Meet Queona Duff

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

Hi Queona, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a mix of support, self-belief, and exposure to new experiences. My parents and other family members always told me I could do anything I set my mind to. Hearing that made me feel like there were no limits on what I could achieve.

I also gained a lot of confidence from learning to love and express myself through my appearance and personality gave me a strong sense of self.

On top of that, attending Barbizon Modeling and Acting School played a big role. It taught me how to walk into a room with confidence, speak up, and be proud of who I am. Being in that environment surrounded by other aspiring models and actors pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me believe in my own presence and potential.
So much so, at the end I was 2nd Runner Up for Miss Barbizon 2012.

All of those experiences together helped shape the confidence I carry with me today.

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?

My name is Queona Duff. Most people refer as Q. I am the owner of Qreative Art Massage, a massage therapy practice located in Hermitage, TN. I specialize in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Prenatal Massage, and Sports Massage. My passion lies in the clinical side of massage therapy—helping clients find relief from pain, improve mobility, and return to a greater sense of balance and well-being. It’s incredibly rewarding to support others on their journey toward healing and wellness especially while I’m on my own journey of healing and wellness.

In the next few months, I will be working with a CBD company for backbar, retail products, and samples. I will be including more self care massage tools to the website and suite for people to buy and use at home.

Personally and creatively, I’m getting back into painting which is exciting! Which I will also be putting in my suite. And oddly enough my sisters have convinced me to write a book.
Professionally I’m working hard while also revamping my brand and creatively I’m going with the flow!

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

1. Communication Skills – As a massage therapist, being able to clearly explain what I’m doing, listen to clients’ needs, and build trust is essential. This also applies to networking and marketing as a business owner.
Communication advice: Practice active listening and ask open-ended questions. The more you understand people, the better you can serve them. Learn how to read people and their body language, listen to how people talk so you know how to talk to them (everything doesn’t have to be formal some people don’t operate like that), also put yourself in situations that challenge you to connect with others.

2. Creative Problem-Solving
Creativity isn’t just about being artistic; it’s also about thinking outside the box, especially when navigating business decisions, client needs, or personal growth. Finding fresh solutions and thinking differently has helped me stand out.
My advice: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Ask questions, brainstorm often, and give yourself space to think. Creativity flourishes when you allow yourself to explore.

3. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Learning to set and honor my boundaries has protected my time, energy, and mental well-being. Whether it’s with clients, friends, or even myself, clear boundaries have helped me avoid burnout, stay focused, and grow with intention.

My advice: Start small—learn to say “no” without guilt, take breaks when you need them, and don’t feel bad for protecting your peace. Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re doors with locks that you get to control. They create the space needed for both growth and sustainability.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Last year, I was in a car accident with my mom and brother. I was the only one in the car who got whiplash and man did it take alot of out of me.

I was sick most of the time so eating was hard.
I now wear a hearing aid due to hearing loss
I have headaches on the left side of my head. I also have a light sensitivity now. And most of all, I may have rotator cuff issues from pulling my mom out of the car (No regrets I’d do it all over again if I had to).

However, to overcome these challenges I’m making sure I’m at my doctors appointments, physical therapy, massage appointments, at home self-care, and taking time for myself, etc.
I’m still working to help others. Previous injuries have helped me connect with clients but the new ones are introducing me to a new clientele to connect with. When you’re able to relate it becomes easier to build rapport. This has been the most costly (physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially) challenge. But I’m working through them to better help myself and others!

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