Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Bowie.
Joanne, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Before my story in the US began I was the youngest of five adopted children, I have always had a passion for taking care of children because my mom fostered 48 over the years and had a daycare for 36 years, so my love for caring and helping people around me came from my mother who I, unfortunately, lost to cancer in 2019. I never knew all I went through would be the road leading to the business I now have.
I came to U.S.A Chicago in 2011 as a live in nanny from South Africa, without any family or friends. I became a pre k teacher and ended up living in Chicago for six years. I then moved to CO for a year and in 2018, moved to Texas, where I was a nanny again. Although I loved kids, I felt like as I was getting older, I needed to have something more so. Eventually, I could have my own family. I thought long and hard about what I could do, then I remembered I went to school in South Africa to become a beauty therapist, so I figured why not get a table and give all my friends a massage to brush up on some techniques.
I realized once this was taking up so much time that I needed to leave my nanny job to open a massage business, leaving was really sad, but the family was supportive, kind and very understanding. I had absolutely no business experience but I just knew its what I wanted and what I needed to do. I registered my business and that next Monday I applied for school and went from there. I now have a salon suite in Coppell, Texas, and I travel for the elderly who are not able to drive but still deserve some pampering. I enjoy working with clients who would like to see results after a couple of sessions. I am planning on opening my own location within a year and growing from there.
While I do Massage I’m also part of Live Out Loud Charity, we focus on suicide prevention, Anti Bullying and core character development within kids, teens and adults. I was Crowned Ms. Worldwide South Africa in 2015 and then Ms. Worldwide Texas in 2019, I’m the first Ambassador to represent the whole state of Texas, We bring awareness in schools and teach kids an 8 step core character development program that I am trained in. The program is life-changing for our youth. It teaches students the importance of values while helping them find who they are or who they may want to become someday. We show them how to face their fears head-on with positive affirmation and help them become the best versions of themselves. Amara’s Mobile Spa holds fundraisers twice a year and 5% off all proceeds will go to Live Out Loud Charity.
We don’t only love to help everyone feel good with pampering but we believe in helping the community being better and standing together.
Great, 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?
Life always has obstacles but that’s what makes it so much better. I love a challenge and obstacles makes me push myself harder. One of the challenges I faced was that my mom passed away and I had to travel to South Africa for her funeral and then I had to go back for a month to sort out the house and have her ashes ceremony. I take pride in maintaining relationships with my clients, but I do find it challenging growing my customer base as a new business.
Please tell us about Amara’s Mobile Spa.
The Name Amara comes from Nigeria – it means “grace, mercy, kindness,” and this is how we promise to always treat all our clients. Amara’s Mobile Spa specializes in a variety of holistic treatment services. We regard each patient as a whole, rather than an illness to be defeated. We believe in nurturing, rather than battling against the body.
Getting to know my clients on a deeper level and giving them a tailored massage to cater to their individual needs. No treatment is the same! I am fascinated on how the body works and how touch can heal us in so many different ways, from babies to adults. We also show parents how to do baby massage and toddler massage for those growing pains.
I’m most proud of how far the business has come since I started on my own with no business experience and to see it grow day by day! Seeing my clients continuing to progress physical, mental and spiritually is very rewarding. Massage isn’t just about relaxation although that plays a big part but also about helping clients accomplish their goals on where and how they need their bodies healed. I pay very close attention to the lifestyles of my clients and that helps me in all aspects of the treatment from using the right oils, techniques, music and personalized treatment plan. Our mobile services include Corporate events, Charity, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Sporting Events, General Events.
***We offer discounts to all First responders and veterans ***
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I don’t have a favorite, but any time I spent with my mom was always the best.
Contact Info:
- Address: 120 S Denton Tap Rd, Suite 305
Coppell, TX 75019 - Website: www.amarasmobilespa.com
- Phone: +14693507010
- Email: amarasmobilespa@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amarasmobilespa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amarasmobilespa/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amaras-mobile-spa-coppell
- Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/tx/coppell/massage/amaras-mobile-spa/service/354464748867485715
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