Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquita Powell.
Hi Marquita, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My path into this work has evolved over time, but it has always been centered around helping people improve their quality of life. I actually began my career in speech therapy, where I spent about nine years supporting individuals with communication and development. While that work was meaningful, I eventually felt drawn to a more hands-on way of helping people care for their bodies and overall wellbeing.
About fifteen years ago, I transitioned into massage therapy and went on to graduate from Soma Institute of Clinical Massage Therapy in Chicago. The clinical training I received there really shaped the way I view the body. It taught me to look beyond surface-level tension and think about how different systems of the body work together. That education encouraged a more outside-the-box perspective on bodywork and reinforced my passion for holistic health and the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
For several years I worked within a physical therapy clinic, where I gained valuable experience collaborating with other healthcare professionals. However, over time I found myself increasingly frustrated with the pace of that environment. The focus often felt more centered on volume and scheduling than on truly supporting patient care and long-term wellness.
That experience ultimately pushed me to take a leap and start my own practice, Holistic Bodywork & Wellness. I wanted to create a space where the work could be slower, more intentional, and centered on the person rather than just the appointment.
Throughout my career, I’ve also had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings that have shaped my perspective as a practitioner. I’ve provided bodywork support for athletes during the Chicago Marathon, worked with a range of clients including public figures and celebrities, served as a teaching assistant for massage therapy students, and facilitated workshops focused on body awareness and wellness education. Those experiences have allowed me to continue learning while contributing to the broader wellness community.
Originally, my practice was based in the Chicagoland area, where I spent years building relationships and serving my community. About eight months ago, my daughter and I relocated to North Texas. Moving to a new state where I only knew a very small number of people was both exciting and intimidating. In many ways it meant starting over—rebuilding my network, establishing a new client base, and finding my place within a new community.
While the transition has required patience and perseverance, it has also been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to grow personally and professionally while continuing to build a practice that reflects my values and passion for holistic wellness.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance the passion for the work with the realities of running a business. When you’re building something from the ground up, you’re not just the practitioner—you’re also the marketer, the scheduler, the strategist, and everything in between.
Relocating my business to a new state added another layer of challenge. In many ways, it felt like starting from scratch again. I had to rebuild my client base, establish new connections in the community, and reintroduce my work to people who didn’t know me yet. At the same time, I was navigating the transition personally as a parent and making sure my daughter was supported during the move.
There have definitely been moments of uncertainty, but those experiences have also strengthened my resilience and clarity about why I do this work. Each challenge has reinforced the importance of staying aligned with my purpose and continuing to create a space where people can come to feel restored, grounded, and cared for.
Ultimately, those obstacles have shaped the way I approach both my business and my life—with patience, adaptability, and a strong belief that meaningful work is worth building over time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m a licensed massage therapist and the founder of Holistic Bodywork & Wellness, where I offer integrative bodywork designed to support physical relief, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing. With over 15 years of experience, my work blends therapeutic massage with holistic healing practices that help clients feel more balanced and connected to their bodies.
My services include therapeutic massage, manual lymphatic drainage, abdominal massage, assisted stretching, facial massage, and energy healing. Depending on the client’s needs, sessions may also incorporate herbal blends, essential oils, crystals, Reiki, and grounding practices such as smudging to create a deeply restorative and intentional experience.
In addition to individual sessions, I also facilitate wellness workshops and educational experiences that focus on body awareness, stress relief, and holistic self-care practices.
My goal is to provide a space where clients can slow down, release tension, and reconnect with themselves in a way that supports both physical wellness and emotional balance. I believe when the body is given the right environment to relax and reset, it naturally begins to move toward healing.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many people who deserve recognition along the way. I’m incredibly grateful for my family and close friends back in Chicago who have supported me throughout this transition. Even from a distance, they’ve been a constant source of encouragement—whether that meant being a listening ear when things felt overwhelming or coming to visit and spend time with us while we settled into a new city.
My longtime clients in Chicago also deserve a lot of appreciation. Many of them have continued to support my work even after my relocation, and I travel back monthly to provide services. Their loyalty and trust over the years has meant more to me than they probably realize.
I’m also very grateful for the people I’ve connected with since moving to North Texas. Building a business in a new place takes community, and I’ve been fortunate to meet individuals who have welcomed me, supported my work, and referred others to my practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.holisticbodyworkandwellness.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/holisticbodyworkandwellness
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/holisticbodyworkandwellness
