If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a massage school, not just to share your knowledge, but to truly shape the next generation of bodyworkers — you’re not alone. But the road from vision to reality can be filled with stress, missteps, and, unfortunately, burnout.
That’s why Lindsay Juarez, founder of Mindful Massage Academy, is on a mission to show that it is possible to build your dream school while still protecting your energy and passion.
In a recent episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, Lindsay shares her personal journey, hard-earned lessons, and empowering strategies for launching a massage school in a sustainable, soul-aligned way.
From LMT to Founder: Lindsay’s Leap into Education
After years as a practicing massage therapist, Lindsay felt the call to do more — to teach, to lead, and to create a learning environment that embodied the care and intention she brought to her own practice. But starting a massage school from scratch? That was uncharted territory.
“I didn’t have a roadmap,” Lindsay shares. “But I knew what kind of space I wanted to create — one where future therapists not only learned the skills, but also the emotional and business tools to thrive.”
Her school, Mindful Massage Academy, was born out of this vision — a place where education goes beyond anatomy and technique to include mindfulness, professionalism, and sustainability.
The Truth About Starting a Massage School
In the episode, Lindsay gets real about what it takes to launch a massage school — from navigating licensing requirements to building a curriculum, hiring staff, and keeping yourself grounded during the process.
Her top takeaways include:
- Start small and grow intentionally. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Lindsay began with one class and built from there.
- Know your “why.” This isn’t just about teaching—it’s about transformation. Stay connected to your mission when things get tough.
- Set strong boundaries. Entrepreneurship can pull you in every direction. Protect your time and energy early on.
- Create a team you trust. You don’t have to do it all. Lindsay credits her growth to bringing in the right people who believe in the vision.
Building a Business Without Burnout
What sets Lindsay apart is her mindful approach to growth. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, structure, and support systems — for both herself and her students.
“This isn’t about hustling harder,” she explains. “It’s about creating something sustainable — something that feeds you as much as it serves others.”
From implementing systems that reduce overwhelm to fostering a school culture that prioritizes well-being, Lindsay proves that success and balance aren’t mutually exclusive.
Want to Hear the Full Story?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the wellness industry thinking about stepping into a bigger leadership role — whether that’s launching a school, building a team, or mentoring others.
🎧 Listen to the full interview on the Scaling Wellness Podcast – Episode 294
About Mindful Massage Academy
Mindful Massage Academy is a values-based massage school dedicated to developing highly skilled, emotionally intelligent, and business-savvy massage therapists. Founded by Lindsay Juarez, the academy’s mission is to educate and empower bodyworkers to build meaningful, sustainable careers rooted in integrity and care.
