Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenisha Ama’anii
Kenisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into massage therapy started when I was a personal trainer. After each session, I’d stretch my clients and instinctively use techniques that I later learned were actual massage therapy methods. My clients kept telling me I’d be great at it, but growing up in a small mountain town in Jamaica with less than a thousand people, I had no exposure to that world. I didn’t even know what massage therapy was.
When I finally looked into it, the science-heavy coursework—anatomy, physiology, neurology—felt intimidating. I convinced myself I wasn’t smart enough. It took three years of encouragement from my clients, endless research, and finally sitting in on a class at the college I would eventually attend to realize I was home.
It wasn’t just about learning a new skill—it was about proving to myself that I was capable. My grandmother, who raised me, spent years telling me I wasn’t smart, that I wasn’t good enough, that I wouldn’t amount to much. Add to that the emotional and sexual abuse I endured, and my self-esteem was shattered. School had always been a struggle, and I now understand that my nervous system was constantly in fight-or-flight mode, making it nearly impossible to focus or retain information.
But this time, failure wasn’t an option. I found a study partner, Bill, and he became my anchor. His support got me through when I doubted myself. Massage therapy became more than a career—it was the first time I truly bet on myself and won.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. While finding massage therapy felt like discovering a missing piece of myself, stepping into it fully was another battle. Doubt lingered at every stage—first, in believing I was smart enough for the coursework, then in trusting that I could build a successful practice. My father dismissed my decision to pursue massage therapy, insisting I should go into nursing instead. When I graduated and asked for his help leasing a small space, he told me I wasn’t ready. But I was used to forging my own path.
A few months later, an unexpected opportunity came my way. My eyebrow technician offered me a room in her business, free of charge. She even painted the space—my only job was to furnish it. That small act of kindness gave me my first real footing. I slowly built my clientele, but just as things were coming together, life shifted again—I got pregnant with my twins and moved to Minnesota. Suddenly, I was not only navigating motherhood and marriage in a new state, but also trying to keep my career alive.
I worked my way up from renting space per client to subleasing a room a few days a week. Just as I started gaining momentum, COVID hit, forcing me to close my practice. The very next day, a chiropractor I’d worked with before asked me to help at his clinic—his therapists were afraid to work, but because he was a doctor, I could legally continue. I took the opportunity, relieved that I could still contribute financially.
By July 2020, as the world slowly reopened, I felt an overwhelming urge to relaunch my own practice—this time, in a space that was mine. The idea terrified me. My inner voice told me I wasn’t ready, that I wasn’t good enough. But I started searching anyway. In August, I found a room inside a chiropractic office. The moment I met Dr. Anastasia, I knew it was the right fit. Her warmth and energy reassured me. For three years, I built my practice there, growing in confidence and skill.
Then, that familiar pull returned—the feeling that I needed more. It was difficult to consider leaving a space I loved, but deep down, I knew I had outgrown it. A few months later, Dr. Anastasia mentioned she was considering selling her practice. On my drive home, it hit me—I had to take over the lease. The financial weight scared me, but after crunching the numbers, my husband assured me we could make it work. The next day, I told her my decision.
At this point, my father informed me, without me even asking for his help, that he would come assist me with painting and other buildout needs—if I paid for his lodging and airfare. That broke my heart. Here I was, still facing my fears and pushing through, despite constantly being told by him that I wasn’t good enough. And now, he was attempting to take money out of my pocket in order to offer his assistance. All the while, also telling me that I might have taken on too much. It was a stark reminder of the emotional weight I carried from years of his discouragement, yet I refused to let it hold me back.
As I was beginning to worry about how I was going to afford the soft build-out I wanted to do, a client and friend created a Google document with a list of things I needed help with. She encouraged me to send it to my clients and ask for help. Another friend and client asked her interior designer friend if she could assist me with bringing my vision to reality. Another client and friend offered to paint my entire practice for free. Another one gifted me a gift card to Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden. With some convincing from other clients, I created a GoFundMe. A few people donated—some strangers, but most were clients. That money helped me purchase some items for the practice.
