Meet Michael Tennant

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Tennant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Hi Michael, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

Massage therapy is a profession that requires endurance. In addition to the physical demands of the job, I strive to provide my clients with the best healing experience possible. It is also my hope that my clients see me as a living example of what it looks like to be peaceful, joyful and stress free. In order to do that, taking care of my body, mind and energy are paramount to my success.

I was born in a country where eating whole foods, exercising and being active were a natural part of daily life. This healthy lifestyle, which I continue today, serves as a solid foundation for my work as a massage therapist. In addition to eating a mostly vegetarian diet, I am a humble student of the practice of yoga and the art of meditation. On the weekends, you can usually find me playing pickup soccer with my friends.

Taking care of myself in the way that I do, day in and day out and without fail, provides me the ability to provide optimal care for my clients and hopefully enhance their outlook on the importance of living a healthful and purposeful life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a career that allowed me to both work with my hands and help other people. My career as a massage therapist was inspired as a young adult in Jamaica when a friend brought me to a massage therapy office. The immediate reaction I had upon entering that office was one of peace, tranquility and connection. While I did not receive a massage that day, I knew that environment was one I wanted to work in and create.

In 2001, I embarked on a new journey moving from Jamaica to the United States with a vision and a purpose. Driven by my deep-seated desire to help others, I enrolled in the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and, upon graduating, created my business, Amani Tiba. Amani Tiba translates to “peaceful treatment” in Swahili and represents the exact experience I create for my clients. My approach to my work is not just about alleviating physical discomfort but also about fostering a sense of tranquility and holistic well-being. At Amani Tiba each session is a journey toward peace, healing and rejuvenation.

I currently offer an array of modalities such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone and Sports massages. What sets me apart are a few other services that I offer in addition such as chair massages for corporate events, private parties (birthday parties, bridal showers), trade shows and conference. I also offer in home massages for those who can’t or don’t wish to leave their homes.

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?

1. I never believe that I know everything. This allows me to continue to grow and learn.
2. My ability to live fully in each day as it comes has served me well thus far. I try to focus on what I can do today to make a difference. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet.
3. The ability to see each of my clients as if I am seeing them for the first time. This perspective supports my desire to ensure each client has a unique and customized experienced aligned to where they are on the day that I see them.

My advice for people starting out in this field would be to don’t focus on making money. Always focus on honing and improving your skills. This is why massage is called a practice. Develop your practice, develop your intuitiveness, never develop a routine and always customize the experience for each of your clients.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

I know my strengths which shine their brightest in the treatment sessions. I am a practitioner of massage, and it is there that I chose to continue to grow and improve. As a small business owner, it is important to know how to run the business. Admittedly, that is not my strong suit. Knowing that is half the battle. I have a lot of ideas on how to grow my business, but the time and expertise is evasive.. Recognizing that is a gap for me, I have begun to ask for help and surround myself with those who can help me build my business so that I can focus on what I do best. As a result, my brochures have been re-imagined, advertising plans have been put in place and marketing and social media campaigns are currently underway. We are also looking for way to promote the chair massage and massage at home side of the business. It’s exciting to think of the growth that I know is heading my way as a result of a well-balanced and well run small business.

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