Align with The Massage Business Mama

What happens when two experienced massage therapists step outside their usual routines and immerse themselves in the wider massage therapy profession?In this episode of Break Room Banter, Ali and Beca are sharing their biggest takeaways from the AMTA National Convention in Denver. From eye-opening continuing education classes to the future of massage therapy licensing, they discuss what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they're bringing back to their practices.Beca went into her first AMTA convention with a little skepticism, but left feeling inspired by the passion, clinical knowledge, and dedication of the massage therapists she met. Ali, attending her second convention, found plenty of new ideas, resources, and reasons to feel encouraged about the profession.

We went to the AMTA National Convention in Denver and have loads to share!In this episode, we have the extra special treat of being joined by massage therapist and longtime friend Ericka Strodtman, who had already logged a full day of convention before we even arrived. We share our first impressions, favorite discoveries, things that made us think, and a few things we definitely have opinions about.From massage tables and swag to SOAP notes, malpractice, insurance, and whether massage therapy really needs to become part of the traditional healthcare system…there’s a lot to unpack.

AI, Taxes, Websites & DatingSometimes the best conversations happen when the treatment room door closes.In this episode of Break Room Banter, Ali and Beca cover everything from business tools to personal boundaries.We chat about:Could a crock pot replace a towel warmer... or is that a fire hazard waiting to happen?A natural deodorant that actually survives a full day of massage (yes, really!)Why building or updating a website can make even the most patient therapist question their life choices.Our honest thoughts on using AI in your massage business—the benefits, the concerns, and where we think it fits.How staying on top of bookkeeping and taxes has dramatically reduced business stress.Finding an accountant you actually enjoy working with.The unique challenge of being a massage therapist in a small community where clients genuinely care about your personal life.How do you maintain healthy boundaries when clients become invested in your dating life?Whether you're looking for practical business tips or simply want to feel like you're hanging out with two massage therapists on a coffee break, this episode is for you.After listening, let us know:Have you found a natural deodorant you swear by?Would you trust a crock pot to warm a heating pack?How are you using AI in your business?Do you reconcile your books monthly—or avoid it until tax season?Have clients ever become a little too involved in your personal life? How did you handle it?We'd love to hear your stories!If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with another massage therapist. Your support helps us continue elevating the massage profession—one conversation at a time.

Real talk from two massage therapists who've been in the trenches — this week Ali kicks things off literally locked out of her own office, and it only gets more relatable from there.We're getting into the honest conversations that massage school never covered: how many clients is actually too many, what working 8-to-8 in your 20s costs you in your 40s, and why setting physical limits early might be the single best thing you can do for the longevity of your career.Plus — intake forms. Paper vs. digital, JotForm vs. Google Forms, and why making the switch is easier (and cheaper) than you think.And we close out with Ali's ongoing communal bathroom saga, the Febreze confession letter, and a product recommendation that might just save your workplace relationships. 💩

What does your treatment room say before you ever lay hands on a client?In this episode of Align with The Massage Business Mama, Ali sits down with Portland-based interior designer, former massage therapist, and CEU provider Jamie Smith to talk about how your space impacts client experience, practitioner longevity, and even treatment outcomes.Jamie shares her journey from nearly two decades as a massage therapist to becoming a designer specializing in restorative, wellness-centered spaces. Together, Ali and Jamie unpack the science behind biophilic design, why so many treatment rooms become cluttered catch-alls, and what simple changes can dramatically elevate your practice.And yes... we also talk about Ali’s very first treatment room—with the neon waterfall mirror, creepy porcelain doll, and ratty brown blanket.Jamie's Free DIY Treatment Room Design Guide: https://happyhausstudios.com/freebie