Taking on a commercial lease changed everything. It pushed me beyond just being a massage therapist—I had to become a business owner. The pressure was immense, and burnout crept in. I had to confront my own patterns of overworking and unlearning the belief that I had to struggle to deserve success. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the therapist, business owner, and person I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Amuure Holistic Healing LLC.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Amuure Holistic Healing is a therapeutic space dedicated to helping individuals heal and restore balance in their lives. Through massage therapy, I provide personalized, holistic care, drawing on various techniques that address both physical and emotional well-being. My practice is centered on creating a peaceful environment where clients can relax, restore, and rejuvenate.
What sets Amuure apart is the deep level of care and attention I give to each client. I specialize in therapeutic massage, blending techniques that help alleviate stress, reduce pain, and promote overall wellness. I am particularly focused on providing a nurturing environment for people who are dealing with trauma or high levels of stress. Clients often share how safe and supported they feel during sessions, which speaks to the heart of what I want to provide: a space for healing that goes beyond just the body.
We are also known for our deep tissue work, Ashiatsu, and sports massage. In fact, we work with NFL players, helping them stay injury-free and ensuring they can perform throughout the season without game-altering injuries. We take pride in providing deep tissue work that is effective but not painful, helping clients feel better long after the session ends.
One of the things I am most proud of is how my practice has evolved. I’ve been able to create a space where clients feel heard and supported, offering not only massage therapy but also a sense of peace and sanctuary. I am committed to ensuring each person who walks through the door feels like they are in a place where they can truly begin to heal. Continuing education is a core part of my practice, and I am always learning new techniques to better serve my clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
It all started when I was a personal trainer. I instinctively used stretching techniques that my clients loved, which led them to encourage me to become a massage therapist. That initial support was incredibly lucky, as it set me on the path to pursue massage therapy, something I had never even considered before.
While in massage therapy school, I met Bill, who became one of my best friends and study partners. His support was vital to my success—without him, I likely would have been placed on academic probation. Bill was my anchor throughout school, and without his constant encouragement and guidance, I might not have made it through. He helped keep me grounded and motivated during the toughest times.
Right out of school, my eyebrow technician offered me a room in her business completely free of charge. She even painted the space, and all I had to do was furnish it. This generous offer allowed me to begin building my clientele without the financial burden of rent.
After moving to Minnesota, a new state, I found a space where I only paid $25 per client. This flexible arrangement made it easier for me to continue growing my practice while keeping costs manageable. A few years later, I met a woman name Fannie at a corporate chair massage job who was looking for someone to offset her rent. This led to a space where I was able to rent two days a week at a reasonable rate, which helped me expand my practice further.
Meeting Dr. Anastasia was another pivotal moment. I was initially looking for my own space, but after connecting with her, I found the perfect location within her practice. This led to a partnership that lasted for years and played a key role in the growth of my business. When she decided to sell her practice, I took over her lease, marking the beginning of my first commercial space.
Once again, luck played a role when some of my clients, who had become friends, stepped up in an incredibly generous way. They not only helped with painting and designing the space but also donated their time and resources to ensure it became a welcoming, healing environment. One client offered to paint the entire space for free, another reached out to an interior designer friend who helped bring my vision to life, and others contributed by offering gift cards and donating to my GoFundMe. Their support made it possible for me to create a practice that truly felt like a sanctuary for my clients.
Pricing:
- In-Studio 60 minute massage: $150
- At-Home 60-minute massage: $200
- In-Studio 75-minute massage: $180
- In-Studio 90-minute massage: $210
- At-Home 90-minute massage: $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amuureholistichealing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amuure.holistic.healing/profilecard/?igsh=MWoyMmFzczBuZGdwZg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ZMHXkCt3/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenishafearon
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@healinggentraumas
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/amuure-holistic-healing-bloomington
- Other: https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/AmuureHolisticHealing?src=external
