We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Austin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My Journey to Starting my Own Business
Initially, I enrolled in the massage therapy program at Metro Business College located in Jefferson City, Missouri with the intention of transferring to a Physical Therapy program at Linn State University, just 30 miles away. After completing the program and spending a considerable amount of money, I realized that I did not want to apply for additional student loans. I began my job search, but despite my best efforts, I was unable to find a job in my field. I was disheartened and confused, wondering if I had made the right choice. One morning, unable to sleep, I had an epiphany. Why was I waiting for someone else to tell me I was good enough or how much I was worth? I decided to take control of my own life.

The following week, I set out to find a location to rent and open my own business. It took a few weeks to gather all the necessary documents and open business accounts. On June 18th, 2010, I opened Now and Zen Bodyworks. I learned how to brand and rebrand my business, and paid for advertising campaigns in newspapers, magazines, and on the radio. I also participated in community events, setting up a booth and offering $1 a minute chair massages. It was a challenging and exciting time in my life, and I learned something new every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Now and Zen Bodyworks: A Massage Studio with a Spiritual Twist

Welcome to Now and Zen Bodyworks, a spiritual massage studio that provides various healing modalities and spiritual services. Our goal is to create a peaceful, ambient experience that brings our clients back to wholeness. We specialize in promoting a healthy lymphatic system through multiple stimulating techniques designed to act as a pump, naturally releasing metabolic waste throughout the body.

At Now and Zen Bodyworks, we offer more than just massage therapy. We bring massage and spirituality together to create an all-encompassing experience. Our massage services are complemented by our intentional products, including candles, teas, and boxed kits, all handmade and hand-selected with intention. As you browse our online store, look for products that speak to where you are in your journey.

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be challenging to connect with your inner self. That’s why we created the Zen in Me Box, Alchemist Sanctuary Guided meditation album, and Healing Zen Retreats. Our one-day curated events or our 5–7-day retreats offer a safe space for you to connect with your mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Our one-day event is a sound bath where you will lie in a comfortable position on a yoga mat or sit in a chair or seated position. The facilitator will create a safe space for you and begin the session by singing crystal bowls, chimes, drums, flute, or any other instruments. Each bowl has a different hertz that will connect to a particular part of the body. You will feel the sound resonate through your mind, body, soul, and spirit, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Experience Renewal and Empowerment with Our 5-7 Day Healing Zen Retreats
Our retreats offer more than just international travel and sightseeing. It’s a chance for you to tap into your personal power and reconnect with yourself. With the constant noise of the world, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. That’s why taking time out of your daily routine is crucial to recharge your inner self and quiet your mind.

The tipping point in my career came about eight years ago when I started offering manual lymphatic drainage services to clients who had undergone cosmetic surgery. These services enticed clients to make frequent bookings with me because of the value of post-operative lymphatic draining. It is essential for the lymphatic system to release as much retained water as possible and receiving the services regularly can help keep fluids from building up in the body. Year 2023 this is majority of my clientele.

My personal passion is sports massage therapy, and I have had the opportunity to massage players from the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets, as well as nationally known comedians and local celebrity artists. I have learned valuable lessons along the way, including the importance of starting small and finding people who believe in your brand and vision. I am proud to have created the NAZB Method, a method that assists with healing the lymphatic system, and the NAZB Academy, a school for licensed massage therapists. I have also written a book called Brenda’s Autobiography: From the Life of Spa Owner and Educator Brenda Austin: The Story of a Great Recession CEO.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Showing My Best Friend the Best Time Ever in the Area

If my best friend ever visited the area, I would love to show them around and give them an unforgettable experience. Here’s what I have planned out for them:

We would start off by going to Now and Zen Bodyworks to receive a 90-minute signature service called “The Spirit of Zen”. The session would consist of an herbal foot soak, a 60-minute customized massage, and a 20-minute sound bath therapy session.

After that, we would head over to Beto & Sons, one of my favorite restaurants in the area. They have a variety of signature items that are made at the table, and everything is packed with flavor.

For an amazing weekend, I would book us a room at The One Boutique Hotel, which is connected to Spa Castle. Here, we could experience a full body scrub, various saunas, a fitness center, and hydrotherapy.

Lastly, a trip to Ancient Kemet (Egypt) is a must as the temples and churches are rich in history and offer a powerful experience.

I can’t wait to show my friend around and give them the best time ever!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Expressing Gratitude to Clients, Peers, and Loved Ones
I want to take a moment to extend my profound appreciation to all of my clients who have supported me over the years. Thank you for the referrals, gift cards, candles, tea, and packages you’ve purchased. I’d also like to express my gratitude to my fellow massage therapists for their collaboration and support. To my loved ones, thank you for always standing by me. And last but not least, a very special thank you to my Grandma Bea for her unwavering encouragement during times of struggle.

Website: www.nowandzenbodyworks.com

Instagram www.instagram.com/nowandzenbodyworks

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/brenda-austin-10a13416

Twitter: www.twitter.com/NowNZenBodyworks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Now-and-Zen-Bodyworks/136364883056663

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nowandzenbodyworks1069

Other: TikToc https://www.tiktok.com/@nowandzenbodyworks?_t=8dMc5qFeBlj&_r=

Image Credits
Alexander Harris (Green background) Nathan Abyss Studio (action shots)

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