals.
3. Partnership with local veterinarians to provide integrated care.

So for anyone who is reading right now if you’re passionate about animal wellness, I invite you to explore my services, schedule a session, or join my community. Together, let’s improve the lives of our furry friends.
Contact Information:
Website: www.ndamtx.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ndamtxpets

Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ndamtxpets

Email: [email protected]

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Here are the three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey as an animal massage therapist:

Quality 1: Empathy and Compassion
Understanding and relating to the emotional and physical needs of animals has been crucial. Developing empathy allows me to:
1. Connect with animals on a deeper level.
2. Tailor sessions to their unique needs.
3. Build trust with clients.

Some advice I would give:
– Volunteer at animal shelters or rescues to develop emotional intelligence.
– Practice active listening and observation.
– Cultivate self-awareness to better understand animal emotions.

Skill 2: Continuous Learning and Adaptability:
Staying updated on the latest research, techniques, and industry developments has helped me:
1. Refine my skills.
2. Expand my services.
3. Stay competitive.

Some advice I would give:
– Attend workshops, conferences, and online courses.
– Network with professionals in related fields.
– Stay open to new ideas and perspectives.

Area of Knowledge 3: Animal Behavior and Psychology:
Understanding animal behavior, body language, and psychological needs has enabled me to:

1. Create effective treatment plans.
2. Identify potential issues.
3. Communicate effectively with clients.

Some advice I would give:
– Study animal behavior and psychology.
– Collaborate with veterinarians and animal behaviorists.
– Observe and learn from animal interactions.

For those early in their journey:
1. Focus on building a strong foundation in animal massage techniques.
2. Develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and time management.
3. Network and seek mentorship from experienced professionals.

Additionally:
1. Set clear goals and priorities.
2. Stay organized and efficient.
3. Continuously evaluate and improve your services.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m interested in partnering or collaborating with like-minded professionals and organizations that share my passion for animal wellness and holistic care.

Ideal Collaboration Partners:

1. Veterinarians and veterinary clinics
2. Animal behaviorists and trainers
3. Pet groomers and pet-sitters
4. Equine professionals (trainers, riders, equine therapists)
5. Animal shelters and rescues
6. Pet food and supplement companies
7. Wellness centers and spas (human and animal)
8. Educational institutions (veterinary, animal science)

Collaboration Opportunities:

1. Referral partnerships
2. Co-hosting workshops and events
3. Joint marketing initiatives
4. Research studies and case studies
5. Educational content creation
6. Product development and testing
7. Community outreach programs

How to Connect:
If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out to me through:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (972) 312-6562.
Website: www.ndamtx.com
Facebook: ndamtxpets
Instagram: ndamtxpets

When it comes to collaboration I would love to integrate animal massage into veterinary care plans. Develop educational programs for animal owners. Conduct research on animal massage benefits. Lastly, create holistic wellness packages for animals.

I’m excited to explore opportunities with like-minded professionals and organizations.

Before reaching out review my website and social media to ensure alignment with my mission and values. Im looking forward to connecting with you and exploring ways to improve animal wellness together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ndamtx.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndamtxpets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ndamtxpets
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/cg8aqxOPNs